[Results of surgical treatment of rectal cancer]

The results of radical surgery for rectal cancer performed in 223 cases are presented. Preoperative angiographic examination of the vascular system of terminal part of the large bowel (lower selective pneumopharmacomesentericography) contributed to the selection of optimal surgical procedure in 30 cases. Mortality rate following radical surgery ranged 3.6--14.5% depending on a procedure used and patient's age. Early postoperative complications occurred in 53.4% depending on the type of surgery. Five-year survival was registered in 57.1%. Survival time appeared to be a function of tumor stage, site and the extent of invasion into the rectal wall.