[The diagnosis and surgical possibilities in rectal carcinoma]

This is a review article dealing with the role and indications of the various diagnostic methods and operative techniques, used in the surgical management of rectal carcinoma. Preoperative assessment of the clinical stage of neoplasm has an essential practical bearing on the choice of operative procedure the most adequate for individual patients. In practice the factors influencing the decision for surgery include: summed up evaluation of all initial data, critical assessment of local findings, judgement based on past experience, a propensity to accept risks, and capability of undertaking determined actions. The first two parameters appear to be the most important, influencing in turn the subsequent stages on which the outcome of surgical intervention is largely dependent.