[Criteria of surgical treatment in 148 cases of recto-sigmoid cancer]

The clinical aspects of cancer of the rectum and sigmoid colon are discussed, and stress is laid on the importance of symptomatological, radiological and endoscopical examination, including biopsy. A description is given of the surgical criteria employed in 148 cases, with particular attention to the indications for anterior resection of the rectum and abdominoperineal amputation of the rectum according to Miles.