Outcomes of Recurrent Rectal Cancer after Transanal Excision

Successful surgical salvage after transanal excision (TAE) of rectal cancers has historically been considered feasible, but results vary. We examine our experience in surgical salvage of locally recurrent rectal cancers after TAE. A retrospective review of patients undergoing salvage surgery for locally recurrent early-stage rectal cancer after TAE from March 1990 to March 2008 at our institution is presented here. Seventy-eight patients underwent TAE for tumor invades submucosa (T1) rectal cancer. Average age of patients was 68.3 years. Recurrence occurred in 17 patients (21.8%). Median number of months between the first operation and the recurrence was 41 months. Sixteen out of 17 patients recurred locally whereas one had only distant recurrence. Fourteen were eligible for surgical salvage. Ten patients underwent abdominoperineal resection, whereas four underwent repeat local excision. Eleven deaths were noted and the median survival after the first operation was 70.3 months. Disease-free survival after salvage surgery was 53 per cent (9/17), with a median follow-up of 68 months from the original surgery. Disease-specific mortality was 47 per cent (8/17), with a median survival of 72 months from the original surgery. Five-year survival in the recurrence group was 11/16 (69%). In conclusion, TAE for T1 rectal cancer carries a higher risk of recurrence. Of the local recurrences, 87.5 per cent underwent microscopic negative margins (R0) resection at the time of salvage and had a five-year survival of 69 per cent. Long-term surveillance is encouraged, as recurrence can be seen even after 10 years from initial treatment. TAE can be considered for T1 rectal tumor with reasonable outcomes.