[Primary closure of the perineum after Miles's abdominoperineal amputation for carcinoma of the rectum (author's transl)].

In view of the results obtained in 32 cases of primary closure of the perineum after amputation of the rectum for cancer, the authors believe that this policy is best after removal of the malignancy by the abdominoperineal approach. Unquestionable advantages are shortening of the patient's hospital stay and a more rapid recovery; the possible disadvantages are relatively rare, from an uncommonly severe dysmetabolic situation to local disorders such as poor hemostasis, contamination of the operation site, inadequate preoperative antibacterial protection, or an unusually large tumor.