Journal of surgical oncology
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Standard treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma located 3-6 cm above anal verge is abdominoperineal resection. The objective was to evaluate feasibility, morbidity, and functional results of anal sphincter preservation after preoperative chemoradiation therapy and coloanal anastomosis in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma located between 3 and 6 cm above the anal verge. ⋯ In patients with locally advanced rectal cancer located 3-6 cm from anal verge who are traditionally treated with abdominoperineal resection, preservation of anal sphincter after preoperative chemoradiation therapy plus complete rectal excision with coloanal anastomosis is feasible and is associated with acceptable morbidity and no mortality.