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.