Distal resection margin in radical rectal cancer surgery

Introduction. The optimal length of distal resection margin (DRM) remains debatable. We aim to evaluate the oncologic safety of a sphincter-saving resection with a shorter DRM ( < 1 cm) in rectal cancer.  Material and methods. A retrospective study including all patients diagnosed with rectal cancer during period 2009–2014 at South Egypt Cancer Institute who had undergone surgical resection with curative intent. Patients were grouped according to the length of DRM into 3 groups: Group 1: DRM ≤ 1 cm, Group 2: 1 cm 2 cm.  Results. Of 125 patients enrolled, 26 were in group 1, 34 in group 2, and 65 in group 3. After a mean follow-up of 46.2 months, the overall survival rates were 69.2%, 64.7%, and 69.2% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.789). Local recurrence rates were similar in the 3 groups; with no statistically significant differences (P = 0.640).  Conclusions. DRM length did not statistically correlate with survival and local recurrence rates. Our data suggest that patients with DRM < 1cm do not seem to require further resection to procure a greater distal margin. Key words: rectal cancer, local recurrence, survival, distal resection margin (DRM)