Application of Duhamel's operation for the surgical treatment of rectal cancer.

Several sphincter-preserving procedures for surgical removal of cancer at the upper or middle part of the rectum often cause disturbances of the ano-rectal and bladder functions. To preserve these functions it is important to minimize the damage to the anal sphincter as well as to the pervic nerves and to preserve the rectal mucous membrane as much as possible. Duhamel's procedure was employed with very satisfactory results.