Results after change of treatment policy for rectal cancer – report from a single hospital in China

Background Great changes have occurred in the management of rectal cancer. This study presents the outcome of total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer in a single Chinese institution and evaluates TMEʹs role in the comprehensive management of rectal cancer. Methods We reviewed the data of rectal cancer patients surgically treated by three colorectal surgeons from January 2000 to August 2004. Patients who received surgical resection for rectal cancer from January 1996 to December 1999, before the introduction of TME, were chosen as controls. Data regarding characteristics of patients and tumors, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and results of follow-up were collected for analysis. Results Three hundred and seventy-seven patients with rectal cancer were enrolled in our study, with 175 patients in the TME group and 202 as controls. Mortality and morbidity rates were 1% and 14% in TME patients and 1% and 31% in controls, respectively. The TME group had a shorter operation time and hospital stay, and less bleeding, wound and urinary complications. The local recurrence (LR) rate was 6% and 12% in the TME and the control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). With a median follow-up of 35 months, the actuarial 5-year survival rate was 66%. Consistent with the univariate analysis result, multivariate analysis demonstrated that TNM stage, tumor grade, age, and surgeons were independent prognostic factors. TME was not an independent prognostic factor for patientsʹ survival. Conclusions TME is a safe and efficient option in reducing LR. However, it is not an independent predictor for patientsʹ survival. In addition to the standardized usage of TME, further knowledge on the molecular mechanism of cancer is needed.