Abstract
Background
We present our experience with palliative transanal electrocoagulation therapy (TEC) for rectal cancer.
Methods
Eight patients with biopsy-proven localised low rectal adenocarcinoma were treated with palliative TEC. Inclusion criteria were: high risk patients with anal adenocarcinoma less than 3 cm in diameter, localised less than 7 cm from the anal verge, limited to the rectal wall. Under local anaesthesia all patients underwent TEC using the traditional cautery.
Results
No mortality and morbidity was found. Four patients required a second procedure and one patient had a third session . Two patients died within 2 years from distal metastasis. The remaining six patients are alive and free of local recurrence (follow-up 9 months to 4 years).
Conclusions
In poor surgical candidates, palliative TEC of rectal adenocarcinoma may have a role as an alternative to radical surgical treatment.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Delikoukos, S., Zacharoulis, D. & Hatzitheofilou, C. Electrocoagulation: an alternative palliative treatment for rectal cancer. Tech Coloproctol 8 (Suppl 1), s76–s78 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-004-0118-9
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-004-0118-9