OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of reoperation for local recurrence of rectal carcinoma.

METHODSThe data of 62 cases with post-operative local recurrence of rectal carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSAll the 62 patients received reoperation. Thirty two of those patients were treated with radical resection (16 patients combined multiple organ resection), 6 palliative resection, 11 colostomy, and 13 laparatomy only. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates in the patients accepted radical resection were 90.6%, 59.4% and 18.8% respectively. But in patients undergone palliative resection and combined therapy, survival time was 6-24 months with median survival time of 16 months. The patients, accepted laparatomy and intra-abdominal chemotherapy, all died within 2-14 months postoperatively. For patients with postoperative recurrence time >5 years, <2 years and 2-5 years, the reoperation resection rates were 100%(11/11), 62.9%(22/35), and 31.3%(5/16) respectively, and there were significant differences among 3 groups (P<0.01). The rate of reoperation resection of pure local recurrence was 80.0%(32/40). The rate of reoperation resection of local recurrence, associated with near organ invasion, was 27.3%(6/22). The difference was significant(P<0.01). The reoperation resection rate of first operation with Dixon or Miles was 61.9%(26/42) and 30.0%(6/20), and the difference was significant as well(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe recurrence of rectal carcinoma still needs positive operation in order to prolong the survival time and improve the quality of life of the patient. First operative procedure, post-operative recurrence time and recurrence type are important factors of reoperative resection.