Sphincter Preservation in Low Rectal Cancer is Facilitated by Preoperative Chemoradiation and Intersphincteric Dissection

In low rectal cancer, sphincter preservation is facilitated by a significant response to preoperative chemoradiation and intersphincteric resection, without compromise of margins or outcome. In those who have a less favorable response, abdominoperineal resection is more likely to be required and is associated with poorer outcome.