[Surgical treatment strategies for locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant radiation]

For locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant radiation, it is difficult to make a choice between close observation, local resection, and radical resection. The decision should be made after carefully weighing postoperative complications, anal function, local recurrence and long-term survival. There is a high consistency of the radiosensitivity between primary tumor and mesenteric lymph node, which may be used to guide the treatment decisions. If the primary tumor shrinks significantly after neoadjuvant radiation, local resection is recommended, and the next treatment plan should be made based on the pathological examination of resected specimen. Transabdominal radical resection is recommended for unfavorable tumors. Distal resection margin should be at least 1 cm, and marking the inferior margin of tumor is also recommended before neoadjuvant radiation since it would shrink significantly after radiation.