Is the low anterior resection justified in midrectal cancer?

The main reasons for using a resection in midrectal cancer are presented. The knowledge about the direction of the lymph-drainage and the cell infiltration in the rectal wall and the progress in the dissection technique of the ampulla now allow the preservation of the sphincterorgan without severe oncological doubts. The results are well comparable with those after the exstripation but the comfort of the patient is better.