Transanal electroresection of small rectal cancer: a sole treatment?

Because abdominoperineal resection is associated with high morbidity and mortality, there is interest in local treatment of distal rectal carcinoma. Our technique of transanal electroresection ensures full-thickness tumor excision and complete histopathologic examination.

From July 1983 to July 1990, 227 patients underwent surgery. Criteria for cure were no extramural invasion (61 exclusions) and negative margins (34 exclusions). Six patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy and, therefore, were excluded.

Among those included were 126 patients (66 men), who had a mean age of 68 +/- 11 (median, 68) years. Median tumor size was 35 mm. Distance from anal verge was less than 6 cm for 68 percent and 6-10 cm for 30 percent of patients. Deepest layer invaded was as follows: submucosa (T1), 35 percent; inner muscular layer (T2a), 42 percent; outer muscular layer (T2b), 23 percent. There was one postoperative death. Immediate postoperative course was uneventful for 94 percent of patients; at long-term, five cases of incontinence and two stenoses were noted (6 patients). Median follow-up was 88 (1-137) months. Global survival was 71 and 46 percent, and cancer-specific survival was 85 and 81 percent at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Of 35 patients (28 percent) with recurrence, 24 were treated. Global survival after recurrence was 72 and 50 percent at one and two years, respectively. The only pejorative prognostic factors isolated for survival or recurrence were mucinous contingent and intratumoral vascular invasion.

Results of local treatment for rectal carcinoma in selected patients are favorable (5-year specific survival, 85 percent). Decisive prognostic factors are seldom isolated, but some patients would benefit from adjuvant therapy.