Long-term outcomes after intersphincteric resection for low-lying rectal cancer.

Background: As an anus-preserving surgery for very low rectal cancer, intersphincteric resection (ISR), has advanced markedly over the last 20 years. We investigated long-term oncologic, functional, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes after ISR with or without partial external sphincter resection (PESR).

Methods: A series of 199 patients underwent curative ISR with or without PESR between 2000 and 2008, with 49 receiving preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT group) and 150 undergoing surgery first (surgery group). Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local relapse-free survival (LFS) rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Wexner incontinence score. QOL was investigated using the Short-Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) and modified fecal incontinence quality of life (mFIQL) scale.

Results: After a median follow-up of 78 months (range 12-164 months), estimated 7-year OS, DFS, and LFS rates were 78, 67, and 80 %, respectively. LFS was better in the CRT group than in the surgery group (p = 0.045). Patients with PESR or positive circumferential resection margins showed significantly worse survival. The median Wexner incontinence score at >5 years was 8 in the surgery group and 10 in the CRT group (p = 0.01). QOL was improved in all physical and mental subscales of the SF-36 at >5 years. Although the mFIQL showed a relatively good score in all groups at >5 years, a significant difference existed between the CRT and surgery groups (p = 0.008).

Conclusions: With long-term follow-up, oncologic, functional, and QOL results after ISR appear acceptable, although CRT is associated with disturbance.