Extended surgery for local recurrence and advanced rectal cancer

Although much effort has been directed at reducing the incidence of local recurrence after surgical resection of rectal cancer, there remain a significant number of patients who will develop local recurrence without evidence of metastatic disease. Such patients, as well as patients with locally advanced rectal cancer at presentation, may represent a surgical challenge. Application of sound surgical principals and team work can lead to a good long term outcome. This paper sets out to discuss the philosophy and techniques involved in the surgical management of such patients.