This volume presents a current review of the multimodal treatment of rectal carcinoma given today. Therapeutic concepts are developed and discussed with respect to experience gained from the most recent clinical studies and the results of molecular biology and genetics and clinically oriented research. Hence, the reader is given the opportunity to become informed of new research-related insights and their pracitical effect and implementation. The book contains chapters on molecular biology, staging, surgical treatment - with special emphasis on sphincter preservation - options for treating recurrent tumors and aftercare based on present knowledge, all of which have been written by international experts in their respective fields.

Molecular Biology of Rectal Cancer

Molecular Pathology of Colorectal Cancer: From Phenotype to Genotype
Familial and Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer: Issues Relevant for Surgical Practice
Staging and Prognostic Markers
Use and Applications of MRI Techniques in the Diagnosis and Staging of Rectal Lesions
The Value of Tumor Markers in Colorectal Cancer
Surgical Strategy
Possibilities of Extensive Surgery
Total Mesorectal Excision for Cancer of the Rectum
Radical Surgery for Extensive Rectal Cancer: Is It Worthwhile?
Sphincter Preservation and Sphincter Reconstruction
Coloanal J-Pouch Reconstruction Following Low Rectal Resection
Seromuscular Spiral Cuff Perineal Colostomy: An Alternative to Abdominal Wall Colostomy After Abdominoperineal Excision for Rectal Cancer
Total Anorectal Reconstruction Supported by Electrostimulated Gracilis Neosphincter
Local Excision of Rectal Cancer Through Windowed Specula: Long-Term Results
Prevention of Local Recurrence
Locoregional Recurrence of Rectal Cancer: Biological and Technical Aspects of Surgical Failure
Radiochemotherapy as an Adjuvant Treatment for Rectal Cancer
Intraoperative Radiotherapy as Adjuvant Treatment for Stage II/III Rectal Carcinoma
Radical Sphincter Preservation Surgery with Coloanal Anastomosis Following High-Dose External Irradiation for the Very Low Lying Rectal Cancer
Radiochemotherapy and Hyperthermia in the Treatment of Rectal Cancer
Future Strategies to Improve Results of Therapy
Dietary and Chemopreventive Strategies
Diagnosis and Therapeutic Relevance of Micrometastases.