[Rectal carcinoma: effect of tumor stage and surgical method on 5-year results]

144 patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum underwent curative resection. In our retrospective study we were concerned with the influence of the tumor stage or the type of the resection on 5-year survival rates. The patients were 66 years old on average (range 37-88 years); 52% were women. Tumor distribution: 30% lower, 37% middle, 33% upper rectum. Tumor stage: 11% Nx, 26% Dukes A, 29% Dukes B, and 34% Dukes C tumors. Operation: 11% local excisions (transanal, trans-sphincteric), 71% anterior resections, 18% amputations. Absolute 5-year survival rate: Dukes A 78%, Dukes B 62%, Dukes C 33%, Nx tumors 75%. 5-year survival rate after local excisions (n = 16) 75%, after anterior resection (n = 102) 58%, and after rectum amputation (n = 26) 46%. 5-year survival rates in tumors of the lower rectum were similar to the whole group. The 5-year survival rate in cancer of the lower rectum after local excision is 92%, after anterior resection 67% and after rectum amputation 50%. The rate of pelvic recurrences after each type of resection is comparable (22-31%). Since the results after anterior resection are advantageous, this approach should be used more in tumors of the lower rectum.