Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Colorectal carcinoma is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy. Mainstay of treatment is surgical excision. Surgical procedures include anterior resection (AR) with or without diversion colostomy (DC), abdominoperineal resection (APR) with end colostomy (EC) and palliative colostomy. All these surgeries are associated with intraoperative as well as postoperative complications. The aims and objectives of the present study were to analyse the complications during early (up to first 2 weeks) and late (>2 weeks and follow-up) postoperative period and complications related to abdominal and perineal incision sites and colostomy.
MATERIAL & METHODS: It was a prospective study conducted RNT Medical College from June, 2008 to February, 2011 on 56 patients who had confirmed rectal biopsy of carcinoma rectum and underwent surgery either definitive or palliative. Details regarding operative procedure and early and late complications were noted.
RESULTS: Out of 56 patients, 36 were males and 20 were females. Curative resection was done in 26 patients (17 APR & 9 AR). Early complications observed were colostomy related (21.5%), perineal wound related (11.7%), urinary infection (8.9%), abdominal wound related (3.6%) and urinary incontinence in 3.5%. Most common colostomy related complication was peristomal skin irritation. Recurrence during the study period was seen in 6 patients and mortality rate was 14.2%.
CONCLUSION: Carcinoma rectum shows male preponderance with no significant difference in complications depending on gender. Early diagnosis of rectal cancer is important to avoid or minimised nature and severity of post operative complications. This is possible only when patients are aware of preventive measures and approached doctors for slightest change in bowel habits.
KEYWORDS: Colorectal carcinoma, Early complications, Late complications.
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