What is rectal cancer Rectal cancer refers to cancer between the anus above the dentate line to the sigmoid colon and rectal metastasis, which is a common malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract second only to gastric cancer in terms of incidence, accounting for about 60%-70% of the total incidence of colorectal cancer, and is more common in men than in women, and the incidence rate has been on the rise in recent years. In China, rectal cancer is mainly middle and low rectal cancer located below the peritoneal reflex plane, and has the characteristics of high incidence in young people (<30 years old). Rectal cancer is deep in the pelvic cavity, with many metastatic directions, difficult to operate, not easy to get complete cure, and high local recurrence rate after surgery. The lower rectal cancer is close to the anal sphincter, so it is not easy to preserve the anus, and the pelvic nerve plexus is easily damaged during surgery, and the sexual function and urinary function of some patients will be affected after surgery. Causes of rectal cancer The causes of rectal cancer are still unclear. However, most experts believe that it is related to dietary structure and genetic factors. Epidemiological surveys show that the incidence of colorectal cancer is higher in people who eat high fat, high protein and low fiber for a long time, while 5-10% of colorectal cancer patients have a significant family history of tumor. In addition, chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colorectitis and schistosomiasis colitis, are also high-risk factors for colorectal cancer. Rectal adenoma is considered to be a precancerous lesion, and the larger its volume, the higher the cancer rate. What are the manifestations of rectal cancer? 1.Proctal irritation symptoms Frequent bowel movements, change of bowel habits; a feeling of falling in the anus before stool, urgency and heaviness, incomplete bowel movements, and lower abdominal pain in the late stage. 2.Symptoms of intestinal obstruction Cancer invasion causes narrowing of intestinal canal, deformation and thinning of stool at first, and when partial obstruction of intestinal canal is caused, there is incomplete intestinal obstruction with abdominal pain, abdominal distension and hyperactive bowel sounds. 3.Symptoms of cancer rupture infection Blood and mucus on the surface of stool, or even pus and blood stool. The frequency of symptoms is 80%-90% for blood in stool, 60%-70% for frequent stool, 40% for fine stool, 35% for mucus stool, 20% for anal pain, 20% for shortness of breath, 10% for constipation, etc. If the cancer invades the prostate and bladder, frequent urination, painful urination and hematuria may occur. Invasion of the presacral nerve may cause severe and persistent pain in the sacrococcygeal area. Liver metastasis in late stage may include ascites, hepatomegaly, jaundice, anemia, emaciation, swelling, cachexia, etc. How to treat rectal cancer Although there are more and more means to treat tumors, surgical resection is still the main treatment method for rectal cancer. Any rectal cancer that can be resected should be treated by surgery as early as possible if the patient's physical condition allows. Since low rectal cancer (within 5 cm from the anal dentate line) is more common in China, most patients were forced to undergo Miles surgery (which requires excision of the patient's original anus and abdominal wall artificial enterostomy) in order to ensure the treatment effect. In recent years, with the in-depth research on the growth and metastasis characteristics of rectal cancer and the continuous improvement of surgical techniques and instruments, most patients with low rectal cancer can preserve the anus and avoid the pain of anal fistulotomy. Anal surgery, also known as colorectal surgery, is a highly specialized and independent discipline. The Department of Anorectal Surgery of Wuhan Union Medical College Hospital, which integrates top-notch professional backbone talents in anorectal surgery, excellent nursing team and perfect medical facilities, adhering to the fine tradition of the century-old Union Medical College, serves patients with rigorous and delicate surgical style and new medical philosophy, i.e., cherishing life and new means of modern surgical treatment such as highly specialized, individualized, minimally invasive and automated instruments. We have rich experience in the treatment of low rectal cancer and can completely preserve the original anus without traditional fistula on the premise of completely curing the cancer, thus not only treating the disease, but also greatly improving the quality of life of patients, improving life and cherishing life. We welcome patients to consult with us and wish them a speedy recovery to enjoy life.