Cancer of the rectum: comparison of two different surgical approaches.

Surgical treatment of rectal cancer is still controversial as regards the type of operation and the extent of lymphadenectomy. Four hundred and fifty-eight patients with rectal cancer operated on at two different hospitals (206 patients, Surgical Department, S. Martino General Hospital and 252 patients, Surgical Department, Galliera General Hospital) in the decade 1980-1989 were studied.

[Anterior resection in rectal cancer: the role of lymphadenectomy. Comparison of 2 surgical experiences].

Of great interest today is the debate regarding the benefits and limitations of extended lymphadenectomy in rectal cancer, particularly with regard to patient survival. In the present report we review the experience of two different surgical departments: a total of 458 patients with rectal cancer were operated on in the 1st Surgical Department of S. Martino Hospital, Genoa, and in the 1st Surgical Department of Galliera Hospital, Genoa over the period from 1980 to 1989.