ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Although staged operations have been thought a main treatment for obstructive left colon cancer, their disadvantages make one-stage operations popular. We tried to identify technical feasibility and oncologic safety of one-stage operation with intra-operative lavage (IOL) for the treatment of obstructive left colon and rectal cancer. METHODS: From June 1996 to May 1999, of 456 colorectal cancer patients, 25 with obstructive left colon or rectal cancer underwent surgery. In 18 of those, we intended to do a one-stage operation with IOL. Male (n=14) were predominant to female (n=4). Mean age was 61.2 (29~78) years. Lesions were located on the sigmoid colon in 8, rectum in 4, descending in 3, and rectosigmoid junction in 3 cases. Operative technique: Lymphovascular division was initiated at the origin of IMA followed by mobilization of the left colon up to the splenic flexure and distal transverse colon. Thereafter antegrade irrigation of the proximal colon with warm normal saline was done by using a corrugated tube. Anastomoses were made by hand or stapler in end-to-end or side-to-end fashion. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 221 (185~360) min. No significant post-operative complications occurred except for two wound infections and one pulmonary atelectasis. There was one unexpected conversion to Hartmann's procedure due to intra-operative fecal soilage during the lavage. Within 18 months follow-up period, 4 recurrences occurred with two of them expiring. CONCLUSIONS:: One-stage operation for the treatment of obstructive left colon cancer with IOL could avoid colostomy or reoperation, and, was technically feasible, safe, and oncologically acceptable.