[Surgery of rectal carcinoma: 1997 status assessment]

The rectum and mesorectum are enclosed in a fascial sheath, the fascia propria, and represent an anatomical entity of abdominal origin. This package is a well-known anatomical and oncological base for radical rectal cancer excision. It is at present under discussion again under new aspects: The surgical and oncological quality of rectal cancer excision is largely surgeon-dependent. Modern rectal surgery is refined, with sharp, very precise dissection respecting the relevant fascial planes, identifying and protecting the autonomous pelvic nerves and achieving radical locoregional tumor clearance, thus virtually eliminating the serious problem of pelvic recurrence. In this overview the concept of total mesorectal excision (TME) is explained and open questions are discussed. It remains to be determined whether a refined and anatomically precise operative technique or the oncologic concept of TME are of primary importance, and also whether patient selection influences the results to some degree.