Can colon cancer recur after surgery?

Rectal cancer, especially tumors below the peritoneal fold, is still a major challenge for colorectal surgery due to its anatomical range within the limited space of the pelvic cavity and the lack of a barrier structure of the serosal layer. Can colorectal cancer recur after surgery? How to maximize the radical cure of mid- and low-position rectal cancer?

Recurrence of rectal cancer after surgery has always been a major problem for surgeons and an important factor affecting the average postoperative mortality and survival rate. The rectal cancer recurrence we usually discuss mainly refers to the recurrence of tumors in the local area of ​​the surgical operation or the nearby lymphatic flow area and adjacent organs. Therefore, the recurrence of rectal cancer is usually divided into two types: intra-intestinal recurrence and extra-intestinal recurrence.

Distant metastasis to the liver and lungs will not be discussed here. The factors that lead to the recurrence of rectal cancer can be summarized as follows: tumor stage, biological characteristics, surgeon factors, application of comprehensive treatment after surgery, efficacy response and immune function status. From the analysis of the above factors, the most controllable factor is that the surgeon should be more strict in the surgical operation standards, surgical method selection and application of comprehensive treatment for high-risk patients.