High subcortical sacrectomy: a novel approach to facilitate complete resection of locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer with high (S1–S2) sacral extension

Abstract

Patients with locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer involving the upper sacrum may be rendered suitable for potentially curative radical resection with a modified approach to sacral resection. This pilot series suggests that this novel technique results in a high rate of complete pathological resection with acceptable morbidity in patients for whom the alternatives would have been an incomplete resection, a total sacrectomy or nonoperative management.