Local recurrences following colorectal operations.

In about 15-20% of patients operated for colorectal tumours local recurrences develop mainly in the first postoperative year. This large number can only be reduced by adequately radical operations taking into account the patient's age, tumour site and the tumour-biological factors. Indispensable factors are the organized care and regular control of the operated patients with an emphasis, beside CEA test on US and CT studies. In local recurrences attempt should be made at removal of the tumour by an additional operation which is implementable in 20-30% of cases. For palliative treatment first of all radiotherapy can be applied for pain relief.