[Restorative surgery for cancer of the rectum (author's transl)].

Sphincter-saving operations in cancer of the rectum are possible in 60%-70%. The definitive decision for a sphincter-saving rectum resection or a local tumor excision is based upon the results of an exact histological examination. Strict clinical and histopathological selection of patients and observance of certain safeguards are necessary. when comparing the time periods 1969-1973 and 1974-1978, 5-year survival after curative surgical therapy has increased from 50.2 +/- 7.7% to 60.7 +/- 7.6% during the same period of time the proportion of restorative surgery has risen from 17%-64%.