title: Alternatives in therapy for low rectal cancer.
abstract: Rectal cancer affects 40,000 people annually in the United States. Traditionally, operative therapy has involved abdominoperineal resection. This procedure results in a permanent colostomy and carries a high incidence of impotence and urinary retention. Because of improvements in operative techniques, perioperative care, and adjuvant tumor therapy, less invasive local techniques of tumor resection have become excellent options.
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Arnell
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Stamos
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003125:Colostomy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*