Anastomotic recurrence after anterior resection for carcinoma: Lahey Clinic experience.

A retrospective study of 152 patients who underwent anterior resection for carcinoma of the rectum and rectosigmoid from 1963 to 1969 is presented. Eighteen anastomotic recurrences (two benign) were observed. Factors associated with high recurrence rates are discussed, and a scheme for identification of those patients in high-risk groups is presented. The value of this study lies in facilitating decisions involving operative and postoperative management of distal colonic lesions.