Extralevator abdominoperineal excision for advanced low rectal cancer:Where to go

Since its introduction,extralevator abdominoperineal excision(ELAPE)in the prone position has gained significant attention and recognition as an important surgical procedure for the treatment of advanced low rectal cancer.Most studies suggest that because of adequate resection and precise anatomy,ELAPE could decrease the rate of positive circumferential resection margins,intraoperative perforation,and may further decrease local recurrence rate and improve survival.Some studies show that extensive resection of pelvic floor tissue may increase the incidence of wound complications and urogenital dysfunction.Laparoscopic/robotic ELAPE and trans-perineal minimally invasive approach allow patients to be operated in the lithotomy position,which has advantages of excellent operative view,precise dissection and reduced postoperative complications.Pelvic floor reconstruction with biological mesh could significantly reduce wound complications and the duration of hospitalization.The proposal of individualized ELAPE could further reduce the occurrence of postoperative urogenital dysfunction and chronic perianal pain.The ELAPE procedure emphasizes precise anatomy and conforms to the principle of radical resection of tumors,which is a milestone operation for the treatment of advanced low rectal cancer.

Application of Laparoscopic Extralevator Abdominoperineal Excision in Locally Advanced Low Rectal Cancer

Background：When compared with conventional abdominoperineal resection （APR）,extralevator abdominoperineal excision （ELAPE） has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of local recurrence for the treatment of locally advanced low rectal cancer.Combined with the laparoscopic technique,laparoscopic ELAPE （LELAPE） has the potential to reduce invasion and hasten postoperative recovery.In this study,we aim to investigate the advantages of LELAPE in comparison with conventional APR.Methods：From October 2010 to February 2013,23 patients with low rectal cancer （T3-4N0-2M0） underwent LELAPE;while during the same period,25 patients were treated with conventional APR.The patient characteristics,intraoperative data,postoperative complications,and follow-up results were retrospectively compared and analyzed.Results：The basic patient characteristics were similar;but the total operative time for the LELAPE was longer than that of the conventional APR group （P =0.014）.However,the operative time for the perineal portion was comparable between the two groups （P =0.328）.The LELAPE group had less intraoperative blood loss （P =0.022）,a lower bowel perforation rate （P =0.023）,and a positive circumferential margin （P =0.028）.Moreover,the patients,who received the LELAPE,had a lower postoperative Visual Analog Scale,quicker recovery of bowel function （P =0.001）,and a shorter hospital stay （P =0.047）.However,patients in the LELAPE group suffered more chronic perineal pain （P =0.002）,which may be related to the coccygectomy （P =0.033）.Although the metastasis rate and mortality rate were similar between the two groups,the local recurrence rate of the LELAPE group was statistically improved （P =0.047）.Conclusions：When compared with conventional APR,LELAPE has the potential to reduce the risk of local recurrence,and decreases operative invasion for the treatment of locally advanced low rectal cancer.