Current trends in the use of sphincter-saving excision in the treatment of carcinoma of the rectum.

This report surveys the current use of sphincter-saving types of excision in the radical treatment of rectal cancer, especially when situated in the middle and lower parts of the rectum. The three main types of surgical removal of this kind now in vogue for the management of lesions at this level are extended low anterior resection with the aid of the circular stapler, abdominosacral and abdominoanal resection, and local per anal disc excision. Their achievements in this connection, in terms of immediate morbidity and mortality, functional results and, so far as is known, ultimate outcome, are discussed. A mainly reassuring picture emerges.