[Cryosurgical treatment of rectal carcinoma (author's transl)]

After comprehensive experimental especially morphological studies in animals, we started cryo-therapy of rectal carcinoma in 1972. We now present the first critical 5-years review concerning indication, clinical results and cryo-immunological features. In strongly indicated cases local tumour destruction by extremely low temperatures is superior to other palliative methods. Of 67 patients with rectal carcinoma treated with cryosurgery, 37 survived, 12 more than 36 months and 16 more than 24 months. Though there are only few hints indicating an increased immunological response following cryo-surgery, our investigations suggest a general influence on host's immunity by cryo-therapy.