[Choice of the method of operation in rectal cancer]

The analysis of 257 radical operations of the rectum for cancer, made comparatively for 2 decades period, indicated that the increase of the experience and skill of surgical specialists and current successes in practical surgery and anesthesiology ran parallel to the increased amount of sphincter-preserving operations - from 15% in 1964 to 52% in 1976. The advantages of abdomino-anal resection with a pull-through procedure are emphasized.