Endoscopic transrectal resection of rectal carcinomas using the urologic resectoscope.

We have described a technique used in ten patients for local control of rectal carcinomas. Transectal resection of rectal tumors using the urologic endoscopic resectoscope is a technique that allows controlled, safe removal of tumors of the rectum under excellent optical conditions. This technique has been performed safely in elderly and extremely poor-risk patients with minimal complications and side effects. We suggest that this technique offers a reasonable alternative to fulguration in patients with rectal carcinomas who either refuse abdominoperineal resection or who, because of metastatic disease or infirmity, are not considered candidates for the more conventional approach.