Purpose: Surgeon influenced variables in rectal cancer surgery were assessed.
Methods: The literature was reviewed to discuss technical and educational issues that may affect the outcome of surgery for rectal cancer. Particular attention was paid to recently debated topics such as adjuvant therapy, colonic J-pouches, total mesorectal excision, and surgeons' training.
Results: In some selected cases, transanal techniques with or without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy have improved the success of local excision. The biology of rectal cancer has begun to be understood. However, until a more complete understanding with an appreciation of therapeutic implications has been arrived at, surgeon influenced variables will continue to be of paramount importance. Multiple studies have shown tremendous surgeon variability in the outcome after rectal cancer surgery. Some of the variables that have been shown to be important include tumor-free distal and lateral margins, a total mesorectal excision, and an appropriate anastomosis. It has been well demonstrated that proctectomy with straight coloanal anastomosis compromises function as compared with preoperative levels or healthy controls. These deficiencies are further exacerbated by adjuvant therapy. Significant functional improvements, particularly in the first 12 to 24 months after surgery, have been achieved with use of colonic J-pouch.
Conclusion: There are many ways by which the surgeon can optimize curative resection for rectal cancer. Appropriate distal and tumor-free lateral margins with total mesorectal excision should be the goals for all tumors in the lower two-thirds of the rectum. Reconstruction should be performed, whenever technically possible, by a colonic J-pouch. Surgeons should be cognizant of their own practice patterns, volume, capabilities, and very importantly results. These results should be audited frequently and willingly shared with patients.