<qa>  What is the randomization ratio of the patient with rectal carcinoma?The design involves allocation of all suitable consecutive patients with rectal carcinoma to either of the two procedures at a randomization ratio of 2:1 in favor of the laparoscopic procedure. Excluded are patients with a carcinoma treated by local resection and palliative resections. The trial will be stratified according to participating centre, resection type, and preoperative radiotherapy. 