Surgical treatment of rectal cancer

The surgical treatment of rectal cancer has evolved dramatically over the past century. Indeed, initially thought to be only a surgical disease, it is now best approached from a multi-disciplinary standpoint. The correct staging of the tumor, selection of appropriate adjuvant therapy, and timing of surgery in relation to adjuvant therapy ultimately determines outcome. Surgical approaches toward preoperative evaluation of rectal cancer, operative decision-making, and postoperative outcomes such as tumor recurrence, bowel function, and complications are addressed.