<prompt> Aim of surgery in carcinoma rectum is: March 2010Limited excision of the rectumSacrificing gastrointestinal continuityPreserving the anal sphincterPreserving mesorectum  <response>: Ans. C: Preserving the anal sphincter Principles of surgical treatment for colorectal cancer: Radical excision of the rectum together with the mesorectum and associated lymph nodes Restore gastrointestinal continuity Preserve continence by preserving the anal sphincter. A sphincter saving operation anterior resection is usually possible for tumours whose lower margin is two or more centimeters above the anal canal. 