An Overview of the Tailored Surgical Approach to Rectal Cancer

Abstract

The approach to the patient with rectal cancer should be conducted in a systematic and methodical approach which will ensure that the proper histological diagnosis, staging, and subsequent treatment modalities are performed with the highest standards. Surgical treatment of rectal cancer should be performed by surgeons in centers with special knowledge, training, and experience in the multidisciplinary treatment of these tumors. Treatment of adenocarcinoma of the rectum has undergone a major change over the last 20 years, one that has been seldom seen in other solid tumors. The surgeon plays an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, and his or her role represents a prognostic factor for the successful treatment of this disease. This chapter focuses on an overview of how these patients are approached from a surgical standpoint and what criteria are used to decide which operation or treatment is best for each specific patient.