Restorative resection for cancer of the rectum.

The importance of sphincter preservation in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer was emphasized more than a century ago. Combining these techniques with adequate anterior resection has permitted restorative resection in the treatment of most rectal cancers. Miles' abdominoperineal resection is now being used much less frequently. In this review, the pertinent technical factors, patient selection and current issues relevant to restorative resection of the rectum are presented.