Value of multi-disciplinary input into laparoscopic management of rectal cancer - An observational study.

Aim: To assess the impact of multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) management in optimising the outcome for rectal cancers.

Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with rectal cancers (defined as tumours ≤ 15 cm from anal verge) discussed at our MDT between Jan 2008 and Jan 2011. The data was validated against the national database to ensure completeness of dataset.