title: Total mesorectal excision and management of rectal cancer.
abstract: Treatment of rectal cancer over the last two decades has evolved with changes in techniques of surgery and radiation based on national and international trials. Preoperative adjuvant radiation is now preferred over postoperative adjuvant radiation, and total mesorectal excision with preservation of pelvic nerves is the gold standard for surgical treatment of rectal cancer. Preservation of the anal sphincter without compromising oncological outcome is an additional benefit for patients with carcinoma in the distal rectum. Further progress in imaging and a multidisciplinary team approach will facilitate individualization of treatment strategy with more focus on quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Soroka Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel. pinsk@doctor.com
authors.forename: Ilia
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pinsk
authors.forename: P Terry
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Phang
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011788:Quality of Life; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D005472:Fluorouracil