Transsacral exenteration of fixed primary and recurrent anorectal cancer.

Background: Posteriorly fixed anorectal cancer is often considered incurable, but may be resectable using transsacral approaches.

Methods: We reviewed 45 patients undergoing transsacral exenteration for this problem since 1983 to determine outcome of such surgery.

Results: The group consisted of 38 men and 7 women; 17 had primary tumors, 28 had recurrent cancer: local excision, 1; low anterior resection, 11; or abdominoperineal resection, 16.