ABSTRACT
The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the outcome of abdominoperineal excision (APE) and anterior resection (AR) for rectal cancer in 136 patients. Local recurrence rates and 5-year survival probabilities were estimated for the AR and APE group. Further comparisons were carried out between hand-sewn and stapled anastomoses after AR, and between patients after AR and APE for tumours 2 to 6 cm from the dentate line. Local recurrence after AR occurred in 14% and after APE in 10% of these cases. Five-year survival probabilities and local recurrence frequencies showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Local recurrence rates were 13.5% after hand-sewn anastomoses and 15% after the stapled procedure. No statistically significant difference was observed in the 5-year survival and recurrence rate (P > 0.05). Seventy-four of 136 patients had tumours located 2 to 6 cm from the dentata line. Local recurrence occurred in 21% after AR and 5% after APE, showing a statistically significant difference in frequency (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in cumulative 5-year survival probabilities. APE for advanced low rectal cancer showed a significant reduction in local recurrences compared to AR.
