Trial Information

Introduction of Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) in the Treatment of Rectal Cancer. Influence of This New Operation Technique on Local Recurrence and Long-Time Survival. Retrospective Study: 1993-2001

Background

The TME technique for rectal cancer surgery was introduced in our department in summer 1995.
TME is known to reduce the rate of local recurrences. However, its influence on long-term
survival in unclear.

All patients with rectal cancer from 1993 to 2001 are reviewed. The patients charts are
reviewed and the following main characteristics are retrieved: age, gender, time of
operation, operation technique, tumor stage, tumor localisation, tumor size, neoadjuvant or
adjuvant treatment, complications, follow-up with respect to the appearance of local
recurrences and distant metastases.

Comparison of two groups of patients. Group 1: patients operated before summer 1995, that is
before the introduction of TME. Group 2: patients operated after summer 1995, that is after
the introduction of TME.

Objective

Study the influence of a new operation method (TME) on outcome (local recurrence, survival).

Methods

All patients with rectal cancer from 1993 to 2001 are reviewed. The patients charts are
reviewed and the following main characteristics are retrieved: age, gender, time of
operation, operation technique, tumor stage, tumor localisation, tumor size, neoadjuvant or
adjuvant treatment, complications, follow-up with respect to the appearance of local
recurrences and distant metastases.

Comparison of two groups of patients. Group 1: patients operated before summer 1995, that is
before the introduction of TME. Group 2: patients operated after summer 1995, that is after
the introduction of TME.