What is the surgical treatment for upper rectal cancer?

The surgical treatment for upper rectal cancer is typically an anterior resection with total mesorectal excision. This approach is considered the standard surgical intervention for tumors located in the upper part of the rectum, as it allows for the removal of the cancerous tissue along with surrounding tissue, including the mesorectum, which contains lymphatics and blood supply.

Total mesorectal excision is crucial because it reduces the risk of local recurrence and improves overall survival rates by ensuring that the cancer is removed in its entirety, along with any potentially affected lymph nodes. This technique involves careful dissection to preserve the anal sphincter complex and maintains bowel function postoperatively when feasible.

In contrast, the other options do not adequately address upper rectal cancers. A left hemicolectomy, for instance, is performed for tumors located in the left colon and would not target rectal cancers, while right hemicolectomy applies to cancers in the right colon. Sigmoid resection with stoma is typically indicated for conditions affecting the sigmoid colon rather than upper rectal cancer. Thus, the anterior resection with total mesorectal excision stands out as the most appropriate surgical treatment for upper rectal cancer.