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.
Galler
Avi S
AS
Department of Surgery, Christiana Care Health System, MAP II, Suite 2121, 4745 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713, USA. agaller@christianacare.org
Petrelli
Nicholas J
NJ
Shakamuri
Shanthi P
SP
D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors