STATUS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF RECTAL CANCER IN CHINA

The multimodality treatment methods of rectal cancer in China are presented. Extended radical excisions are used for Dukes’ B and C cases to reduce local recurrence. These include: high ligation with clearance of proximal lymph nodes at origin of inferior mesenteric artery, lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, posterior or total pelvic exenterations in selected cases; but controversy exists. Radical sphincter-saving resections are advocated to improve the quality of life. Prerequisites of sphincter-saving resection are adequate resection of bowel and mesentery distal to the lesion, depending on the macroscopic type of lesion and degree of differentiation. The decisive factor in the choice of type of operation is the length of rectal stump above levator ani after resection. Bacon’s pull through resection was modified by preservation of levator ani and dentate margin, much better functional results were obtained postoperatively. Transanal full thickness local excision is advocated for small, protuberant, mobile, well differentiated lesions below the peritoneal reflection. Pre- or postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy is sometimes used for Dukes’ B and C cases. Adjuvant 5-Fu chemotherapy is usually used intraoperatively (intraluminal) or postoperatively (intravenous). The superiority of preoperative intrarectal 5-Fu emulsionover the conventional intravenous route has been demonstrated by experimental and clinical studies, which showed much higher and lasting concentration of 5-Fu in the rectal wall tissues and mesenteric lymph nodes, and a much lower concentration of 5-Fu in bone marrow after intrarectal administration. Several surgical groups employed varying techniques of sphincteric reconstruction of perineal colostomy after abdominoperineal excision, utilizing the gracilis or gluteus maximus sling, or intussusception of the colonic stump; with favorable late results in reported cases. However, controversy exists, so strict appropriate case selection is emphasized to avoid unnecessary sacrifice of the normal anus.