Background/aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term results of transanal excision compared with major surgery for lower rectal cancer.
Methodology: This retrospective study included 14 patients with early rectal cancer within 8cm from the anal verge treated by local excision in the period from January 1991 to December 2000, and 16 patients treated by major surgery in the period from January 1996 to December 2000. We evaluated the prognosis or anorectal or urinary function of these patients.
Results: Six of the patients had additional treatments which included additional resection or adju vant chemotherapy. None of these patients had macroscopic tumor remnants (R2). With the exception of one patient who died of heart disease, all of the patients survived without metastasis. Anorectal and urinary function maintained a good status.
Conclusions: Local excision for early rectal cancer (Tis N0 M0) brought an excellent outcome, and maintained good anorectal and urinary function. We recommend local excision for the early rectal cancer patients.