Selective surgery for carcinoma of the rectum.

The importance of selecting the best operation for each patient in the management of carcinoma of the rectum is emphasized. Selection must be based upon many factors, including the level of the lesion, and the mode and extent of spread. Using these important guidelines, the place of local excision, tube resection, and abdominal resection with anastomosis by the trans-sphincteric approach are discussed and the techniques described.