[Local peranal treatment of early rectal cancer]

During a period of 8 years 20 patients suffering from early rectal cancer underwent transanal local removal of the tumour. In comparison to postoperative mortality rate, survival time and quality of life (colostomy!) after abdominoperineal exstirpation of the rectum the transanal local approach yielded satisfying results. Accurate diagnosis is imperative. Besides cure the indication for this type of surgery is the most important diagnostic method to identify small rectal carcinomata.