SP1.2.12A meta-analysis of the impact of rectal washout on local recurrence following anterior resection for rectal cancers

Abstract

Abstract Background Standardisation of surgical technique in form of total mesorectal excision (TME) and the use of preoperative radiotherapy have led to improved oncological outcomes in rectal cancer. However, the effectiveness of rectal washout in reducing local recurrence (LR) following anterior resection remains debatable. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of rectal washout in reducing incidence of LR after anterior resection for rectal cancer. Methods A literature search of electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane was performed for studies that compared rectal washout to no washout after anterior resection using TME for rectal cancers. The review included all articles reporting oncological outcome of local recurrence. Meta-analysis was carried out using random effect model. Results A total of 5 studies involving 5315 patients were included in meta-analysis. Median follow-up was 60 (range 33–60) months. Overall local recurrence rate was 6.6 % with no significant difference in LR rate between the rectal washout and no washout groups (5.23% vs. 9 %)(P = 0.93; RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.52- 1.83).Similarly in subgroup analysis including prospective studies only no significant difference in LR was seen after washout (P = 0.06) or in group of patients treated with a curative intent(P = 0.50). LR was significantly lower in patients who had a rectal washout with normal saline (P < 0.00001; RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.47-0.74). Conclusion This meta-analysis shows that there is no benefit of rectal washout in reducing incidence of local recurrence after anterior resection for rectal cancers.