Rectal cancer: evolution of surgical and combined treatment methods over more than 100 years of history
A. V. Dmitriev,
V. S. Groshilin,
M. F. Cherkasov,
S. G. Melikova,
V. D. Kuznetsov,
D. V. Kovalevskaya,
Ya. A. Davydenko,
M. A. Gabyzov https://doi.org/10.17238/2072-3180-2026-2-246-254
Abstract
Introduction. This review is dedicated to the evolution of rectal cancer treatment over more than a century.
Objective. To trace the main stages of development: from the first palliative interventions at the end of the 19th century to modern high-tech approaches.
Materials and methods. The article is based on an analysis of a wide range of domestic and foreign sources.
Results and discussion. Key historical milestones are described, including the introduction of radical surgeries (Miles' operation, anterior rectal resection with primary anastomosis), the revolutionary significance of the total mesorectal excision technique, the establishment of combined treatment with neoadjuvant therapy, and the development of minimally invasive technologies (laparoscopy, robotic surgery, transanal total mesorectal excision). Special attention is paid to the paradigm shift from maximum oncological radicalism to the pursuit of preserving patient quality of life, including sphincter-preserving operations. The article also addresses current challenges, such as low anterior resection syndrome, and outlines prospects for treatment personalization.
Conclusion. The article is useful for surgical oncologists and coloproctologists.
About the Authors
A. V. Dmitriev
Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Andrey V. Dmitriev – Cand. Sci. (Med.), Assistant, Department of Surgical Diseases No. 2, Rostov State Medical University.
29 Nakhichevansky Lane, Rostov-on-Don, 344022
V. S. Groshilin
Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Vitaly S. Groshilin – Professor, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Head of the Department of Surgical Diseases No. 2, Rostov State Medical University.
29 Nakhichevansky Lane, Rostov-on-Don, 344022
M. F. Cherkasov
Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Mikhail F. Cherkasov – Professor, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Head of the Department of Surgery No. 4, Rostov State Medical University.
29 Nakhichevansky Lane, Rostov-on-Don, 344022
S. G. Melikova
Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sabina G. Melikova – Surgeon, Senior Laboratory Assistant, Department of Surgery No. 4, Rostov State Medical University.
29 Nakhichevansky Lane, Rostov-on-Don, 344022
V. D. Kuznetsov
Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Vladimir D. Kuznetsov – Assistant, Department of Surgical Diseases No. 2, Rostov State Medical University.
29 Nakhichevansky Lane, Rostov-on-Don, 344022
D. V. Kovalevskaya
Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Diana V. Kovalevskaya – 5th-year student, Faculty of General Medicine, Rostov State Medical University.
29 Nakhichevansky Lane, Rostov-on-Don, 344022
Ya. A. Davydenko
Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yana A. Davydenko – 6th-year student, Faculty of General Medicine, Rostov State Medical University.
29 Nakhichevansky Lane, Rostov-on-Don, 344022
M. A. Gabyzov
Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Mikael A. Gabyzov – Postgraduate Student, Department of Surgical Diseases No. 2, Rostov State Medical University.
29 Nakhichevansky Lane, Rostov-on-Don, 344022
Tel.: +7-938-124-94-93
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For citations:
Dmitriev A.V., Groshilin V.S., Cherkasov M.F., Melikova S.G., Kuznetsov V.D., Kovalevskaya D.V., Davydenko Ya.A., Gabyzov M.A. Rectal cancer: evolution of surgical and combined treatment methods over more than 100 years of history. Moscow Surgical Journal. 2026;(2):246-254. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17238/2072-3180-2026-2-246-254
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