Extended surgery for local recurrence and advanced rectal cancer

Abstract

Although much effort has been directed at reducing the incidence of local recurrence after surgical resection of rectal cancer, there remain a significant number of patients who will develop local recurrence without evidence of metastatic disease. Such patients, as well as patients with locally advanced rectal cancer at presentation, may represent a surgical challenge. Application of sound surgical principals and team work can lead to a good long term outcome. This paper sets out to discuss the philosophy and techniques involved in the surgical management of such patients.