[Operations for rectal and sigmoid cancer in persons younger than 40]

The results of 57 sphincter-preserving operations for cancer of the rectum and sigmoid in persons under 40 years of age are analysed. Of 40 patients, operated upon 5 years ago and longer, 28 patients (70%) are alive. The prognosis for cancer of the sigmoid and rectum in young patients is greatly influenced by the depth of tumor infiltration of the intestinal wall, metastatic involvement of regional lymph nodes and the histological structure of the tumor.