Surgically treated rectal cancer patients—Outcomes at a tertiary care cancer hospital in Pakistan

SummaryAimThe aim of this study was to analyze our experience with rectal cancer patients who underwent surgical excision at our institution.MethodsData on 112 rectal cancer patients who underwent surgical resection with total mesorectal excision, from January 2005 to December 2008, were evaluated retrospectively.ResultsWe achieved an initial complete remission rate of 74.1%. Overall, 92.8% of patients had a complete total mesorectal excision. The overall survival analysis for all patients showed a 1-year survival rate of 98%, a 3-year survival rate of 82%, and a 5-year survival rate of 70%. We report a 41.9% rate of postoperative complications. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for females were 100%, 90%, and 72%, respectively and for males, they were 90%, 80%, and 68%, respectively. Differences in overall survival by sex were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Those patients who were treated with only surgery had the best outcomes with survival being worse in those treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant treatment followed by surgery led to better results.ConclusionWe conclude that we have been successful in achieving high rates of curative resection, complete remission, and overall survival. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy significantly impact rates of remission.