[Composite resection of sciatic nerve for local recurrence of rectal cancer]

Three patients with local recurrence of rectal cancer involving the sciatic nerve underwent radical pelvic exenteration combined with sciatic nerve resection. This surgical procedure resulted in complete relief of intolerable cancer pain in all patients. After the rehabilitation, all could walk unassisted by wearing only a below-the-knee leg brace. The first patient died 16 months postoperatively due to multiple liver metastasis, but no local recurrence was documented. The second patient is alive 13 months postoperatively with bone and liver metastasis and pelvic wall recurrence. The third patient is alive 7 months postoperatively with no evidence of disease. Composite resection of lateral sciatic nerve improved the quality of life in patients who had local recurrence of rectal cancer with sciatic nerve involvement.