Surgical trauma and peritoneal recurrence of colorectal carcinoma

Background Local peritoneal recurrence is a relatively common complication after intentionally curative surgery for colorectal cancer and has unfavourable prognosis. Methods This manuscript reviews the relevant experimental and clinical literature on surgical trauma and development of local recurrences, which was obtained by extensive search in the PubMed database. Results and conclusion Although surgery is required as the only option for treatment, operative trauma and subsequent wound healing promote development of local recurrences. Minimizing peritoneal trauma reduces local tumour outgrowth in animal models, but clinical trials have not been conclusive so far. Recognition of the increased susceptibility to tumour establishment in the early post-operative phase challenges the aim for further research, targeting at strategies that obstruct local tumour implantation or outgrowth and/or improve (local) anti-tumour response.