[Deep rectal cancer: local excision--methods, results, complications, recurrences].

Early rectal carcinoma of the lower rectum without involvement of the muscularis propria should be considered for local treatment. Factors indicating a poor prognosis can be identified histologically by "total biopsy". Definitive management depends on the postoperative tumor stage, type, histologic grading, lymphatic invasion and incomplete surgical excision. Survival rates after limited procedures or radical surgery do not differ, provided that clinical and histologic criteria are observed.