Rectal cancer surgery: a brief history.
In the last 250 years, the treatment of rectal cancer has changed dramatically. Once considered an incurable disease, combined modality therapy has improved mortality from 100% to less than 4% for locally advanced rectal cancer. This dramatic reduction paralleled surgical techniques based on a growing understanding of anatomy and disease pathology. In order to understand modern treatment, it is necessary to recognize the achievements of preceding surgeons.
Department of Surgery, Christiana Care Health System, MAP II, Suite 2121, 4745 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713, USA. agaller@christianacare.org
Avi S
AS
Galler
Nicholas J
NJ
Petrelli
Shanthi P
SP
Shakamuri
D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors