This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Consensus statement on the multidisciplinary management of patients with recurrent and primary rectal cancer beyond total mesorectal excision planes. BJS 2013; 100.

Published: 21st June 2013

Authors: S. Mohammed Ali, Anthony Antoniou, John Beynon, Aneel Bhangu, Pradeep Bose, Kirsten Boyle et al.

Method

Delphi methodology was used to achieve consensus. The Group consisted of invited experts from surgery, radiology, oncology and pathology. The process included two international dedicated discussion conferences, formal feedback, three rounds of editing and two rounds of anonymized web‐based voting. Consensus was achieved with more than 80 per cent agreement; less than 80 per cent agreement indicated low consensus. During conferences held in September 2011 and March 2012, open discussion took place on areas in which there is a low level of consensus.

Results

The final consensus document included 51 voted statements, making recommendations on ten key areas of PRC‐bTME and RRC. Consensus agreement was achieved on the recommendations of 49 statements, with 34 achieving consensus in over 95 per cent. The lowest level of consensus obtained was 76 per cent. There was clear identification of the need for referral to a specialist multidisciplinary team for diagnosis, assessment and further management.

Conclusion

The consensus process has provided guidance for the management of patients with PRC‐bTME or RRC, taking into account global variations in surgical techniques and technology. It has further identified areas of research priority.

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