Long-term functional and oncological results after sphincter-saving resection for rectal cancer - Cohort study. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Badic, Bogdan; Joumond, Aurélien; Thereaux, Jérémie; Gancel, Charles Henry; Bail, Jean Pierre
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery. Volume 52(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Rectal cancer -- Sphincter sparing -- Functional results -- Multimodal therapy -- Radiotherapy; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2018.02.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9191

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: The treatment of rectal cancer could be complex and the long term complications have the potential to greatly impact the quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term functional and oncological results after sphincter-saving resection for rectal cancer. Methods: Between January 2005 and December 2013, a total of 187 rectal resections with total mesorectal excision (TME) for cancer were performed. The data of 72 (38.5%) patients were available for analysis. Long-term follow-up was used to analyze the oncologic and functional results. Standardized questionnaires were used to determine fecal incontinence and urinary function. Relevant clinical variables were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The overall survival rate was 71% and the distribution of the International Union against Cancer (UICC) stages was 48.6% stage 1, 18% stage 2, and 33.3% stage 3. In univariate analysis, neoadjuvant radiotherapy (P < 0.01), rectal pouch (P < 0.01) and hand-sewn anastomosis (P = 0.02) was found to adversely affect fecal continence. On multivariate analysis fecal incontinence was significantly correlated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (P < 0.05) and low rectal resection (P < 0.01). Urinary function was not statistically significant affected by preoperative treatment (P = 0.48) or surgical procedure (P = 0.45). Conclusion: Tumor location, surgical technique and neoadjuvant treatment had an impact on long term oncologic and functional results after sphincter-saving resection for rectal cancer. Urinary dysfunction occurs less frequently than anal disorders. These results highlight the importance of functional evaluation before and after rectal cancer resection in daily clinical practice and the necessity to tailor treatment to each patient. Highlights: 25% of patients experienced functional problems after sphincter-saving resection for rectal cancer. Fecal incontinence was significantly correlated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and low rectal resection. Urinary function was not affected by these factors. Importance of evaluating urinary and anal function of patients with rectal cancer resection in daily clinical practice.