[Current problems in surgical treatment of advanced rectal cancer]

Clinical records of 390 patients with rectal cancer in the years 1972-1981 were reviewed. The sphincter-saving procedures were performed in half of the patients with rectal cancer. According the site of tumor, the cumulative five-year survival rates of combined Dukes B and C cancer were as follows: Rs cancer 77%; Ra cancer 64%; Rb cancer 61%; P cancer 49%, respectively. The extended lymph nodes dissection for advanced cancer resulted in improvement of prognosis. On the other hand, the rates of postoperative urinary and sexual disturbance increased. Cystometoric investigations showed that both first sensation and bladder capacity all significantly increased, whereas bladder compliance was decreased.