[Our experience in the preservation of the rectum in the surgical treatment of ulcerative rectocolitis].

The Authors report a personal series of 42 cases of Ulcerative colitis seen over a 12 year period. (1969-1980). These patients underwent total colectomy with preservation of the rectum. Intestinal canalization was restored by means of an ileo-rectal anastomosis performed either with colectomy or at a later stage. Results are satisfactory as an improvement of general conditions occurred. Normalization of the intestinal function was observed in 85% of cases. Rectal lesions, periodically kept under control with endoscopy and hystologic examination, improved noticeably. In a few cases a total recovery was attained with an adequate, postsurgical, topic therapy. No cancer onset in the rectal stump had been recorded thus far among these patients. In the light of the Author's experience, total colectomy with rectal preservation represents a sensible solution for the surgical treatment of Ulcerative colitis.