Local recurrence after radical surgery for rectal carcinoma

: The incidence rate of local recurrences after radical operative treatment of rectal carcinoma and the risk factors involved, methods of early diagnosis and surgical therapeutic approach are comprehensively analyzed. Reference is also made to 86 scientific publications on the issue. During the 20-year follow-up period, no tendency of the incidence of local rectal carcinoma relapses to decrease is noted. The risk factors contributing to their occurrence are distributed in two groups depending on the primary tumor characteristics (location, stage of development, locoregional spreading, differentiation degree, genetic features), and operative intervention used (type, distal resection line, application of total mesorectal excision, extensive minor-pelvis lymph dissection etc.). The early diagnosis is based on mandatorily performed procedures, such as rectoscopy (coloscopy), endo-ultrasonography with purposeful thin-needle biopsy, assessment of tumor markers and immunoscintigraphy. The surgical tactics in coping with a local recurrence of rectal carcinoma becomes increasingly aggressive and radical by resorting to re-resection, abdomino-perineal extirpation, en-bloc resections and even minor pelvic exenteration. Postoperative 5-year survivorship amounts to 54.5 per cent.