Prognostic Impact of Intra-abdominal/Pelvic Inflammation after Radical Surgery for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer

Background: The influence of postoperative infectious complications, such as anastomotic leakage, on survival has been reported for various cancers, including colorectal cancer. However, it remains unclear whether intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation after radical surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer is relevant to its prognosis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with survival after radical surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer. Design: The prospectively collected data of patients were retrospectively evaluated. Settings: This study was conducted at a single-institution tertiary care cancer center. Patients: Between 1983 and 2012, patients who underwent radical surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer with curative intent at the National Cancer Center Hospital were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures: Factors associated with overall and relapse-free survival were evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 180 patients were eligible for analyses. Median blood loss and operation time for locally recurrent rectal cancer were 2022 mL and 634 minutes. Five-year overall and 3-year relapse-free survival rates were 38.6% and 26.7%. Age (p = 0.002), initial tumor stage (p = 0.03), pain associated with locally recurrent rectal cancer (p = 0.03), CEA level (p = 0.004), resection margin (p < 0.001), intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation (p < 0.001), and surgery period (p = 0.045) were independent prognostic factors associated with overall survival, whereas CEA level (p = 0.01), resection margin (p = 0.002), and intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation (p = 0.001) were associated with relapse-free survival. Intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation was observed in 45 patients (25.0%). A large amount of perioperative blood loss was the only factor associated with the occurrence of intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation (p = 0.007). Limitations: This study was limited by its retrospective nature and heterogeneous population. Conclusions: Intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation after radical surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer is associated with poor prognosis.