Retrorectal masses present a challenging surgical problem from diagnosis to treatment. A high index of suspicion and resultant early diagnosis, followed by thorough preoperative planning, is required for optimal management and outcome.

No abstract

Preoperative irradiation was given to 58 selected patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum to decrease local recurrence and to improve survival. The irradiation was well tolerated without increasing operative complications. At a median follow-up of 25 months, the local failure rate appeared to be improved. Evaluation of increased length of survival will require longer follow-up. Results suggest that preoperative irradiation can safely decrease local recurrence of rectal carcinoma in patients believed to be at higher risk for local recurrence.

No abstract