Abstract
Aim
High quality operations with low rates of tumour perforation and circumferential resection margin (CRM) positivity are associated with improved long-term outcomes following surgery for rectal cancer. Previous audit has demonstrated lower rates of tumour perforation and CRM positivity by a single surgeon compared to the published standards. Our aim is to re-audit this surgeons’ outcomes for curative rectal resections.
Methods
Data was collected retrospectively for all potentially curative rectal resections over a 5-year period performed by a single surgeon using a local database and electronic care records. The CRM status and tumour perforation status were considered. Other end points included the rate of local recurrence, survival and length of stay.
Results
Fifty-one patients underwent rectal resections with curative intent, with a median age of 67. Complete resection (R0) was achieved in 94.1% of cases; 3.92% were found to have nodes less than 1mm from the margin and 1.96% were found to have tumour deposit less than 1mm from the margin – these cases were considered to be an R1 resection. Tumour perforation was present in 3.92% of cases, all of which had occurred pre-operatively. Local recurrence was found in 5.88% of cases and 90-day mortality was 1.96%. Median length of hospital stay was 7 days.
Conclusion
Our data demonstrates sustained high quality surgical outcomes with low tumour perforation rates and CRM positivity rates which compare favourably with the published standards to date. Local recurrence rates are comparable to published standards and 90-day mortality continues to be low.
Sarcopenia is negatively associated with long-term outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer