Comparing two ways to preserve the rectum after rectal cancer treatment

Rectal cancer is often treated with radiation and chemotherapy before surgery. When the cancer shrinks significantly or disappears, some patients may avoid major surgery altogether and instead use an organ-preservation strategy. This trial is comparing two approaches: one where you're monitored closely without additional surgery, and another where doctors perform a small procedure to remove the remaining scar tissue after your initial radiation and chemotherapy treatment.

Major rectal cancer surgery can cause long-term problems with bowel, bladder, and sexual function. This trial exists to understand whether keeping your rectum through careful monitoring—with or without a minor surgical procedure—works as well as traditional surgery while avoiding these serious side effects.