This protocol covers rectal cancer that is appropriate for surgical resection and has been clinically staged as T1, N0 — confined to the submucosa with no regional nodal involvement.
Staging is established by pelvic MRI (preferred) or endorectal ultrasound. The tumour is node-negative and limited in depth of invasion, placing it in the early-stage, resection-eligible category where a limited surgical approach may be considered for carefully selected cases.
For selected patients meeting the staging criteria above, a limited surgical technique may be an option — the full protocol defines the specific indications, conditions, and considerations that determine eligibility.