Surgery of colorectal cancer: beyond the frontiers.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a significant health problem in Western countries and is expected to grow further as life expectancy increases. Different surgical techniques have improved the treatment of colorectal cancer. Three controversial treatment modalities are reviewed: laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer, total mesorectal excision, and adjuvant radiotherapy in the management of rectal cancer. Finally, recent advances in the molecular biology of sporadic colorectal cancer are discussed.