Improvement of the survival rate and life quality of patients with local recurrence of rectal cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Despite progress in the understanding of perirectal anatomy and subsequent adoption of total mesorectal excision,local recurrence after curative resection for rectal cancer continues to be a significant concern.Local recurrence of rectal cancer is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and morbidities,and decreased quality of life.The management of locally recurrent rectal cancer is challenging because of the altered pelvic anatomy,postoperative adhesion and difficulty in obtaining a definite diagnosis before surgery.Surgery is the mainstay treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer,and the use of radiation and chemotherapeutic agents provides significant improvement in survival rate and quality of life.