Oncological Outcome of Local vs Radical Resection of Low-Risk pT1 Rectal Cancer

Abstract

In the treatment of rectal cancer, total mesorectal excision and complete resection of the draining lymphatic tissue have significantly reduced the local recurrence rate, which has proved to be considerably lower than 10%.^1,2 Radical tumor resection with total mesorectal excision is therefore considered the oncological standard in the curative treatment of low-lying rectal cancer. Morbidity and mortality rates of elective low anterior resection are reported to be 15% to 30% and 5% to 10%, respectively.^3,4 An abdominoperineal resection with a definitive colostomy performed for oncological reasons is required in approximately 30% of rectal cancers, as has previously been reported by our Colon/Rectal Cancer (Primary Tumor) Study Group.⁵