Sphincter saving procedures in low rectal cancer - abstract

ABSTRACT

Radical resection for rectal cancer has not improved survival over the past 50 years, and leaves the patient with the permanent burden of a colostomy. Methods of sphincter conservation, evolved over the past decade, achieve the same level of control of disease locally and do not impair survival. In view of this, a policy of sphincter conservation was prospectively adopted since 1983 for low rectal tumours 33 consecutive cases were managed, of which 12 had local excision; 9 abdomino-anal pull through and 12 low anterior resections were performed. There were 2 local recurrences treated by abdomino-perineal resection and one anastomotic leak which healed with stricture formation. One patient had persistent mild faecal soiling. Sphincter conservation is safe and effective, and should be considered the treatment of choice in the management of low rectal cancer (AU)