Cancer of the Rectum: Operative Management
Introduction Two decades ago, surgery for rectal cancer was associated with local recurrence rates as high as 30% and poor long-term overall survival. However, during the past 10 years, survival…
Cancer of the Rectum: Neoadjuvant Therapy
Introduction In the era of total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery, preoperative radiotherapy (RT) reduces local recurrence (LR) and can be administered either as long-course RT (LCRT) with a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)–based…
Management of Rectal Villous Tumors
Introduction The rectum, which is the organ of defecation, is a unique part of the gastrointestinal tract. The anatomic and physiologic characteristics peculiar to this role allow specific and sometimes…
Rectal Foreign Bodies
Epidemiology Rectal foreign bodies are a challenging, unique, and commonly seen problem. The true incidence of rectal foreign bodies varies throughout the literature because of patient underreporting. Most patients with…
Management of Fecal Impaction
Introduction Fecal impaction may be defined as a large compacted mass of feces (fecaloma) that becomes stuck in the colon or rectum and cannot be evacuated by the patient. Fecal…
Rectal Prolapse
Introduction Rectal prolapse occurs when the full thickness of the rectal wall protrudes through the anal canal. This condition can cause discomfort, bleeding, and incontinence. Rectal prolapse is most commonly…
Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome
Introduction Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a chronic benign disorder of the rectum and pelvic floor that produces ulcerated and polypoid areas in the rectal wall. Although some patients…
Fecal Incontinence
Introduction and Incidence Fecal incontinence may be defined as the inability to voluntarily control the release of flatus or stool until a socially convenient time and place. Fecal continence, which…
Rectal Stricture: Etiology and Management
Definition A rectal stricture, or stenosis, is a pathologic narrowing or constriction involving the lumen of the rectum. This narrowing can be the result of an intrinsic process that is…
