[Report on the workshop "workflow rectal cancer II" in Burghausen]

The task force "workflow rectal cancer II" defined operative techniques in lower rectal cancer, especially the total mesorectal excision and an improved technique of abdominalperineal resection. New aspects for treatment of rectal cancer with primary distant metastases are described. Due to newer publications a concept of bidirectional procedure with surgery and radiochemotherapy is recommended, where the operation must not be inevitably the first step. In anastomoses below 6 cm of the anocutaneous verge a reservoir should be performed on principle due to better functional results. The colon-j-pouch with a maximal loop length of 6 cm is best investigated under these conditions, the other procedures should be further evaluated.