Lymph drainage from the upper and middle third of the rectum as demonstrated by 198 Au.

Extensive lymph node dissections have been performed in an attempt to increase survival after abdomino-perineal excision or anterior resection of the rectum for carcinoma. The lymph drainage from the upper and middle third of the rectum was demonstrated by means of 198Au which was injected into the submucosa. Less than one percent was drained to pelvic lymph nodes, giving little support for pelvic lymph node dissection for carcinoma in the upper and middle third of the rectum.