Primary suture of the perineal wound following rectal excision for adenocarcinoma

A statistical analysis of the correlations between a number of factors, including age, tumour pathology and surgical management, and the results of primary suture of the perineum after excision of the rectum for adenocarcinoma in 63 males is presented. An unsuccessful outcome was related to the extent of the dissection either necessitated by advanced tumour or resulting from excision of the coccyx. A successful result was associated with small tumours and preoperative antibacterial treatment. Topical antibacterial treatments, topical mercuric perchloride and the drainage route did not appear to affect the outcome.