Full-thickness local excision of favorable rectal cancer

It has become clear that a small group of patients with early rectal cancers that have favorable characteristics can be treated for cure by local excision. The key to local and systemic control of disease is very careful selection of patients. This article focuses on the indications for full- thickness local excision of rectal cancer and appropriate evaluation of the patient with an early favorable rectal cancer. The technique of full- thickness local excision is described. Outcome is discussed in the context of recent literature reports.