Intersphincteric complex excision improves survival in rectal cancer.

The intersphincteric complex serves as a metastasis niche in ultralow rectal cancer, with 30.96% of patients showing tumor presence in this area. Complete excision of the complex correlates with significantly improved disease-free survival and local recurrence-free survival rates (HR, 0.382; p=0.008 and HR, 0.251; p=0.012, respectively). These findings emphasize the anatomical and prognostic importance of the intersphincteric complex in surgical procedures for ultra-low rectal cancer, offering insights for enhanced patient outcomes.