Nonrestorative low anterior resection portends increased local recurrences - results from the Dutch snapshot research group

Abstract

We were very interested to read this article titled ‘Does oncological outcome differ between restorative (r‐LAR) and non‐restorative low anterior resection (n‐rLAR) in patients with primary rectal cancer?’ from the Dutch snapshot research group. The authors conclude that n‐rLAR was associated with a poorer oncological outcome compared to r‐LAR[1]. Further, they state that this relation appeared non‐causal even though they found independent association of n‐rLAR with higher local recurrence (LR) and worse overall survival (OS), acknowledging unmeasured confounders; namely the reason for choosing n‐rLAR, surgeon experience, technical difficulties amongst others.