Techniques in coloproctology
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Achieving full recovery after colorectal cancer surgery means a return to normal physical and psychological health and to a normal social life. Recovery data focusses on time to discharge rather than longer term functionality including return to work (RTW). We aim to assess return to normal holistic function at 1 year after colorectal cancer surgery. ⋯ One-third of patients failed to RTW at 1 year post-surgery. Patients having LS returned to full fitness faster, felt recovery was shorter and returned to work earlier than OS. We must invest more in managing expectations and provide better post-discharge support to improve RTW.
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Complete pathological resection of locally advanced or recurrent rectal and anal cancer is regarded as one of the most important determinants of oncological outcome. Disease in the lateral pelvic sidewall has been considered a contraindication for pelvic exenteration surgery owing to the significant likelihood of incomplete resection. ⋯ Patients with locally advanced and recurrent cancer involving the lateral pelvic sidewall may be rendered suitable for potentially curative radical resection with a modification in the approach to the lateral pelvic sidewall. Our pilot series seems to indicate that our novel technique (ELSiE) is feasible, safe and yields high rates of complete pathological resection.