Surgical complications and metachronous rectal cancer risk in patients with classic familial adenomatous polyposis

INTRODUCTION: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an autosomal dominant disease characterized by development of numerous adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum, is caused by germline mutations in the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene. METHODS: To determine the surgical morbidity in patients with classical familial adenomatous polyposis and determine the incidence of metachronous colorectal cancer (CRC) in those undergoing total colectomy (TC) with ileorectal anastomosis or restorative total proctocolectomy (TPC) and ileal pouch anal anastomosis. We analyzed patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who received treatment and regular follow-up at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center from 1994 to 2013. RESULTS: Operative complications occurred in 22 patients (34.3%), 16 (25%) being early complications and 8 (12.5%) late complications. No mortality occurred as a result of postoperative complications. The incidence of metachronous rectal cancer after total proctocolectomy was 2.3% and after total colectomy 18.18% (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: In order to provide better quality of life for individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis, total colectomy is commonly offered, as this simple technique is traditionally associated with lower rates of postoperative complications and better functional outcomes. However, it has become a less attractive technique in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis in its classical or diffuse form, since it has a significantly higher probability of metachronous rectal cancer.