[Limits of the spread of cancer of the rectum (morphological study)].

Fifty five postoperative preparations were studied morphologically after radical surgery for rectal cancer. The distal intramural spread of adenocarcinoma was noted in 18.5 per cent. Orthograde lymphnodes were involved in 43.1%, retrograde ones - in 18%. The tumor growth in perirectal cellular tissue was manifested mainly in the area of the principal tumor. The safe level of rectum cutting is 4.5cm down the tumor. It is recommended to take into a careful consideration the limits of intra- and extramural spread of tumor for the performance of sphincter-preserving operations.