Aim of surgery in carcinoma rectum is: March 2010
Limited excision of the rectum
Sacrificing gastrointestinal continuity
Preserving the anal sphincter
Preserving mesorectum
Ans. C: Preserving the anal sphincter Principles of surgical treatment for colorectal cancer: Radical excision of the rectum together with the mesorectum and associated lymph nodes Restore gastrointestinal continuity Preserve continence by preserving the anal sphincter. A sphincter saving operation (anterior resection) is usually possible for tumours whose lower margin is two or more centimeters above the anal canal.