The results of treatment of perineal recurrence of cancer of the rectum.

A study of 36 patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum recurrent in the perineum after Miles abdominoperineal resection defined a subgroup of 21 patients in whom curative re-excision of the perineum, with or without associated resection of viscera as warranted by operative findings, was performed. Recurrence without palpable disease was disclosed microscopically in seven patients (33%). None of the 21 patients had clinical or laboratory evidence of dissemination at the time of re-excision. Mortality and morbidity were low and yield in terms of pain control was excellent. Results achieved in patients treated with pre- and/or postoperative radiotherapy did not differ quantitatively or qualitatively from those treated by operation alone. Survival free of disease proved to be disappointing and underlines at present the palliative nature of this approach when the primary operation has been an adequate standard abdominoperineal operation. This report provides further evidence as to the value of the better definition of high risk primary rectal cancers and the need for continuing refinement of the follow-up and retreatment process.