Is there a role for curative surgery for pelvic recurrence from rectal carcinoma in the presence of hydronephrosis?
Based on our results, the presence of hydronephrosis (unilateral or bilateral) in recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma portends a survival equivalent to the presence of distant metastasis. Therefore, we do not believe potential curative surgery has a role for patients with locally recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma in the presence of hydronephrosis.
Although the majority of patients were seen in consultation, structural differences in service availability among clinically similar populations appear to be causing access disparities to specialized rehabilitation among amputees in the VAMC setting. The implication of these differences with regard to patient outcomes will need to be determined.