| Abstract: |
Widespread implementation of neoadjuvant treatment strategies in rectal cancer management resulted in the observation of complete tumor regression in a proportion of patients at the time of surgery. The possibility of identifying these patients with no residual disease by clinical, endoscopic, and radiological assessment could provide an opportunity for the selection of patients that could potentially avoid radical proctectomy and its associated morbidity, functional consequences, and requirement for a stoma during treatment of rectal cancer. On the other hand, keeping the rectum in situ with this nonoperative approach may result in local tumor regrowth, need for salvage resection, and potential consequences in long-term survival. In the present chapter, specific features for the selection of patients for this organ-preserving strategy are illustrated together with a detailed presentation of data related to the risk of local regrowth and long-term oncological and functional outcomes. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022. |
