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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21088/nijs.0976.4747.9118.19

Abstract

Introduction: Carcinoma of the rectum is not only a medical but a social problem. Adenocarcinoma of the rectum accounts for 30% of these cancers. Locally advanced cancers of the rectum i.e., stage 2 and 3 diseases prove to be a challenge with respect to its management. Present guidelines state that the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy to downstage the locally advanced carcinomas of the rectum to have a positive impact on not only the survival but also the quality of life posttreatment viz., by allowing better resection margins to preserve the sphincter mechanism by performing a coloanal anastomosis.

Objectives: To assess the locoregional response rates determined by the measurement of margin of clearance from the anal verge, organ preservation (sphinctersaving operations), and histopathological findings in post CRT surgical specimen.

Materials and Methods: This study included a total of 33 patients which were diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer who presented in the department of General Surgery, Vydehi Hospital, Bangalore. The patients in this series were subjected to preoperative CRT, locoregional response rates and the number of sphincterpreserving surgeries performed were assessed.

Results: Downstaging of the tumor was achieved in 91% of the cases Conclusion: From this study, an interpretation can be made that following CRT there is a significant downstaging and increased ability to perform sphinctersaving procedures.

 

 

Keywords : Chemo Radiotherapy; Adenocarcinoma. 

Corresponding Author : Vybhav R., Senior Resident, Department of General Surgery, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research centre, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560066, India.