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Surgical Sphincter Preservation in Rectal Cancer

Robert-Rössle-Hospital and Tumor Institute at the Max-Delbrück-Center of Molecular Medicine, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Correspondence: P.M. Schlag, M.D., Ph.D., F.S.S.O, Robert-Rössle-Hospital and Tumor Institute at the Max-Delbrück-Center of Molecular Medicine, Humboldt University of Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, D-13122 Berlin, Germany. Telephone: 49-30-9417-1400; Fax: 49-30-9417-1404.

Improved understanding of the biological features and advances in diagnostic and surgical procedures have been the basis for increased applications of sphincter preserving operations in lower rectal tumors. The relevant treatment strategies along with their indications will be presented and analyzed. New operative procedures comprise transanal excision of early rectal cancer or trans-sphincteric resection or ultralow anterior resection with colon-pouch creation to improve continence. Recently, for cases in which the removal of the rectal sphincter is indispensable for oncological reasons, a continent perineal colostomy has been developed. Reconstruction of the sphinter function is achieved using a seromuscular cuff. This procedure avoids an abdominal colostomy. The neosphincter can also be formed secondarily, after a prior abdomino-perineal excison with transabdominal colostomy.

Key Words. Rectal cancer • Surgical therapy • Sphincter preservation