Pelvic recurrence after curative resection for carcinoma of the rectum

Cases of carcinoma of the rectum have been prospectively studied from 1971-80. Two hundred and ten patients had curative resections and 25 of these developed clinical pelvic recurrence in the period of follow-up which ranges from one to eleven years. The rate of recurrence is found to be dependent on the level of the lesion and the degree of its local and lymphatic spread. Results from other papers are discussed. Measures to minimise local recurrence are discussed.