Early Post-Operative Perineal Wound Complications in Patients Undergoing Extra Levator Abdominoperineal Excision, A Retrospective Study at Department of Surgical Oncology

Objectives: Extra Levator Abdominoperineal Excision (ELAPE) is an emerging technique for the management of locally advanced distal rectal cancers. Current evidence suggests that this technique is associated with better oncological outcomes and hence survival. Extra levator abdominoperineal excision is associated with significant perineal complications both in short and long term. The objective of the current study is to emphasize on the early wound complications of the above-mentioned procedure. Study Design: It was a retrospective observational study with continent sampling. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at department of Surgical Oncology Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Center Lahore, Pakistan. The study period was from 1st January 2014 to 31st December, 2019. Patients and Methods: A total of 84 patients were included in the study who underwent extra levator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE). All patients undergoing extra levator abdominoperineal excision during the said period were included. Results: A total of 84 patients underwent Extra Levator Abdominoperineal Excision between January 2014 and December 2019. Wound infection was observed in 32 (38.09%) of the patients. Wound dehiscence was seen is five patients. Median day of detection of infection was day 10 (5-22). Median hospital stay was 7 (4-22) days. Conclusion: Extra Levator Abdominoperineal Excision is a procedure with significant perineal wound complication rate. The occurrence of perineal wound complications is multifactorial. Judicial use of the procedure is warranted