Results of extended surgery for cancer of the rectum and sigmoid

Effect of endoscopic surgical skill qualification system for laparoscopic multivisceral resection: Japanese multicenter analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of laparoscopic multivisceral resection (Lap-MVR) has been reported by several experienced high-volume centers. The Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) was established in Japan to improve the skill of laparoscopic surgeons and further develop surgical teams. We examined the safety and feasibility of Lap-MVR in general hospitals, and evaluated the effects of the Japanese ESSQS for this approach.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 131 patients who underwent MVR between April 2016 and December 2019. Patients were divided into the laparoscopic surgery group (LAC group, n = 98) and the open surgery group (OPEN group, n = 33). The clinicopathological and surgical features were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the OPEN group, BMI was significantly higher (21.9 vs 19.3 kg/m², p = 0.012) and blood loss was lower (55 vs 380 ml, p < 0.001) in the LAC group. Operation time, postoperative complications, and postoperative hospital stay were similar between the groups. ESSQS-qualified surgeons tended to select the laparoscopic approach for MVR (p < 0.001). In the LAC group, ESSQS-qualified surgeons had superior results to those without ESSQS qualifications in terms of blood loss (63 vs 137 ml, p = 0.042) and higher R0 resection rate (0% vs 2.0%, p = 0.040), despite having more cases of locally advanced tumor. In addition, there were no conversions to open surgery among ESSQS-qualified surgeons, and three conversions among surgeons without ESSQS qualifications (0% vs 15.0%, p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis revealed blood loss (odds ratio 1.821; 95% CI 1.324-7.654; p = 0.010) as an independent predictor of postoperative complications. Laparoscopic approach was not a predictive factor.

CONCLUSIONS

The present multicenter study confirmed the feasibility and safety of Lap-MVR even in general hospitals, and revealed superior results for ESSQS-qualified surgeons.

Introduction to Total Mesorectal Excision

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in the West, and rectal cancer accounts for about 25% of the colon cancers. The concept of total mesothelial excision (TME) was the most important event in surgery for rectal cancer of the last two decades, because even without a curative approach, it reduced local recurrence and extended 5-year survival.

Adenocarcinoma of the Colon Disguised as Abdominal Wall Abscess: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction

Abdominal wall invasion by cancerous cells arising from the colon with an overlying secondary infection that presents as an abdominal wall abscess has been encountered previously, but such a symptom is rarely the first presentation of colon cancer. There are very few cases reported in the literature.

Case Presentation

In this case report, we present a case of a 66-year-old male presenting with abdominal wall abscess that was refractory to treatment. The patient later was found to have an abdominal wall invasion by an underlying colonic carcinoma.

Conclusion

The purpose of this review is to set forth the proper approach when encountering such cases and emphasize on the significance of keeping a high index of suspicion. We also highlight the need for utilizing proper diagnostic imaging modalities prior to invasive intervention.

Surgery for Locally Advanced T4 Rectal Cancer: Strategies and Techniques

Locally advanced T4 rectal cancer represents a complex clinical condition that requires a well thought-out treatment plan and expertise from multiple specialists. Paramount in the management of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer are accurate preoperative staging, appropriate application of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments, and, above all, the provision of high-quality, complete surgical resection in potentially curable cases. Despite the advanced nature of this disease, extended and multivisceral resections with clear margins have been shown to result in good oncological outcomes and offer patients a real chance of cure. In this article, we describe the assessment, classification, and multimodality treatment of primary locally advanced T4 rectal cancer, with a focus on surgical planning, approaches, and outcomes.

Sex differences between cT4b and pT4b rectal cancers

We retrospectively evaluated rectal cancer surgery cases in which resection had been performed for invasion of other organs in terms of pathologic findings from the viewpoint of sex differences. We enrolled 61 consecutive patients with rectal cancer who had undergone curative surgery with resection of invaded adjacent organs. We investigated invasion of adjacent organs in terms of pathologic findings according to sex differences. Among males, 4 cases (13.8%) had received combined radical resections of more than 2 organs, while the number of such female cases was 15 (46.9%). The difference between males and females was statistically significant (P = 0.006). Among male cases, histopathologic invasion was present in 4 (13.8%), while 9 female cases (28.1%) showed this feature. Nevertheless, there was not a statistically significant difference between males and females (P = 0.08); the rate in females was roughly twice that in males. No significant difference was recognized in the overall survival rates between males and females, but more females than males experienced local recurrence. In cases with rectal cancer invading neighboring organs, the effect of the invasion must be carefully determined, and the most appropriate operative approach selected accordingly.

Locally advanced colorectal cancer: results of surgical treatment and prognostic factors

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence surgical results and prognostic factors of locally advanced colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Cohort study including 679 colorectal cancer patients treated from 1997 to 2007. Clinical, surgical and histological data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ninety patients (females 61%; median age 59 years) were treated for locally advanced carcinomas (13.2%), either in the colon (66%) or rectum (34%). Extended resections most commonly involved the small bowel (19.8%), bladder (16.4%), uterus (12.9%) and ovaries (11.2%). Postoperative morbidity and mortality occurred in 23 (25.6%) and 3 (3.3%) patients, respectively. Survival and recurrence analysis among 76 R0 (84.4%) procedures revealed a 60% 5-year survival and 34% local recurrence rates. Survival curves demonstrated reduced rates for rectal location (45% vs 65%), tumor depth (50% for T4 vs 75% for T3), vascular/ lymphatic/perineural invasion (35% vs 80%) and lymph node metastasis (35% vs 80%).

CONCLUSIONS

Locally advanced carcinomas were found in 13.2% of patients. Survival rates were negatively affected by rectal location and adverse histological features. Number of involved organs and neoplastic adhesions did not influenced chances of survival. A radical R0 extended resection was achieved in a high proportion of cases, resulting in a 60% cancer-free survival under acceptable operative risks.

[Surgical treatment of cancer at the beginning of the third millenium--based on the 2004 Krompecher Memorial Lecture of the Society of Hungarian Oncologists]

The author presents a historical overview of cancer surgery of the last century. At the last quarter of the century the main characteristic of this process has been the significant extension of surgical radicality. Three new surgical methods appeared and have been routinely used at the Surgical Clinic of the Szeged University School, to increase surgical radicality, to improve survival rate without impairing the postoperative quality of life. 1.) Subtotal colectomy (STC) involves an extended resection of the colon over the splenic flexure. In a period of 8 years a total of 72 STCs were performed for the treatment of large bowel obstructions or symptomatic stenosis caused by cancer of the left colon. STC offers: a) one stage treatment for colonic obstruction in emergency surgery, b.) removal of the tumor with sufficient oncological radicality, c.) primary reconstruction of the digestive tract, with a safe ileocolic anastomosis even in emergency cases. Based on a study about postoperative quality of life of STC operated patients, it proved to be normal. 2.) The author reports a total of 108 middle and low third rectal cancer cases operated on by total mesorectal excision (TME) by the method of Heald. The oncological basis of this procedure is the horizontal regional metastatization of rectal cancer. The author succeeded in 60% of cases to perform an anterior resection with preservation of the anal sphincter, and to decrease the early (within two years after surgery) local recurrence rate from 14.5% to 6.4%, compared to the group of patients operated on by traditional technic. 3.) A total of 154 patients with locally advanced - stage IV - colorectal cancer underwent extended surgery of multivisceral resections as a treatment of cancer process involving adjacent abdominal organs. Surgery was performed to treat advanced cancer of the colon in 112 cases and the one of the rectum in 42 cases. The mortality rate was 7% in the colon cancer group, and 12% in the group of rectal cancer patients. In their tumor-free postoperative period 90% of colon cancer patients and 95% of rectal cancer patients had an improved quality of life. The 5 years survival rate was 40% in the colon group and 22% in the rectal cancer group. In the group of patients having more than 3 simultaneously tumorous organs, in spite of the multiple organ resections, no 5 years survival has been recorded.

Multimodal preoperative evaluation system in surgical decision making for rectal cancer: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Multimodal preoperative evaluation (MPE) is a novel strategy for surgical decision making, incorporating the transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), 64 multi-slice spiral computer tomography (MSCT), and serum amyloid A protein (SAA) for rectal cancer. This trial aims to determine the accuracy of MPE in preoperative staging and its role in surgical decision making for rectal cancer.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty-five participants with histologically proven rectal cancer with tumor height less than 10 cm were randomly assigned into three arms in the ratio 1:1:1. Arm A (MPE) was multimodal staged by the combination of MSCT, TRUS, and SAA. Arm B (MSCT+SAA) was staged by MSCT and SAA. Arm C (MSCT) was staged only by MSCT. The primary endpoints were the accuracy of preoperative staging and expected surgical procedures. This study is registered as an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number ChiCTR-DT-00000409.

RESULTS

The analysis showed statistical difference in the accuracy of T staging between arm A and B (94.6% vs. 77.8%, P=0.003) and arm A and C (94.6% vs. 80.6%, P=0.010). Statistical difference was also observed between the accuracies of preoperative N staging between arm A and C (85.1% vs. 69.4%, P=0.023) and arm A and B (85.1% vs. 84.7%, P=0.029). Surgical decision making in arm A was more accurate than that in arm C (95.9% vs. 80.6%, P=0.001). Pathological T stage (P<0.001), N stage (P<0.001), tumor node metastasis stage (P<0.001), serum level of SAA (P=0.002), and tumor height (P=0.030) were significantly associated with final surgical procedures.

CONCLUSION

MPE is an effective strategy in preoperative staging and more accurate than other available strategies in surgical decision making for rectal cancer.

Surgical Treatment for Right Colon Cancer Directly Invading the Duodenum

Right colon carcinoma with duodenal invasion is rare, and optimal management remains controversial. Twenty patients demonstrating right-colon carcinoma directly invading the duodenum presented at the Second Xiangya Hospital between 1990 and 2006. Different surgical management strategies were selected based on duodenal involvement, and patient outcomes were evaluated. There was no perioperative death in this series, but three major complications presented during the perioperative period: one case of duodenal stenosis and two duodenal leaks due to gastric or duodenal drainage. Eight of 13 patients treated by en bloc resection survived more than 3 years, including one 10-year survivor and four 5-year survivors. Of the seven patients treated with palliative resection, no patients survived more than 18 months. In conclusion, duodenal invasion by a right-sided colon carcinoma does not necessarily represent incurable disease. If carefully applied based on the extent of duodenal invasion, active surgical management is very useful for improving patient prognosis without increasing the risks associated with surgery.

Contiguous invasion per se does not affect prognosis in colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Locally advanced colon cancer can result in serious clinical conditions unless treated appropriately. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of en bloc resection and the significance of depth of invasion by analyzing the outcomes of the procedure in colon cancer invading adjacent organs.

METHODS

Outcomes of 65 locally advanced colon cancer patients who underwent en bloc resections for contiguous invasion were compared with 285 pT3 colon cancer patients.

RESULTS

En bloc combined resection was performed in 75 patients and 10 (13.3%) of them showed no true malignant infiltration into adjacent organs. In both pT3 and pT4 groups, there was no significant difference in major postoperative complications or mortality. The survival rate of pT4 group was similar to that of pT3 group (5-year rate, 64.0% vs. 72.7%; P = 0.287). In multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular infiltration, and perineural invasion were independently associated with patient survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of colon cancer, even in locally advanced cases, is mainly correlated with nodal status rather than depth of invasion. Therefore, en bloc combined resection in locally advanced colon cancer invading adjacent organs can improve survival as well as local control with acceptable morbidity and mortality.

Long-term survival in patients with locally advanced colon cancer after en bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy and colectomy

PURPOSE

Surgical indications for colon cancer directly invading the pancreas head are controversial.

METHODS

Between 1957 and 2007, a total of 12 patients (8 men) underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with right hemicolectomy for colon cancer involving the pancreas head.

RESULTS

Mean age was 58 (range, 34-77) years. Fistula formation was observed in five patients (41 percent) preoperatively. Tumor involvement was duodenum only (n = 4), duodenum/pancreas (n = 3), stomach/pancreas (n = 1), duodenum/stomach (n = 2), duodenum/liver (n = 1), and pancreas only (n = 1). Only one postoperative death was encountered. Histologic examination showed malignant invasion to the pancreas head in nine cases (75 percent). Overall one-year, three-year and, five-year survival rates after surgery were 75, 66, and 55 percent, respectively. Five patients (41 percent) survived for more than ten 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreaticoduodenectomy for advanced colon cancer invading the pancreas or duodenum provides favorable long-term survival.

Local involvement of the urinary bladder in primary colorectal cancer: outcome with en-bloc resection

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancers that adhere to the urinary bladder require en-bloc partial or total cystectomy to achieve negative tumor margins.

METHODS

This prospective study evaluated the outcome of combined bladder resection for carcinoma of the colon or rectum at a unit specializing in gastrointestinal cancer.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 63) with colorectal tumors adherent to the bladder at operation and without distal metastases were followed. Fifty-eight patients (92%) had tumors of the sigmoid colon or upper rectum. Operative morbidity and mortality rates were 18% and 1.5%, respectively. Histological staging demonstrated bladder adherence in 46% (29/63) and invasion in 54% (34/63). Overall disease-specific survival was 54% with a mean follow-up of 7.6 years (range 5-12). Five-year survival for margin-negative patients was 72% (26/36) and 27% (4/15) for node-negative and -positive tumors, respectively. The bladder was closed primarily in 48 patients and reconstructed by enterocystoplasty in 5, with 10 patients requiring urinary diversion.

CONCLUSIONS

En-bloc bladder resection for adherent or invading tumors of the colon and rectum achieves good local control, but an infiltrative extravesical margin denotes poor prognosis. The potential for cure in completely excised node-negative tumors is good. Bladder reconstruction is achievable in most patients.

Population-based assessment of the surgical management of locally advanced colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based guidelines recommend multivisceral resection for patients with locally advanced adherent colorectal cancer because it reduces local recurrence and improves survival. However, this procedure can increase morbidity compared with standard resection and may not be practiced uniformly. We performed a population-based study to examine surgical practice and outcomes among patients with locally advanced adherent colorectal cancer in the United States.

METHODS

Patients who were 18 years or older and who had surgical resection for nonmetastatic, locally advanced adherent colorectal cancer from January 1, 1988, through December 31, 2002, were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry. Logistic regression was used to examine patient, tumor, and geographic factors associated with multivisceral resection. Cumulative early mortality (i.e., at 1 and 6 months after diagnosis) and 5-year survival were obtained from Kaplan-Meier estimates; adjusted risks of death were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

We identified 8380 patients who underwent surgical resection for locally advanced adherent colorectal cancer, of whom 33.3% were managed with multivisceral resection. Among colon cancer patients, younger age at diagnosis, female sex, SEER region, node negativity, and left-sided tumors were independently associated with having had a multivisceral resection. Among rectal cancer patients, younger age at diagnosis and female sex were positively and statistically significantly associated with multivisceral resection, whereas receipt of neoadjuvant radiation was inversely and statistically significantly associated with multivisceral resection. Compared with standard resection, multivisceral resection was associated with improved overall survival for patients with colon (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83 to 0.96) and rectal (HR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.94) cancer, with no associated increase in early mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer did not receive a multivisceral resection. The geographic variation in the application of this procedure in patients with colon cancer suggests that local organizational structures and processes of care may play an important role in patient treatment and, therefore, prognosis.

Local Involvement of the Urinary Bladder in Primary Colorectal Cancer: Outcome with En Bloc Resection

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancers that adhere to the urinary bladder require en bloc partial or total cystectomy to achieve negative tumor margins.

METHODS

This prospective study evaluated the outcome of combined bladder resection for carcinoma of the colon or rectum at a unit specializing in gastrointestinal cancer.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 63) with colorectal tumors adherent to the bladder at operation and without distal metastases were followed. Fifty-eight patients (92%) had tumors of the sigmoid colon or upper rectum. Operative morbidity and mortality rates were 18% and 1.5%, respectively. Histological staging demonstrated bladder adherence in 46% (29/63) and invasion in 54% (34/63). Overall disease-specific survival was 54%, with a mean follow-up of 7.6 (range 5-12) years. Five-year survival for margin negative patients was 72% (26/36) and 27% (4/15) for node negative and positive tumors, respectively. The bladder was closed primarily in 48 patients and reconstructed by enterocystoplasty in five, with ten patients requiring urinary diversion.

CONCLUSIONS

En bloc bladder resection for adherent or invading tumors of the colon and rectum achieves good local control, but an infiltrative extravesical margin denotes poor prognosis. The potential for cure in completely excised node negative tumors is good. Bladder reconstruction is achievable in most patients.

Radiotherapy with 8 MHz radiofrequency-capacitive regional hyperthermia for pain relief of unresectable and recurrent colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the pain relief in patients with unresectable and recurrent colorectal cancer treated with radiation plus 8 MHz radiofrequency-capacitive regional hyperthermia and to identify predictors of the good outcome.

METHODS

Between February 1986-May 2003, 41 patients with primarily unresectable and recurrent colorectal cancer that caused pain were treated with thermoradiotherapy at the hospital and retrospectively analysed. Radiotherapy was administered with a mean total radiation dose of 56 Gy. Hyperthermia was usually applied within 30 min after radiotherapy once or twice a week. For cooling of the skin surface, the overlay boluses were applied in addition to regular boluses. The external cooling unit has been used to reinforce the cooling ability of the overlay bolus and achieve strong surface cooling to reduce the preferential heating of the subcutaneous fat tissue and treat with more RF-output in 17 patients since January 1997.

RESULTS

Pain relief was obtained in 83% of the patients. Multi-variate analysis by logistic regression to evaluate the effects of certain factors on pain relief (complete response + good response) was strongly correlated with the presence of radiating pain to leg(s) (p < 0.05). The median follow-up was 18 months. The median duration of pain relief was 7.0 months. For the 27 patients in whom the tumour temperature was estimated, the median duration of pain relief was 14.6 months for the patients with a mean average tumour temperature of > 42.5 degrees C and 5.7 months for those of < 42.5 degrees C (p < 0.05). In the 18 patients with radiating pain to leg(s), use of strong superficial cooling and the higher numbers of hyperthermia treatments were better prognostic factors for the duration of pain relief (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy with 8 MHz radiofrequency-capacitive regional hyperthermia provided an efficient, effective means on pain relief of treating unresectable and recurrent colorectal cancer. The duration of pain relief can be prolonged, if an adequate heating is achieved, especially in the patients with radiating pain to the leg(s).

Combined resection of the duodenum and pancreas for locally advanced colon cancer

Colorectal cancer invading adjacent organs is a frequent event occurring in 5.5% to 12% of all colorectal malignancies. Colon cancer directly invading the duodenum and pancreas is rare and may require combined resection of the colon, pancreas, and duodenum, which represents a complex operation with significant morbidity and mortality rates. In this article, a case of a 41-year-old patient with a right colon cancer directly infiltrating the duodenum and head of the pancreas is presented. The patient was treated by radical combined resection of the colon, duodenum, and pancreas. Pathological examination confirmed neoplastic invasion of the adjacent organs and absence of lymph node metastasis (T4N0). The patient recovered uneventfully. Patients with colorectal cancer infiltrating adjacent organs such as the duodenum and the pancreas should be treated by radical en bloc resection of the tumor. This procedure is the preferred treatment strategy because it seems to be associated with improved overall survival rates.

Surgical Treatment of Colon Cancer

Over 100,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with colon cancer and approximately 90% are treated surgically. Most undergo a curative intent resection, but 30 to 50 percent will have a recurrence of their disease. While much of the variability in outcomes depends on the stage of the disease and other tumor variables, it is now clear that surgeon variables such as caseload and training affect both local recurrence and patient survival. Operative techniques including laparoscopic and other minimally invasive procedures and surgical decisions including choice of operative procedure, management of cancer arising in polyps and treatment of metastatic disease affect outcomes. The role of postoperative surveillance for recurrence remains controversial.

Practice parameters for the management of rectal cancer (revised)

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is dedicated to assuring high-quality patient care by advancing the science, prevention, and management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. The Standards Committee is composed of Society members who are chosen because they have demonstrated expertise in the specialty of colon and rectal surgery. This Committee was created to lead international efforts in defining quality care for conditions related to the colon, rectum, and anus. This is accompanied by developing Clinical Practice Guidelines based on the best available evidence. These guidelines are inclusive, and not prescriptive. Their purpose is to provide information on which decisions can be made, rather than dictate a specific form of treatment. These guidelines are intended for the use of all practitioners, health care workers, and patients who desire information about the management of the conditions addressed by the topics covered in these guidelines. It should be recognized that these guidelines should not be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care or exclusive of methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. The ultimate judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure must be made by the physician in light of all of the circumstances presented by the individual patient.

Intraoperative radiotherapy in the multimodality approach to colorectal cancer

The addition of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) to the multimodality approach for the treatment of locally advanced and locally recurrent colorectal cancer seems to result in improvements in local control and long-term survival. Local control and survival are most likely in patients in whom a gross total resection is accomplished. Peripheral nerve is the dose-limiting structure for patients treated with IORT. Further improvements in local control require the addition of dose modifiers during external beam radiotherapy or IORT. Distant relapse remains problematic, and effective systemic therapy is necessary to significantly improve long-term survival.

Surgical management of the urinary tract in patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVES

To review cases of colorectal cancer requiring urologic management to clarify the role the urologist should play in the surgical procedures. A deterrent to radical surgery for advanced colorectal carcinoma with urinary involvement is the technical complexity and associated morbidity and mortality of this procedure.

METHODS

Thirty-six tumors in 35 patients, including 19 sigmoid cancers (Stage II, 17; Stage III, 2), 12 rectal cancers (Stage II, 11; Stage III, 1), and 5 local recurrences of colorectal carcinoma in the pelvis were reviewed. All tumors had invaded the bladder, prostate, or ureter. The demographic and clinical characteristics, type of operative procedure, and postoperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the patients with a sigmoid tumor, partial cystectomy was performed in 15 patients who underwent a bladder-sparing procedure; an ileal conduit and ileal neobladder were created in 2 patients each who required cystectomy. Four patients with rectal cancer underwent a bladder-sparing procedure: partial cystectomy in 1, partial cystectomy with ileal ureter in 1, and prostatectomy in 2. The remaining 8 patients underwent cystectomy with the following types of reconstruction: colonic neobladder in 1, ileal neobladder in 4, Indiana pouch in 1, ileal conduit in 1, and ureterocutaneostomy in 1 patient. The bladder was spared in a greater percentage of patients with sigmoid cancer than in those with rectal cancer. The incidence of complications was greater in patients with rectal cancer and local recurrence than in those with sigmoid tumors. The complication rate was especially low in patients who underwent a bladder-sparing procedure (10.5%) compared with patients who required cystectomy (58.3%). The survival in patients with sigmoid cancer who underwent bladder-sparing surgery also was better than in those who underwent cystectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of advanced colorectal cancer is best managed by a committed team that includes an experienced urologist. Urologists play a critical role in determining the surgical options and creating appropriate urinary diversions to achieve curative resection with the highest quality of life.

Pain and quality of life after treatment in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer

PURPOSE

Because survival in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) is limited, pain control and quality of life (QOL) are important parameters. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of posttreatment pain and QOL of patients with LRRC treated with nonsurgical palliation or resection and identify predictors of poor outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Posttreatment pain severity and QOL were prospectively assessed in 45 patients with LRRC using the Brief Pain Inventory and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal questionnaire.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients received nonsurgical palliation, and 30 patients underwent resection of their pelvic tumors. There was a significant association between higher posttreatment pain scores and worse QOL (P <.001). Patients treated with nonsurgical palliation reported moderate to severe pain beyond the third month of treatment. Resected patients reported comparable levels of pain during the first 3 postoperative years, particularly after bony resections; long-term survivors (beyond 3 years), however, reported minimal pain and good QOL. Female sex, pelvic/sciatic pain at presentation, total pelvic exenteration, and bony resection were associated with higher rates of moderate to severe posttreatment pain (P =.04, P <.001, P =.04, and P =.02, respectively). Pain at presentation was an independent predictor of posttreatment pain (odds ratio, 7.4 [95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 30.3]; P =.006).

CONCLUSION

Patients with LRRC treated with nonsurgical palliation or resection experience significant levels of pain after treatment. Close posttreatment pain monitoring is warranted in patients presenting with pelvic pain, and more aggressive pain management strategies may improve posttreatment QOL.

Colorectal Cancer in Patients Younger than 40 Years of Age

Previous studies have suggested a poor outcome for patients presenting with colorectal cancer under the age of 40 years. This study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of these patients during a 10-year period at the Medical Center of Louisiana in New Orleans. A retrospective study was designed to review all patients under the age of 40 with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer from January 1990 to December 2000. There were 664 patients presenting with colorectal cancer during the 10-year period; of these 24 presented for surgery under the age of 40. There were 17 male and seven female patients. The median age was 35 years (range 22–39). Eleven (44%) patients had a positive family history of colorectal cancer. Seven lesions were right sided, one transverse, eight left sided, and eight rectal. Histologically 20 lesions were typical adenocarcinomas and four were mucinous. Twelve were stage IV, six stage III, five stage II, and one stage I. Twenty-one patients underwent resection, six with stoma formation; three patients had stoma formation only for a total of nine stomas (38%). The mean operative duration was 3.3 ± 1.9 hours. The operative mortality was 4 per cent with a complication rate of 17 per cent. The eight rectal cancer patients received preoperative chemoradiation therapy (33%). Twelve (50%) patients with colon cancer received postoperative 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. The mean survival for all patients was 24.7 ± 23.2 months. Estimated 5-year survival using Kaplan-Meier analysis was 30 per cent. We conclude that colorectal cancer patients less than 40 years of age present at an advanced stage and tend to have a positive family history. In general patients tolerate surgery well, with stoma formation in more than one-third. Long-term survival is as predicted for their advanced stage of presentation. The study highlights the need for early diagnosis in this patient group.

Long-term follow-up after surgery for advanced colorectal carcinoma involving the urogenital tract

OBJECTIVES

Advanced colorectal carcinomas frequently involve the urogenital tract. In the following we evaluate the long-term survival after radical surgical extirpation and the prognostic significance of involvement of specific urological organs.

METHODS

Between January 1985 and April 1996, 101 patients underwent interdisciplinary tumour extirpation of an advanced colorectal carcinoma involving the urogenital tract.

RESULTS

Of 68 men and 33 women, 40 presented with primary and 61 with recurrent carcinoma. As far as urological organs are concerned, the ureter was removed in 82 patients, followed by bladder (n=52), seminal vesicles (n=25), prostate (n=22), kidney, testicle and penis. Histology revealed cancerous infiltration in 52% of the organs resected. A negative surgical margin was obtained in 54% of the patients, 43% showed positive lymph nodes. There was a 41% peri-operative complication with a mortality rate of 5%. Five year overall survival was 24.4% (median 23 months) with prognostic factors being type of tumour (primary versus recurrent), surgical margin and lymph node status. Stratification according to these factors showed removal of bladder and prostate to be a favourable and ureteral removal to be an omnious factor.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that multivisceral extirpation of advanced colorectal carcinomas involving the urogenital tract should be recommended in selected patients. Our data showed it to be a safe surgical procedure, which is associated with favourable long-term outcome in non-metastatic patients in whom complete surgical resection could be achieved.

The Mayo Clinic experience with multimodality treatment of locally advanced or recurrent colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with incompletely resected locally advanced and recurrent colon cancers have a dismal prognosis. Since 1981, 100 colon cancer patients have been treated with combination therapy including surgical resection, chemotherapy, and external plus intraoperative radiotherapy.

METHODS

A prospective computerized intraoperative radiation database identified patients for this retrospective review. Data collection included patient demographics, tumor and treatment variables, and morbidity, recurrence, and survival statistics.

RESULTS

The mean age was 55.2 years. Follow-up was available for all patients. Fifty-nine patients have died. Median follow-up of survivors was 70.5 months. Twenty-five patients with locally advanced colon cancer had a median survival of 38.2 months and a 5-year survival of 49%. Eleven of these patients are still free of disease. Seventy-three patients treated for recurrent colon carcinoma had a median survival of 33.3 months from the time of recurrence, with a 5-year survival of 24.7%. Twenty-one are alive without evidence of recurrence. The 38 patients with recurrent disease whose disease was completely resected had a 37.4% 5-year survival.

CONCLUSIONS

A multimodality approach using en-bloc surgical resection with radiotherapy and chemotherapy affords some patients with locally advanced and recurrent colon cancer a chance for long-term survival.

Multivisceral resection for locally advanced primary colon and rectal cancer: an analysis of prognostic factors in 201 patients

OBJECTIVE

To review a single-center experience with 201 multivisceral resections for primary colorectal cancer to determine the accuracy of intraoperative prediction of potential curability, to identify prognostic factors, and to examine the effect of surgical experience on immediate outcome and long-term results.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Locally advanced colorectal cancer may require an intraoperative decision for en bloc resection of surrounding organs or structures to achieve complete tumor removal. This decision must weigh the risk of complications and death of multivisceral resection against a potential survival benefit. Little is known about prognostic factors and the influence of surgical experience on the outcome of multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Patients undergoing multivisceral resection for primary colon or rectal cancer between 1982 and 1998 were identified from a prospective database. Patients were followed up according to a standard protocol.

RESULTS

Multivisceral resection was performed in 201 of 2,712 patients with a median age of 64 years. Postoperative rates of complications and death in 201 patients were 33% and 7.5%, respectively. A potentially curative resection was possible in 130 of 201 patients (65%) and histologic tumor infiltration was shown in 44% of patients with curative resection. Intraoperative assessment of curability was unreliable. After curative resection, the local recurrence rate was 11% and the overall 5-year survival rate was 51%. Multivariate analysis identified intraoperative blood loss (relative risk 1.7-6.4, P <.001), age 64 years or older (RR 3.7; P <.001), and UICC stage as independent prognostic factors (RR 2.0; P =.009). No prognostic significance was found for histologic tumor infiltration, the number of resected organs, or surgical experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Multivisceral resection is safe, and long-term survival after curative resection is similar to that after standard resection. Because palliative resections cannot be predicted accurately at the time of surgery, every effort should be made to achieve complete tumor resection. Major blood loss but not surgical experience per se is an independent prognostic factor.

Guidelines 2000 for colon and rectal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Oncologic resection techniques affect outcome for colon cancer and rectal cancer, but standardized guidelines have not been adopted. The National Cancer Institute sponsored a panel of experts to systematically review current literature and to draft guidelines that provide uniform definitions, principles, and practices.

METHODS

Methods were similar to those described by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in developing practice guidelines. Experts representing oncology and surgery met to review current literature on oncologic resection techniques for level of evidence (I-V, where I is the best evidence and V is the least compelling) and grade of recommendation (A-D, where A is based on the best evidence and D is based on the weakest evidence). Initial guidelines were drafted, reviewed, and accepted by consensus.

RESULTS

For the following seven factors, the level of evidence was II, III, or IV, and the findings were generally consistent (grade B): anatomic definition of colon versus rectum, tumor-node-metastasis staging, radial margins, adjuvant R0 stage, inadvertent rectal perforation, distal and proximal rectal margins, and en bloc resection of adherent tumors. For another seven factors, the level of evidence was II, III, or IV, but findings were inconsistent (grade C): laparoscopic colectomy; colon lymphadenectomy; level of proximal vessel ligation, mesorectal excision, and extended lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (all three for rectal cancer); no-touch technique; and bowel washout. For the other four factors, there was little or no systematic empirical evidence (grade D): abdominal exploration, oophorectomy, extent of colon resection, and total length of rectum resected.

CONCLUSIONS

The panel reports surgical guidelines and definitions based on the best available evidence. The availability of more standardized information in the future should allow for more grade A recommendations.

Rectal cancer recurrence: factors and mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

There have been significant developments in treatment for rectal carcinoma, both in surgical and adjuvant therapy. They may however have associated morbidity and hence individualized therapy for rectal cancer is desirable, to optimize treatment but avoid over-treatment for cases where the risk of recurrence is low.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review was undertaken of the reported incidence of recurrence of rectal carcinoma following curative surgery, factors which predispose to recurrence and proposed mechanisms for recurrence, and the evidence for each critically evaluated.

RESULTS

The incidence of local recurrence of rectal carcinoma following curative resection ranges from 2.6% to 32%, with an average of 15%. Tumour stage is the strongest predictor of tumour recurrence. Upstaging using molecular biology may predict increased risk of recurrence but is not yet proven. Histological factors including differentiation and vascular invasion increase recurrence but are imprecise. Tumour microvascular density and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels may be predictive but need refinement. Adequate resection margins are important but recurrence may occur despite this. Tumour cell spillage and distant dissemination may be a mechanism for tumour recurrence following curative resection, but further research is required before this could be applied clinically.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence of rectal cancer remains a significant problem following 'curative' surgery. Multiple factors may influence recurrence risk, though currently however only tumour stage and histological resection margins have demonstrated sufficient importance for management decisions to be made upon them.

Pancreatoduodenectomy for locally advanced or recurrent colon cancer: report of two cases

A 66-year-old man, who had ascending colon cancer which invaded the duodenum, pancreas, and superior mesenteric vein, underwent a curative resection including an extended right hemicolectomy, pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy, and a partial resection of the superior mesenteric vein. The pathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma of the colon, which directly invaded the duodenum and pancreas, thus causing duodenocolic fistula. Tumor infiltration to the superior mesenteric vein was not histologically proven. Two out of 40 lymph nodes were also involved. The patient is still alive and disease-free 37 months after the operation. A 72-year-old man, with a history of surgery two previous times for ascending colon cancer and its recurrence, underwent a third operation including a resection of the former ileocolic anastomosis en bloc by means of a pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with a curative intent. The pathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma of the colon, which directly invaded the duodenum and pancreas. Seven out of 31 lymph nodes were also involved. The patient died of recurrence 24 months after the third operation. These two cases demonstrated the usefulness of a resection of the colon en bloc by means of a pancreatoduodenectomy in patients with either locally advanced colon cancer or locally advanced recurrent colon cancer.

Clinicopathologic variables affecting survival of distal colorectal cancer patients with macroscopic invasion into the adjacent organs

A total of 506 distal colorectal cancer patients were classified into two groups, to clarify the variables affecting survival of the patients with macroscopic invasion into the adjacent organs: 47 cases showed invasion (invasive group) while the other did not show invasion (noninvasive group). Differences between the invasive and noninvasive groups were found in eight variables; female, large tumor size, gross types 3 and 4, moderately or poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and signet-ring cell or mucinous carcinomas, deep cancer invasion, lymphatic invasion, peritoneal and liver metastases, and curability B-C were found significantly more frequently in the invasive group. The survival curve of the former was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the latter. However, no significant difference was found between the survival curves of the patients with curability A (no residual tumors) in both groups. A multivariate analysis in the invasive groups revealed six variables to be significantly related to a good prognosis including a young age, females, a location above the peritoneal reflection, well differentiated adenocarcinoma, negative lymphatic invasion, and curability A. Surgery with curability A should be performed to improve the survival in distal colorectal cancer patients with macroscopic invasion into the adjacent organs.

Preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The development of treatment modalities for rectal cancer, including local excision, total mesorectal excision and preoperative radiotherapy, has increased the importance of accurate preoperative staging to allow the optimum treatment to be selected.

METHODS

A literature review was undertaken of methods of preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma and the evidence for each was evaluated critically.

RESULTS

Clinical assessment of rectal carcinoma may give an indication of fixity but is not accurate for staging. Endoanal ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radioimmunoscintigraphy and positron emission tomography have all been used for staging. The extent of tumour spread through the bowel wall (T stage) is most accurately assessed by endoanal ultrasonography, although this technique is poor at assessing tumour extension into adjacent organs for which both CT and MRI are more accurate. No method accurately determines lymph node involvement, but endoanal ultrasonography is the best available. Liver metastases may be assessed by abdominal ultrasonography, CT, MRI and CT portography (with increasing sensitivity and cost in that order).

CONCLUSION

Endoanal ultrasonography is the most effective method of local tumour staging, with the addition of either CT or MRI if adjacent organ involvement is suspected. Abdominal ultrasonography or CT is recommended for routine preoperative assessment of the liver.

Local recurrence in patients with rectal cancer diagnosed between 1988 and 1992: a population-based study in the west Netherlands

AIMS

We carried out a population-based study of local recurrence rates in curatively resected patients with rectal cancer, diagnosed between 1988 and 1992. The first objective was to make an inventory of the overall local recurrence rate after non-standardized conventional surgery, inter-institutional recurrence rate variability, and correlations between patient- and tumour-related factors and recurrence rate. A second objective was to investigate the compliance to guidelines for post-operative radiotherapy.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Comprehensive Cancer Centre West. The study comprised 1105 patients from 12 hospitals. Of these patients, 437 were ineligible because of missing medical records, no carcinoma, incorrect registration, no laparotomy, non-curative resection, or loss to follow-up.

RESULTS

The overall local recurrence rate was 22.5% with a range of 9-36% between the hospitals. These differences were not significant. Dukes' Astler-Coller stage, tumour location, and residual tumour were significant independent prognostic factors for the risk of local recurrence. Indications for post-operative radiotherapy were Dukes' Astler-Coller B2 and C tumours, positive surgical margins, and tumour spill. Compliance to the guidelines for radiotherapy was only 50%. However, no significant difference in recurrence rate was found between patients treated according to the guidelines and those not treated according to the guidelines.

CONCLUSION

This study shows a large variability in local recurrence rate between the participating hospitals and confirms that the risk of recurrence in primary rectal cancer is dependent on Dukes' Astler-Coller stage, tumour location and residual tumour. Furthermore, this study contributes to the discussion about the feasibility of guidelines for post-operative radiotherapy.

Results from pelvic exenteration for locally advanced colorectal cancer with lymph node metastases

PURPOSE

We examined the survival benefit of pelvic exenteration for locally advanced colorectal cancer with lymph node metastases, because this issue remains controversial.

METHODS

Medical records of 50 patients who underwent curative pelvic exenteration for colorectal cancer were reviewed retrospectively. Nodal metastases were examined by the clearing method in 29 patients and by the conventional manual method in 21 patients.

RESULTS

Invasion to contiguous pelvic organs was present in 40 patients (80 percent) and absent in 10 patients (20 percent). Node metastases were present in 33 patients (66 percent). Operative morbidity and mortality rates were 22 percent (11 patients) and 6 percent (3 patients), respectively. Respective five-year survival rates were 60 and 80 percent in the groups with and without organ invasion (no significant difference). Five-year survival rates in patients with nodal metastases was 54.6 percent but was significantly higher, 82.4 percent, in patients without nodal metastases. Five-year survival in 28 patients with both organ invasion and nodal metastases was 53.6 percent.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survival was afforded by pelvic exenteration for locally advanced colorectal cancer with nodal metastases.

Extended resection for locally advanced colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic benefit of multivisceral resection (MVR) in patients with locally advanced colorectal carcinomas.

METHODS

The study population was composed of 118 patients whose resection of the primary lesion included one or more adhesed adjacent secondary organs or structures (ASOS). Tumors were staged as B3 (T4,N0) and as C3 (T4,N1-3). Adhesions were classified as invasive (B3+,C3+) or inflammatory (B3-, C3-).

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were staged B3 and 54 C3. Eighty-one were classified B3+/C3+. Fifty-nine percent of patients had ASOS resected, 29% had two resected, and the remaining 12% had three or four resected. Actuarial 5-year survival rates were 62% and 38% (p = 0.017) for B3 and C3 lesions, respectively. The 5-year survival rates were 78% for patients with B3- tumors and 58% for those with B3+ tumors (p = 0.043), and 34% for patients with C3+ tumors and 64% for those with C3- tumors (p = NS). The 5-year survival rates were 71% for patients with B3-/C3- tumors and 47% for those with B3+/C3+ tumors (p = NS). The 5-year survival rates after resection of one ASOS, two ASOS, and three or four ASOS were 52%, 55%, and 38%, respectively (P = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no statistically significant difference in the 5-year survival rates when multiple ASOS are resected; therefore, an aggressive surgical approach is warranted.

Effectiveness of multivisceral resection in surgery for gastrointestinal cancers

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 196 patients who underwent surgery involving multivisceral resection for adenocarcinoma of the abdominal digestive tract, 101 of whom were over 70 years old. Resection or removal of a neighboring organ was justified by either tumorous involvement of the organ, oncological principles, or the surgical technique required. Thus, in addition to the primary tumorous organ, two other organs were resected or removed in 134 patients, and three or more other organs were resected or removed in 62 patients. The mortality rate was 5% in the former group, and 16% in the latter group, showing an overall mortality rate of 7.5% for the 196 multivisceral operations. Moreover, the 5-year survival rate of patients with microscopic evidence of tumorous involvement of the resected neighbouring organs was significantly lower than that of those without any evidence of involvement.

Surgical management of locally recurrent rectal cancer

The surgical management of locally recurrent rectal cancer may involve major procedures and is not for the faint-hearted. Nevertheless, such treatment is preferable to chemotherapy and radiotherapy; the latter will fail over a period of months during which the patient is likely to experience intractable pain. Radical surgery offers good palliation and a better quality of life. Survival is prolonged by such operations which may be curative in up to one-third of patients. Nevertheless, surgeons must be realistic in their assessment of and discussions with patients.

Pelvic exenteration and its modifications

Since it was first reported in 1948, pelvic exenteration has been used in the treatment of advanced pelvic cancers. The original procedure has been modified in an attempt to preserve urinary or fecal continence. A literature review was performed on selected series of total pelvic exenterations and modified pelvic exenterations in order to assess and discuss the different types of pelvic exenterations and the indications, contraindications, morbidity, mortality, and results of these procedures. According to the series reviewed, morbidity after pelvic exenteration ranges between 32% and 84%, postoperative mortality ranges from 0% to 14%, and and 5-year survival varies from 23% to 68% These numbers indicate that total pelvic exenteration and its modifications are a complex group of surgical procedures with significant early and late postoperative morbidity and mortality. While the authors do feel that these findings indicate that pelvic exenteration should only be undertaken by experienced surgeons at specialized centers, the authors caution that, about all, their findings indicate that the potential curability of a patient with adjacent organ involvement should not be compromised by doing less than an en bloc resection.

Total pelvic exenteration for locally advanced colorectal carcinoma

Twenty-six patients who underwent total pelvic exenteration for locally advanced colorectal cancer were studied retrospectively. The operative mortality rate was 8 per cent (two deaths). In patients with stage II primary disease the recurrence rate after curative surgery was three of seven, although the mean survival time was 58 months and the 5-year survival rate 71 per cent. Patients with stage III primary disease had a shorter mean survival time regardless of supposed curability (curative 14 months versus non-curative 9 months). Patients with stage IV disease had a mean survival time of 5 months. In patients who underwent curative surgery for recurrent disease the mean survival time was 33 months and 5-year survival rate 25 per cent, although in those receiving non-curative surgery the survival time was significantly shorter at 10 months (P < 0.05). Total pelvic exenteration is warranted for patients with stage II locally advanced colorectal carcinoma and is an option for those with recurrent carcinoma when performed with curvative intent.

Extended resections are beneficial for patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Locally advanced colorectal cancer often requires extended resection to radically remove all tumor. This is the only chance for cure in these patients, but a higher complication rate would be expected. To evaluate the overall benefit for the patient, this study assesses morbidity and mortality as well as long-term survival of patients who underwent extended resection for a T3-T4 carcinoma.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the colorectum were included. One hundred fifty presented with a T3 and 70 with a T4 tumor. Eighty-three patients underwent extended resection. In 38 patients extended en bloc resection was performed because of inflammatory adherence mimicking infiltration. Thirty-three patients who underwent extended resections were over 70 years of age. There were no significant differences between the groups that underwent extended or nonextended resections in age, sex, stage, or grading.

RESULTS

pT4 lesions were significantly more frequent in the extended resection group than in the nonextended resection group. Mean survival was 44 months after extended resections and 45 months after nonextended resections. In the extended resection group there was no significant difference in mean survival between pT3 and pT4 stage patients within 46 and 38 months, respectively. In patients who underwent nonextended resections, however, there was a significant difference in mean survival within 48 months for pT3 and 28 for pT4 patients (P < 0.05). Postoperative morbidity and mortality were comparable between the extended resection group and the non-extended resection group. The presence of residual tumor influenced prognosis of patients significantly; R0 resections fared significantly better than patients who underwent R1 or R2 resections (55 and 51 to 14/12 and 23/8 months) (P < 0.01). Nodal stage and International Union Against Cancer stage were also significant determinants of prognosis. After extended resections mean survival morbidity and 30-day mortality in patients more than 70 years was similar to those less than 70 years.

CONCLUSION

Because extended resections can achieve comparable results in locally more advanced colorectal cancer as nonextended resections in less advanced cancer, an aggressive surgical approach is warranted.

Radical resection of locally advanced colorectal cancer

Multivisceral resection has been accepted as treatment for patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer. Nodal status has recently been claimed to be the most important predictor of survival in patients with such disease, with no survival after 2 years for patients with lymph node metastasis. A retrospective analysis was carried out of the prognostic significance of different tumour characteristics, and whether a more limited palliative resection is warranted in patients with positive lymph nodes. Of 1346 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma operated on between 1987 and 1991, all those with a tumour staged as T4N0M0 or T4N1M0 (94 patients) were selected. From the remainder, 195 patients with stage T3N0M0 and T3N1M0 lesions were randomly selected as a control group. Overall survival was assessed at the beginning of 1993. The most important predictors of survival were lymph node status and involvement of the resection margins of the tumour. Overall survival in patients with T4 tumours who underwent radical resection was not significantly different from that in those with T3 tumours, even in N1 stages. Extended resection did not induce unacceptable morbidity or mortality. Surgery for locally advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma should result in tumour-free margins, and should therefore include multivisceral resection, even in patients with lymph node metastasis.

Local recurrence of colorectal cancer: the problem, mechanisms, management and adjuvant therapy

Local recurrence of colorectal cancer after 'curative' surgery is a major clinical problem. Typically, 50-70 per cent of patients presenting to a surgical clinic will undergo apparently curative surgery for disease and of these about 10-25 per cent will develop local recurrence, in either the tumour bed or bowel wall. The wide differences in local recurrence rate both between and within institutions is probably caused by variation in surgical technique. The main causes of local recurrence are inadequate excision of the primary tumour or the draining lymph nodes, and intraoperative tumour cell implantation. The most significant single factor prognostic of local recurrence is Dukes' tumour stage. Other important factors include tumour grade and fixity, level of the tumour in the rectum, blood and lymphatic vessel invasion, inadvertent perforation of the tumour during resection, and the surgeon's experience. The prognosis of patients with local recurrence is poor. Prevention of recurrence by adequate surgery and adjuvant therapy as well as its early detection offer the best prospect of improving results.

Extended resection for carcinoma of colon and rectum

Although surgery has been the mainstay of treatment for patients with colorectal carcinoma for more than a century, debate continues regarding the appropriate magnitude of operation for optimal survival. Invasion of contiguous organs is a legitimate indication for extended en bloc resection, including pelvic exenteration, in appropriately selected individuals. Extended lymphadenectomy, especially in resections for carcinoma of the rectum, is being reexamined with renewed enthusiasm. Improved perioperative care has permitted performance of more aggressive operative intervention, with improved cure rates for patients with colorectal neoplasms.

Colorectal carcinoma: analysis of management in two medical eras

Trends in presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcome were analyzed for 503 patients with colorectal cancer seen at the UCLA Medical Center between 1960 and 1970 (Group A; n = 210) and 1980 and 1985 (Group B; n = 293). Patients in the latter group exhibited a shift in site to the right side of the colon (18% in Group A vs. 31% in Group B; P < .01), an increase in the number of primary resections without colostomy (38% vs. 61%; P < .01), a lower overall complication rate (28% vs. 18%; P = .01), and a decline in 30-day mortality (6.2% vs. 2%; P = .01). Although little difference was seen in detection of asymptomatic tumors, earlier lesions were treated in the latter group, accounting for substantially reduced rate of recurrence (69% in Group A vs. 44% in Group B; P < .01). Future management should include an emphasis on earlier detection in order to continue the trend toward enhanced survival.

Sphincter-preserving extended resection for locally advanced rectosigmoid carcinoma involving the urinary bladder

Radical en bloc resection has gained acceptance in the management of locally advanced colorectal carcinoma. Total pelvic exenteration has been advocated as treatment for rectosigmoid cancers involving adjacent genitourinary structures. We report a series of 10 patients who underwent total cystectomy with en bloc segmental colorectal resection and restoration of intestinal continuity. All margins, including the distal colorectal margin of resection, were pathologically uninvolved by tumor. The median follow-up on these patients was 44 months and the mean survival was 42.5 months. The local recurrence rate (20%) and survival rates are comparable to those in reports describing pelvic exenteration for colorectal cancer. Our patients had normal postoperative bowel function. An extended colorectal resection, including a total cystectomy with rectal sphincter preservation, is occasionally possible when tumor-negative resection margins can be achieved. By restoring intestinal continuity, such an operation provides an improved quality of life, and more importantly, fulfills the criteria for an oncologically sound operation.