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J W Milsom

Publications and source records attributed to J W Milsom.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Successful treatment of rectal prolapse by laparoscopic suture rectopexy.

BACKGROUND: A wide variety of procedures are used for management of rectal prolapse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic suture rectopexy in the treatment of this condition. METHODS: From May 1991 to May 1998, 32 consecutive patients were treated by laparoscopic suture rectopexy. In four of them, an additional sigmoid colectomy was performed for refractory constipation or redundant large bowels. The clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS: Of our 32 patients, 27 were female and five were male. The median age was 51.5 years (range, 20-87). The median operative time was 150 min (range, 90-300), and the median hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2-20). There were no operative mortalities. Three postoperative complications required reoperations for bowel obstructions. At a median follow-up of 33 months (range 3-78), there were two complete recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience indicates that laparoscopic suture rectopexy, with and without sigmoid colectomy, is safe, feasible, and effective for the treatment of rectal prolapse.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic management of colorectal endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: In the past, intestinal endometriosis diagnosed at laparoscopy has generally required conversion to conventional surgery. The purpose of this study was to describe the laparoscopic management of colorectal endometriosis at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: From November 1994 to March 1998, 509 consecutive patients with endometriosis requiring laparoscopic intervention were prospectively evaluated. Those with colorectal involvement were analyzed for stage of disease, procedure, operative time, conversion rate, length of hospitalization, and complications. RESULTS: In 30 of the 509 patients (5.9%), colorectal involvement was identified. Twenty-eight of these 30 had stage IV disease. Intestinal involvement was suspected preoperatively in 13 of 30. Twelve required superficial excision of colon or rectal endometriomas. Protectomy/proctosigmoidectomy was done in seven cases, and rectal disc excision was performed in five patients. Four cases required conversion due to the overall severity of the pelvic disease. For those who did (n = 12) and did not (n = 18) require full-thickness excisions/resections, the median operative time was 180 min (range, 90-390) and 110 min (range, 45-355), respectively; the median length of hospitalization was 4 days (range, 3-7) and 1 day (range, 0-4), respectively. A major complication occurred in one patient (colovaginal fistula). At a median follow-up of 10 months (range 1-32), 28 patients were improved, and 24 of these had near or total resolution of preoperative symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive pelvic endometriosis generally requires rectal disc excision or bowel resection. In our experience, laparoscopic treatment of colorectal endometriosis, even in advanced stages, is safe, feasible, and effective in nearly all patients.

Adult↗

Vasopressin selectively increases 5-fluorouracil uptake by colorectal liver metastases following hepatic artery bolus infusion.

BACKGROUND: Poor drug uptake secondary to the hypovascularity of colorectal liver metastases may partially explain their limited response to hepatic artery chemotherapy. Vasoconstrictors can increase tumor perfusion but their effect on drug uptake has not been well-characterized. The aim of this study was to determine whether vasopressin could selectively increase tumor uptake of 5-FU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A syngeneic rat model of colorectal liver metastases was used. Control group rats underwent a 60-s hepatic artery infusion of 14C-5-FU (30 mCi/150 microL). Treatment group rats had vasopressin (60 mIU/kg, dose determined in pilot study) added to the 14C-5-FU infusion. Mean systemic arterial pressure was minimally affected. Tumor:liver (T/L UR) and tumor center:periphery (C/P UR) 5-FU uptake ratios were determined using quantitative autoradiography techniques. Differences in tumor size (< or > 4 mm) and location (superficial vs deep) were accounted for. Statistical analysis was by repeated measures ANOVA (P = 0.01 significant). RESULTS: A total of 161 tumors in 18 rats was analyzed. T/L URs were significantly higher in the treatment group compared to controls for tumors <4 mm (1.72 +/- 0.14 vs 0.70 +/- 0.16, P <0.001), tumors >4 mm (0.99 +/- 0.15 vs 0.45 +/- 0.16, P = 0.01), deep tumors (1.17 +/- 0.13 vs 0.68 +/- 0.15, P = 0.01), and superficial tumors (1.54 +/- 0. 15 vs 0.47 +/- 0.17, P <0.001). C/P URs did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that vasopressin selectively enhances the uptake of 5-FU by colorectal liver metastases in a rat model of hepatic artery infusion. This may represent a promising strategy for improving tumor response rates and patient survival.

Animals↗

Does laparoscopic vs. conventional surgery increase exfoliated cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity during resection of colorectal cancer?

PURPOSE: Traumatic manipulation of cancer specimens during laparoscopic colectomy may increase exfoliation of malignant cells into the peritoneal cavity, causing an early occurrence of peritoneal carcinomatosis or port-sites recurrence. Because of this concern, the routine use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy after laparoscopic colectomy for cancer was suggested recently. We assessed if laparoscopic vs. conventional surgery increases exfoliated malignant cells in the peritoneal cavity during resection of colorectal cancer. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized fashion, 38 colorectal cancer patients undergoing an elective, curative operation were assigned to either a conventional or laparoscopic procedure between June 1996 and May 1997. In either group (n = 19), after the abdominal cavity was entered, saline was instilled into the peritoneal cavity, and the fluid was collected (Specimen 1). During surgery, all irrigating fluids were collected (Specimen 2). Both specimens were assessed for malignancy using four techniques: filtration process (ThinPrep), smear, cell block, and immunochemistry using Ber-EP4. The change in the amount of tumor cells in both specimens was compared between surgical groups. A pilot study was performed to validate the proposed cytologic method. RESULTS: In the pilot study of 20 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer, postresectional peritoneal cytology was positive in six patients, including two Stage II (T3, N0, M0) patients. The pilot study also validated that our semiquantitative scoring system can be reliably used to assess the amount of free peritoneal cancer cells. In the main study, 16 right colectomies, 3 extended right colectomies, 17 proctosigmoidectomies, and 1 left colectomy were performed. The T and N stages were T1 (n = 13, T2 (n = 5), T3 (n = 8), T4 (n = 11); N0 (n =22), N1 (n = 8), N2 (n = 7). Malignant cells were not detected in any Specimens 1 or, more importantly, in Specimens 2 in either surgical group. CONCLUSION: When performed according to strict oncologic surgical principles, laparoscopic techniques in curative colorectal cancer surgery did not have an increased risk of intraperitoneal cancer cell spillage, compared with conventional techniques. We hope that these results can decrease some of the concerns about tumor cell spillage and seeding during laparoscopy.

Adult↗

Double-blind comparison of single-dose alatrofloxacin and cefotetan as prophylaxis of infection following elective colorectal surgery. Trovafloxacin Surgical Group.

BACKGROUND: Alatrofloxacin, the prodrug of trovafloxacin, is a novel fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent with a broad spectrum, including activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes. Its pharmacokinetic properties (long half-life, excellent tissue distribution, and good safety profile) suggest a role in surgical prophylaxis. This prospective, multicenter, double-blind trial compared alatrofloxacin with cefotetan, an approved drug for surgical prophylaxis, in reducing postoperative infections. METHODS: The efficacy and safety of a single 200-mg intravenous dose of alatrofloxacin were compared to a single 2-g intravenous dose of cefotetan in 492 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The efficacy of alatrofloxacin as a prophylaxis for wound, intra-abdominal, or remote-site postoperative infectious complications was compared with cefotetan in 317 clinically evaluable patients; 161 received alatrofloxacin and 156 received cefotetan. The patients were monitored for infections and safety for 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: No statistically significant between-treatment difference was detected in successful clinical response rates at the end of the study (72% for each group). The incidence of primary wound infections at the time of hospital discharge was also similar: 21% in patients treated with alatrofloxacin and 18% in those treated with cefotetan. Safety, established by the incidence of adverse events, did not differ statistically between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A single intravenous dose of alatrofloxacin given within 4 hours prior to surgery was as effective as an intravenous dose of cefotetan in the prevention of postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The safety profiles of the two medications were similar.

Adolescent↗

A prospective, randomized trial comparing laparoscopic versus conventional techniques in colorectal cancer surgery: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled studies using laparoscopic techniques in colorectal surgery have not demonstrated clear advantages to these procedures compared with conventional ones, and surgeons are concerned about unusual early recurrences reported after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective, randomized trial in one surgical department comparing laparoscopic (LAP) and conventional (CON) techniques in 109 patients undergoing bowel resection for colorectal cancers or polyps. Postoperatively, all patients underwent measurement of pulmonary function tests every 12 hours, and were treated identically on a highly controlled protocol with regard to analgesic administration, feeding, and postoperative care. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients assigned to LAP and 54 to the CON group, there were 42 and 38 with cancer, respectively (the other patients had large adenomas). Overall recovery of 80% of forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity was a median of 3 days for LAP and 6.0 days for CON (p = 0.01). LAP patients used significantly less morphine than CON patients up to the second day after surgery (0.78 +/- 0.32 versus 0.92 +/- 0.34 mg/kg per day, p = 0.02). Flatus returned a median of 3.0 days after LAP versus 4.0 days after CON surgery (p = 0.006). Tumor margins were clear in all patients. After a median followup of 1.5 years (LAP) and 1.7 years (CON), there were no port site recurrences in the LAP group. Seven cancer-related deaths have occurred (three in the LAP group, four in the CON group). CONCLUSIONS: Within this prospective, randomized trial, laparoscopic techniques were as safe as conventional surgical techniques and offered a faster recovery of pulmonary and gastrointestinal function compared with conventional surgery for selected patients undergoing large bowel resection for cancer or polyps. There were no apparent shortterm oncologic disadvantages. Longer followup is needed to fully assess oncologic outcomes.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Is laparoscopic technique oncologically appropriate for colorectal cancer surgery?

The role of laparoscopy for curative colorectal cancer surgery remains a topic of much debate. Even though, two oncologic issues, abdominal wall cancer recurrence and adequacy of intraperitoneal staging, are still of major concern, we believe that abdominal wall cancer recurrence may be largely avoidable using the appropriate surgical oncologic principles. In addition, laparoscopy appears to be quite valuable for accurate staging if used in combination with laparoscopic ultrasonography. The question, "Is laparoscopic technique oncologically appropriate for colorectal cancer surgery?", cannot be answered clearly until long-term recurrence and survival rates have been determined in a large number of patients undergoing curative laparoscopic cancer surgery. We, however, have still not had a single port-site recurrence at the Cleveland Clinic to date, having performed over eighty curative colectomies for cancer (performed only in a prospective randomized study) with a median follow-up of approximately two and half years.

Animals↗

Role of laparoscopy in the staging of gastrointestinal cancer.

Accurate staging plays a primary role in determining the appropriate treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. Recently, laparoscopy has emerged as a staging modality that is more sensitive and specific in staging most gastrointestinal cancers than preoperative imaging modalities. The addition of laparoscopic ultrasonographic techniques has achieved even greater staging accuracy. Consequently, patients with disease that is amenable to resection are better identified, and others with locally advanced disease are spared unnecessary laparotomies. Since laparoscopic techniques may be associated with low morbidity and a rapid recovery, palliative procedures are being developed for patients with advanced gastrointestinal malignancies. This reviews summarizes the current status of laparoscopic staging of gastrointestinal malignancies and compares this technique to preoperative imaging modalities. Also discussed are promising staging technologies and therapeutic procedures that may soon play an important role in the management of gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Biliary Tract Neoplasms↗

Perfusion to colorectal cancer liver metastases is not uniform and depends on tumor location and feeding vessel.

Future effective therapies for hepatic metastases may depend on a better understanding of perfusion to these tumors. The purpose of this project was to define blood flow to colorectal cancer liver metastases using quantitative autoradiography (QAR). Liver tumors were established in F1 hybrids of WF x BN rats by intrasplenic injection of a DMH-induced rat colon adenocarcinoma. Rats underwent laparotomy 4-5 weeks later and [14C]iodoantipyrine (a radiotracer) was infused via the hepatic artery (HA) or portal vein (PV). Livers were harvested, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and sectioned at 20 microns through all tumors. QAR compared optical density of cross sections of tumors to surrounding normal liver tissue. Tumor:liver perfusion ratios (T/L PR) and tumor center:tumor periphery perfusion ratios (C/P PR) were calculated. All groups were analyzed with regard to tumor location and size. Seventy-seven tumors in 6 rats in the HA infusion group were analyzed; 74 tumors in 8 rats in the PV group were analyzed. Statistical analysis was by repeated measures analysis of variance. Mean HA T/L PR = 0.97 +/- 0.13, mean PV T/L PR = 0.25 +/- 0.11. Mean HA T/L PR for deep tumors was 1.38 +/- 0.17 and for superficial tumors was 0.57 +/- 0.15 (P < 0.01). Mean HA T/L PR for small tumors was 1.09 +/- 0.12 and for large tumors was 0.86 +/- 0.21 (P = 0.27). Mean PV T/L PR for deep tumors was 0.27 +/- 0.14 and for superficial tumors was 0.24 +/- 0.15 (P = 0.71). Mean PV T/L PR for small tumors was 0.31 +/- 0.15 and for large tumors was 0.20 +/- 0.14 (P = 0.54). Mean HA C/P PR = 1.15 +/- 0.15, mean PV C/P PR = 0.81 +/- 0.14 (P = 0.06). Mean HA C/P PR for small tumors was 1.37 +/- 0.16 and for large tumors was 0.92 +/- 0.17 (P = 0.01). Mean PV C/P PR for small tumors was 0.78 +/- 0.18 and for large tumors was 0.72 +/- 0.13 (P = 0.71). HA perfusion of tumors is significantly higher than PV perfusion compared to surrounding normal liver tissue. HA perfusion varies significantly depending on tumor location. There was a trend toward HA perfusion to the tumor center being slightly greater than to the periphery whereas the reverse was seen for PV perfusion. Tumor size did not affect overall perfusion but it did affect regional HA tumor perfusion.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Expression of retinoid-responsive genes occurs in colorectal carcinoma-derived cells irrespective of the presence of resistance to all-trans retinoic acid.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Retinoids are metabolized in human intestinal epithelial cells to all-trans retinoic acid; however, it is unknown whether these cells express retinoid receptors, and whether sensitivity or resistance to the hormone is associated with a particular pattern of expression of retinoid-responsive genes. METHODS: Northern blot analysis and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to identify mRNAs for retinoid receptors. Both Relative RT-PCR and transfection of retinoid-inducible plasmid were applied to test functionality of the pathway in a model system for colorectal carcinoma progression (primary SW480, all-trans retinoic acid-sensitive cells vs. metastatic SW620, -insensitive cells). RESULTS: Three colorectal carcinoma-derived cell lines were inhibited by the hormone. Retinoic acid receptor type alpha (hRAR alpha) and retinoid X receptor type alpha (hRXR alpha) mRNAs were detected in normal enterocytes, colonocytes, and in all colorectal carcinoma-derived cells studied. Primary carcinomas and metastatic lesions expressed high amounts of hRAR alpha receptor protein, showing no simple correlation between the amounts of mRNA and receptor protein. No pattern of expression of the retinoid-responsive genes was associated with sensitivity or resistance to the retinoid. Expression of the genes occurred irrespective of resistance to the hormone or inactivity of the pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Colonocytes possess a molecular system for transduction of the retinoid signal. All-trans retinoic acid modifies gene expression and inhibits proliferation of these cells. Therefore, retinoids are likely to be effective in chemoprevention of colorectal carcinoma.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Atraumatic and expeditious laparoscopic bowel handling using a new endoscopic device.

In laparoscopic colorectal surgery, effective handling of the bowel is mandatory to avoid bowel injury and excessive manipulation and to obtain adequate traction and clear exposure. We have developed a simple laparoscopic tool that permits effective and safe retraction of the small or large intestine and that is especially helpful in taking down the hepatic and splenic flexures and in dissecting the mesorectum.

Colon↗

Adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer: present and future perspectives.

In recent years, adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer has advanced considerably. This article reviews these advances and provides an update of the most recent and ongoing trials. In 1990, adjuvant therapy became the "standard of care" for patients with Stage III colon cancer (Dukes C) in the United States. Recent clinical trial data indicate that adjuvant treatment may also be effective in patients with Stage II (Dukes B2) colon cancer. The combination of 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin may slightly improve survival (5-10 percent) compared with the standard 5-fluorouracil plus levamisole combination. The three-drug regimen (5-fluorouracil plus levamisole plus leucovorin) is more toxic, with no superior effect on survival. Intraportal chemotherapy, although it may significantly improve patient survival, does not decrease the frequency of liver metastases. However, it is still a promising form of adjuvant therapy owing to its short treatment period and relatively equivalent effects in survival compared with that of systemic therapy. For patients with Stage II or Stage III rectal cancer, postoperative systemic 5-fluorouracil plus radiation therapy plus protracted venous 5-fluorouracil infusion is the most effective postoperative adjuvant regimen. However, results from several studies show that preoperative radiation alone or chemoradiation for advanced local rectal cancers might also be effective while also improving resectability, decreasing morbidity, and increasing the chance that a sphincter-sparing procedure may be performed. The role of leucovorin in rectal cancer remains to be determined. Immune therapies with agents such as interferon-alpha-2a, monoclonal antibody 17-1A, and autologous tumor vaccines are being assessed and could further improve survival.

Chemotherapy, Adjuvant↗

Laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to describe our results in a series of patients undergoing total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TAC/IRA) using laparoscopic techniques in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and rectal-sparing. Young patients with FAP requiring TAC/IRA may be ideal candidates for minimally invasive surgery, because they are generally thin and have benign disease. They might benefit maximally from the theoretic advantages of these techniques. METHODS: We have performed laparoscopic TAC/IRA in 16 FAP patients (10 females; mean age, 18 years). Procedures were entirely intracorporeal, with a 3-cm to 6-cm specimen extraction incision. RESULTS: Median operative time was 232 (range, 156-285) minutes, and blood loss 175 (range, 50-675) ml. The only intraoperative complication, a twisted ileorectal anastomosis, was noted intraoperatively and revised. There were no conversions to conventional laparotomy. Median postoperative interval to passage of flatus was three days, and for bowel movements it was three days. Median hospital stay was five days. One case of early postoperative small-bowel obstruction was treated nonoperatively, and one case of brachial plexus neuropraxia resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this preliminary experience, we believe laparoscopic TAC/IRA can be a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with FAP. As techniques and instrumentation for laparoscopic colon surgery are perfected, this procedure will likely become an appealing option in the management of patients with FAP.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Long-term outcome of patients with perianal Paget's disease.

BACKGROUND: Perianal Paget's disease (PPD) is a rare intraepithelial adenocarcinoma with a significant rate of recurrence after treatment and high risk of progression to an invasive cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with a mean follow-up longer than 5 years were studied to determine the outcome after surgical treatment. The immunohistochemical accumulation of p53 protein also was assessed in tissue specimens to evaluate its prognostic role in patients with PPD. RESULTS: Four patients were excluded because of progression to invasive malignancy at the time of diagnosis. Two patients underwent local excision (LE) with macroscopic clearance of the surgical margins; the remaining eight patients underwent wide local excision (WLE), i.e., > 1 cm microscopic clearance of the surgical margins. The actuarial 8-year recurrence rate for patients treated with LE and WLE was 100% and 50% (SE = 17.7), respectively. Progression to invasive carcinoma occurred after a median time of 56 months (range 23-72) in two patients treated with LE and in one of eight patients treated with WLE. All four patients with recurrence after WLE were successfully treated (no further recurrence) with a second WLE. Actuarial 8-year survival was 0% in the LE group and 40% (SE = 21.9) in the WLE group. There was no p53 protein accumulation in any of the ten patients with PPD. CONCLUSIONS: Survival of patients with PPD treated by WLE was higher than that for those treated with LE. Thus, wide local excision is recommended over limited local excision as a preferred treatment for PPD. Follow-up longer than 5 years seems to be indicated because of the risk of late progression to invasive cancer. When PPD does recur, a second WLE may be curative. The absence of accumulated p53 protein suggests that this marker may not have a prognostic role in PPD.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic versus open surgery for colorectal cancer.

There are three basic roles of laparoscopic surgery for patients with colorectal cancer. First, although infrequently needed prior to therapy, diagnostic or staging laparoscopy may be valuable in certain colorectal cancer patients. Second, the laparoscopic approach may offer several attractive features for the palliative management of patients with incurable colorectal cancer. Finally, although this issue is the most controversial, there are theoretic but unproved advantages of using laparoscopic techniques for curative colorectal cancer therapy. The concerted efforts of surgical oncologists and their colleagues must prove this theory in well constructed trials.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Perioperative tumor localization for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Because of the inability to palpate colonic tumors during laparoscopy, their location must be precisely identified before resection is undertaken. METHOD: A retrospective study was performed of 58 patients in order to be able to describe our methods of tumor localization for laparoscopic colorectal operations and to review their effectiveness. RESULTS: In all patients, the entire colon was examined preoperatively by colonoscopy. In one patient, preoperative colonoscopic localization was inaccurate. In 31 patients, tumors were easily detectable at surgery. In five patients with the tumor in the right colon, even though the lesion was not detectable at surgery, right colectomy was performed without marking because preoperative colonoscopy reliably identified the lesion adjacent to the ileocecal valve. Twenty-two patients required some type of procedure to localize the tumor. The procedures and their problems were as follows: preoperative tattoo (five)--tattoo not visualized (one); intraoperative colonoscopy alone (six), combined with intraoperative tattoo (four) or clip (three)--poor operative exposure due to bowel distension (nine), hard to see the clip (three), dislodged clip (two), inadequate resection margin (one); intraoperative proctoscopy alone (two), combined with laparoscopic stitch (two)--no problems. In no patient was tumor present at a resection line and in no patient was the wrong segment resected. CONCLUSIONS: Reliable preoperative identification of the tumor adjacent to the ileocecal valve can permit right colectomy without marking. Lesions in the upper rectum can be approached via intraoperative proctoscopy +/- suture placement. If the surgeon anticipates intraoperative localization may be difficult, lesions other than rectal or cecal ones should probably be marked by preoperative tattooing. Further studies regarding the technique of tattooing are warranted.

Colonoscopy↗

Chances of cure are not compromised with sphincter-saving procedures for cancer of the lower third of the rectum.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to compare patterns of recurrence and long-term outcome after sphincter-saving procedures (SSPs) and abdominoperineal resection (APR) in patients with tumors located in the lower third of the rectum. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 1001 patients operated on for primary rectal adenocarcinoma between 1980 and 1991. All patients with tumors located between 5 and 7 cm from the anal verge and treated with curative intent were included. RESULTS: Of the 261 patients who met our criteria, 162 had undergone SSP and 99 had undergone APR. The local recurrence rates for SSP and APR were 8% and 11%, respectively (p = 0.41), and the distant metastases rates were 23% and 28%, respectively (p = 0.35). Recurrence and distant metastases rates for SSP and APR, respectively, did not differ by TNM classification: state I, 10% versus 9% (p = 0.9); stage II, 25% versus 43% (p = 0.13); and stage III, 56% versus 57% (p = 0.92). Five-year disease-free survival rates for SSP and APR patients were 70.5% and 62.3%, respectively (p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Tumors in the lower third of the rectum can be treated with sphincter-saving procedures without compromising the chance of cure.

Adenocarcinoma↗