Posterior surgical approach to the rectum.

A posterior approach to the rectum that has been used by the authors and others recently in treating premalignant lesions at the 8 to 14 cm. level has a number of advantages. Previous objections to it have been largely overcome by present-day methods of attaining a sterile operative field and also improvements in techniques of preoperative preparation and postoperative care. There are several special situations in which this approach may theoretically be of value.