• G Palmer, C Anderin, A Martling, and T Holm.
• Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center of Digestive Diseases, Division of Coloproctology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Colorectal Dis. 2014 Jul 1; 16 (7): 527-32.

AimConventional, synchronous combined, abdominoperineal excision (APE) for low rectal cancer is associated with intra-operative tumour perforation and tumour involvement of the circumferential resection margin (CRM+). Several studies have demonstrated worse rates of local recurrence and survival after APE than after low anterior resection (LAR). Extralevator APE (ELAPE) in the prone position may reduce the risk of perforation and involvement of resection margins and may therefore improve outcome. The aim of this study was to report the outcome after the introduction of ELAPE in a prospective study of consecutive patients from a single colorectal unit.MethodBetween January 2000 and March 2013, 193 patients with low rectal cancer were treated with ELAPE at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. All patients were recorded in the regional rectal cancer quality registry, where data on treatment and follow-up are prospectively reported.ResultsPreoperative staging with MRI assessed the tumour to be locally advanced (mrT4) in 126 (65%) of the 193 patients. The median tumour level above the anal verge was 3 cm. Intra-operative perforation occurred in 19 patients (10%) and histopathology revealed a positive CRM in 39 patients (20%). Until August 2013 [median follow-up 31 (0-156) months] local recurrence was detected in 12 patients. Five-year cancer specific survival was estimated to 68%.ConclusionGood local control and survival may be achieved with ELAPE in patients with low, advanced rectal cancer.Colorectal Disease © 2014 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

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