local resection of the rectum
Last reviewed 01/2018
A local resection of the rectum is used to treat rectal carcinoma in patients which are too old or frail for a major operation.
A transanal resectoscope is placed in the anal canal and the lesion excised with diathermy. Lymph nodes are not excised. Malignant lesions recur quite quickly but palliation may be achieved for a while.