Procedures for Rectal Cancer

Cancer of the large bowel is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States with the exclusion of skin cancers. Surgery represents the mainstay of therapy in early-stage rectal cancer and is frequently warranted in advanced cases for palliation. Complete resection and retention of gastrointestinal continuity with low recurrence rates are the ultimate goal in treating localized disease. Local recurrence in rectal cancer essentially represents a failure of surgical therapy and is avoidable in most cases. Radiation has been shown to reduce local recurrences. This review covers the surgical anatomy of the rectum, factors to consider when evaluating patients with rectal cancer, choosing a therapeutic protocol, obtaining patient consent, preoperative considerations, and surgical technique. Local (transanal local excision, transanal endoscopic microsurgery) and radical procedures (anterior resection technique, abdominoperineal resection) are described. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches, key intraoperative concepts in rectal cancer, perioperative care, adjuvant therapy, and follow-up regimens are also detailed. Tables describe general medical issues for surgeons to review, vital knowledge for the colorectal surgeon, American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM Clinical Classification of Colorectal Cancer, American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging System for Colon Cancer, the multidisciplinary team for treating rectal cancer, risk factors associated with high rectal cancer recurrence rate, National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2013 Guidelines for Transanal Excision, and total mesorectal excision score as categorized by Quirke. Figures show procedures for local, anterior, and abdominoperineal resection. This review contains 11 figures, 9 tables, and 64 references. Keywords: rectoscope, resection, excision, anastomosis, radiation, stapler, abdominoperineal resection