Local recurrence and survival after radical resection of rectal carcinoma

The results of surgical treatment in 99 cases of rectal carcinoma operated on with curative intent by 26 surgeons were retrospectively analyzed and the resected specimens were reexamined according to the Astler-Coller staging system. No chemotherapy or radiotherapy had been given preoperatively. Local recurrence appeared within 5 years in 37% of the patients (within 2 years in 29%), with highest rate in stage C2 tumours in the lower third of the rectum. The recurrence rate did not differ between operations with abdominoperineal excision (n = 83) or with anterior resection (n = 16). All recurrences were treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or operation. Progressive disease without evidence of local recurrence was found in 11 patients. The overall 5-year survival rate was 50%. The respective rates for Astler-Coller stages A, B1, B2, C1 and C2 were 86, 59, 52, 33 and 27%.