In response to the debate topic "Partial mesorectal excision is adequate for rectal cancer", Prof Heald explains the procedure for a mesorectal excision procedure and describes how partial mesorectal excision is only appropriate when a tumour is in the upper third of the rectum.

Prof Heald goes on to offer advice on key decisions that must be made by patients contemplating rectal surgery such as whether to opt for preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy or whether to have an anterior excision in which anal sphincter is preserved and highlights the risk of the surgery affecting sexual function.