What is the recommended treatment of choice for resectable tumors in the proximal rectum?

In the context of treatable tumors in the proximal rectum, the recommended treatment of choice is a Low Anterior Resection (LAR). This surgical procedure is designed specifically to remove the tumor along with a portion of the surrounding rectal tissue while preserving the anal sphincter function. LAR is often preferred for resectable tumors located in the upper or mid rectum, as it allows for bowel continuity and typically results in a better quality of life post-surgery compared to other surgical options.

Performing an LAR can be beneficial for patients because it aims to achieve clear margins from the cancerous tissue and potentially offers the best opportunity for a cure. Additionally, it minimizes the need for a permanent colostomy, which would significantly change a patient's lifestyle and bodily function.

While radiation therapy can be valuable in specific circumstances, such as reducing tumor size or addressing certain types of rectal cancers, it is not typically the primary treatment for resectable tumors in the proximal rectum. Colostomy might be considered in cases where resection is not possible or if there is significant compromise to the bowel's integrity post-surgery, and local excision is generally reserved for smaller, early-stage tumors that don't invade deeper layers of the rect