OBJECTIVETo consider the relationship to survival rate and quality of life with pararectal lymphadenectomy for lower carcinoma of rectum.

METHODSThe radical operation was performed on 780 cases of progressive cancer located at peritoneal reflection or below it, Among them, 352 cases only cleared in abdominal cavity, 428 cases coupled with extra-peritoneal histopathological type.

RESULTSUrinary function injured, the group cleared in abdominal cavity was 12 cases, accounted for 3.6%; the group coupled with extra-peritoneal clearance was 225 cases, for 52.5% (P < 0.01). Sexual function damaged (only for male), the abdominal cavity group was 23 cases, for 12.6% (23/185); the coupled group was 127 cases, for 53.4% (127/238), (P < 0.01). Local relapse rate, the abdominal cavity group was 15.8% (56/352); the coupled group was 8.6% (41/428), (P < 0.05). 5-year survival rate, the abdominal cavity group was 52.2%; the coupled group was 58.5% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONBy contrast, although abdominal cavity coupled with extraperitoneal lymphadenectomy acted to cut down local relapse and to elevate 5-year survival rate, the postoperative quality of life appeared to be seriously affected.