Improvement of the survival rate and life quality of patients with local recurrence of rectal cancer

Abstract

Despite progress in the understanding of perirectal anatomy and subsequent adoption of total mesorectal excision,local recurrence after curative resection for rectal cancer continues to be a significant concern.Local recurrence of rectal cancer is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and morbidities,and decreased quality of life.The management of locally recurrent rectal cancer is challenging because of the altered pelvic anatomy,postoperative adhesion and difficulty in obtaining a definite diagnosis before surgery.Surgery is the mainstay treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer,and the use of radiation and chemotherapeutic agents provides significant improvement in survival rate and quality of life. Key words: Rectal neoplasms ; Local recurrence; Life quality; Survival rate