Introduction and Influence of Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) in the Treatment of Rectal Cancer

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Total mesorectal excision (TME) is a rather new operation technique in the treatment of rectal cancer. It is known to reduce the rate of local recurrences. However, the influence on long-term survival is unclear.

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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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

Conditions
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Rectal Cancer

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: conventional rectal surgery
* Procedure: total mesorectal excision


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: adenocarcinoma of the rectum 16 years and older

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 16 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| 1<br>patients operated before summer 1995, that is before the introduction of TME | Procedure: conventional rectal surgery<br>* type of rectal surgery before the introduction of TME<br>|
| 2<br>patients operated after summer 1995, that is after the introduction of TME. | Procedure: total mesorectal excision<br>* total mesorectal excision<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Local recurrence, recurrence-free survival, overall survival |  | 6 months and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years after the operation | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Surgical complications |  | first 30 days after the operation | 
| quality of life |  |  | 
| Percentage of patients undergoing transcatheter arterial embolisation |  |  | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Rectal cancer, Colorectal Surgery, Surgery, Local neoplasm recurrence, survival, Follow-up Study