Whenever possible, surgeons aim to preserve sphincter function in rectal cancer patients. The sphincter is the round muscle in the anus that opens and closes to control bowel function. Our experienced colorectal cancer surgeons are trained in advanced transanal excision surgery that spares the sphincter and can greatly improve your quality of life following surgery.

For tumors higher up in the rectum, a similar sphincter-sparing surgery called transcoccygeal surgery may be an option. In this surgery, doctors reach the tumors by going through the tailbone.