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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

A quest for sphincter-saving surgery in ultralow rectal tumours—a single-centre cohort study

Authors: Mateusz Rubinkiewicz, Piotr Zarzycki, Agata Czerwińska, Michał Wysocki, Natalia Gajewska, Grzegorz Torbicz, Andrzej Budzyński, Michał Pędziwiatr

Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Introduction

Despite the progress in the treatment of colorectal cancer, there is still no optimal strategy for tumours located adjacent to the anal sphincter. This study aims to evaluate oncological and functional results of surgery for rectal cancer in unfavourable locations in proximity to anal sphincters.

Materials and methods

Patients with rectal cancer, which was either initially infiltrating the anal sphincter or located in the close proximity of the sphincter, were included in the study. Patients were submitted to extralevator abdominoperineal resection (APR), intersphincteric resection, or transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). Primary outcomes were perioperative data: operative time, blood loss, complications, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were pathological quality of the specimens and functional outcome 6 months after defunctioning ileostomy closure.

Results

Among patients with cancer adjacent to the anal sphincter, 13 (25%) underwent APR, 14 (27%) patients were submitted to intersphincteric resection, and 25 (48%) patients were treated with the TaTME approach. Operative time was 240 (210–270 IQR) for APR, 212.5 (170–260 IQR) for intersphincteric resection, and 270 (240–330 IQR) for TaTME (p = 0.018). Perioperative morbidity was 31% for APR, 36% for intersphincteric resections, and 12% for the TaTME group (p = 0.181). Complete mesorectal excision was achieved in 92% of specimens in the TaTME group, 93% in intersphincteric resections, and 78% in the APR group (p = 0.72). Median circumferential resection margin in APR was 6 mm (4–7 IQR), in intersphincteric resections 7.5 mm (2.5–10 IQR), and in the TaTME group 4 mm (2.8–8 IQR). All patients after intersphincteric resections developed major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Four patients in the TaTME group developed minor LARS, and 21 had major LARS.

Conclusion

Sphincter-saving rectal resections are a feasible alternative to APR with good clinical, pathological, and oncological outcomes. Intersphincteric resections and TaTME seem to be equal in terms of clinicopathological results. The functional outcome is yet to be investigated.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered in Thai Clinical Trials Registry (23-07-2018, ID TCTR20180724001).

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Title: A quest for sphincter-saving surgery in ultralow rectal tumours—a single-centre cohort study
Authors: Mateusz Rubinkiewicz
Piotr Zarzycki
Agata Czerwińska
Michał Wysocki
Natalia Gajewska
Grzegorz Torbicz
Andrzej Budzyński
Michał Pędziwiatr
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7819
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12957-018-1513-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A quest for sphincter-saving surgery in ultralow rectal tumours—a single-centre cohort study

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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