Coloanal anastomosis for distal third rectal cancer - Prospective study ofoncologic results

PURPOSE: Jeopardizing cure and risking high local recurrence have served as arguments against sphincter-saving resection for patients with distal thir d rectal cancer. This prospective study examines and compares the local rec urrence and survival rates in patients with distal third rectal cancer trea ted by either coloanal anastomosis or abdominoperineal resection. METHODS: Between 1977 and 1993, 174 patients underwent coloanal anastomoses and 38 p atients underwent abdominoperineal resection. All tumors were located 4 to 7 cm from the anal verge. One hundred ninety-three patients (91 percent) un derwent rectal excision with a curative intent. Mean follow-up was 66 month s after sphincter-saving resection and 65 months after abdominoperineal res ection. RESULTS: Mean anastomotic height from the anal verge was 2.3 cm aft er sphincter-saving resection. Overall local recurrence rate was 79 percent after sphincter-saving resection and 12.9 percent after abdominoperineal r esection. The five-year actuarial survival rate was 78 percent after sphinc ter-saving resection and 74 percent after abdominoperineal resection. CONCL USION: Local recurrence and survival are not compromised in patients with d istal third rectal cancer when treated by sphincter-saving resection, provi ded that oncologic principles are not violated. Coloanal anastomosis can be performed with an acceptable morbidity.