Present status of the pull-through sphincter-preserving procedure

The pull-through operation, which is performed for, rectal carcinoma situated between 7 and 12 cm from the anal verge, is a sound surgical procedure and its radicality is in no way compromised by preservation of the anal sphincters. The mortality, survival, and recurrence rates compare favorably with those of abdominoperineal excision (the Miles operation). In some respects, the pull-through operation is superior to the Miles operation. The perineal wound heals in a shorter time and the patient is able to return to work sooner. Aside from the physiologic advantage of having the transplanted colon in the anal canal, continence for practical purposes is retained.