The Impact of Tumour Distance From the Anal Verge on Clinical Management and Outcomes in Patients Having a Curative Resection for Rectal Cancer.

Aim: The clinico-oncological significance of the distance of rectal cancer from the anal verge is unclear and not well reported. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of the rectal cancer distance from the anal verge on clinical management and long-term outcomes after curative resection in a specialised colorectal cancer unit.

Methods: Prospectively collected data on patients who underwent primary rectal cancer treatment at our unit between January 2005 and December 2010 were analysed.