Rectal cancer: the sphincter-sparing approach

There is considerable skepticism regarding sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer, and 40% to 60% APR rates are reported in many prospective studies. Despite radical surgery, 20% positive margin rates are frequently reported. Rectal carcinoma responds to preoperative chemoradiation therapy with a 10% to 15% pathologic complete response rate. Preoperative therapy offers an opportunity to reduce the positive margin rate and to reduce the APR rate. Because there is significant tumor regression with preoperative therapy, distal margins of less 1 cm are acceptable and do not result in suture line recurrence. APR rate of less than 10% is feasible and better chemotherapy with radiation therapy will reduce the APR to less than 5%.