Stoma avoidance in rectal cancer.

Advances in surgical techniques have resulted in a renewed enthusiasm for restorative resections in patients with rectal cancer. Although a permanent or temporary stoma may be avoided in the majority of cases the surgical literature is bereft of adequately controlled trials comparing these techniques with abdomino perineal excision of the rectum and anus. Many uncontrolled studies, however, suggest little difference in the results obtained, and in particular local control of the disease.