Endoscopic transrectal resection of rectal tumors.

Transrectal resection of rectal cancers with the use of the urologic resectoscope is a safe, controlled technique that allows good visualization with defined limits of excision. Twenty-three patients have undergone 50 transrectal resections, with a median survival of 10.8 months. Only 1 of 22 patients required subsequent colostomy before death. Patients, followed as long as 29 months, have had good local control of tumor and excellent palliation of symptoms.