Prognostic factors for 5-year survival after local excision of rectal cancer

To evaluate the prognostic factors for 5-year survival after local excision of rectal cancer, and to examine the therapeutic efficacy and surgical indications for this procedure.

Clinical data, obtained from 106 local rectal cancer excisions performed between January 1980 and December 2005, were retrospectively analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, statistical comparisons were performed using the log-rank test, and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Transanal, transsacral, and transvaginal excisions were performed in 92, 12, and 2 cases, respectively. The rate of complication, local recurrence, and 5-year survival was 6.6%, 17.0%, and 86.7%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that T stage, vascular invasion, and local recurrence were related to the prognosis of the cases (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that T stage [P = 0.011, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.194-3.878] and local recurrence (P = 0.022, 95% CI = 1.194-10.160) were the major prognostic factors for 5-year survival of cases after local excision of rectal cancer.

Local rectal cancer excision is associated with few complications, and suitable for stages Tis and T1 rectal cancer. Prevention of local recurrence, active postoperative follow-up, and administration of salvage therapy are the effective methods to increase the efficacy of local excision of rectal cancer.