[Future of the remaining rectum after treatment of familial polyposis (author's transl)]

In the treatment of familial polyposis the conservation of the rectum is essential to assure a convenient control and rhythm of defecation. Meanwhile the future of resting polyps deserves the attention of the surgeon. Certain authors are optimistic and claim that spontaneous regression of the polyps is possible. Our experience illustrates that the rectal mucosa tends to fabricate new crops of polyps. The prolonged post operative observation of more than 4 years of polyposis in one family has permitted us to follow the evolution of the rectal mucosa and to deduce that gravity of the lesion is quite variable. The polypotique character of the rectal mucosa must influence the choice of certain surgical technic specially that nine of them achieve entire satisfaction yet.