Recurrent rectal carcinoma after anterior resection and rectal stapling.

Nine local recurrences have been diagnosed in 38 patients with carcinoma of the rectum operated on with anterior resection using the EEA-stapling instrument. The characteristics of these recurrences have been compared with those of other authors, currently a total of 27 recurrences. The presence of a locally advanced growth with extramural spread, a distal location and a short margin of clearance seems to increase the risk of local recurrence, with often distressing symptoms. It is proposed that even if the EEA-stapler offers technical possibilities for anterior resection in these growths, this operation should be restricted to less advanced tumours.