This book gives an updated and detailed overview of diagnostic and
therapeutic strategies for rectal cancer. Rectal cancer has become an
increasing and serious disease in western countries, mainly linked to
lifestyle and bad alimentation habits. This specific cancer is not only
a threat to the lifespan of patients, but also has a heavy impact on
quality of life, due to its implications in the fecal, urinary and
sexual functions. Recent guidelines of prevention and early diagnosis,
as well as current and future diagnostic and staging work-up, are here
presented in a clear and convincing way, linking each topic to the
therapeutic options arising from the staging and including a chapter on
the molecular evaluation of the tumor. To complete the multifaceted
approach to this particular pathology, a large part is devoted to the
in-hospital care of rectal cancer patients, beginning from the
fast-track procedures and the enhanced recovery systems, up to the
in-depth description of the available of surgical techniques, including
salvage situations, accidents, complications, and their treatment. A
final chapter will be dedicated to the follow-up policy and its
advantages.