[Principles, technique and results of short continence resection]

Ultra-short resections of the rectum have been recommended for rectal carcinomas that extend less than 8 cm above the dentate line in order to preserve anal continence. Resection of the main lymphatic pathways together with the adjacent lamellae is important. Valves in the rectal lymph vessels allow lymph fluid to drain only cranially. There are no lymph nodes behind the dorsal adjacent lamella. We recommend a transano-abdominal approach. A five-year survival rate of 50% was found in 156 patients with rectal carcinomas who underwent rectal resections and colostomies, 62% in those receiving low anterior resections and 69% in those with ultra-short sphincter-preserving resections.