description William Ernest Miles Overview
William Ernest Miles was a British surgeon whose work significantly influenced the surgical treatment of rectal cancer. In 1908 he described the abdominoperineal resection, which removes the rectum and anus through combined abdominal and perineal approaches and results in a permanent colostomy. Often called the Miles operation, the procedure was developed to reduce local recurrence by removing the tumor together with its surrounding routes of spread.
help William Ernest Miles FAQ
What is a Miles operation?
A Miles operation is an abdominoperineal resection used for selected low rectal cancers. It removes the rectum and anus through abdominal and perineal approaches and leaves the patient with a permanent colostomy.
Why did William Ernest Miles advocate such a radical rectal-cancer operation?
Miles believed local recurrence resulted from cancer spreading through lymphatic pathways beyond the limited resections then in use. His 1908 operation therefore removed a wider block of rectum, anal canal, and surrounding tissue.
Is abdominoperineal resection still performed today?
Yes, it remains an option when a very low rectal tumor involves structures needed to preserve continence. Modern imaging, radiotherapy, and sphincter-preserving techniques mean it is no longer required for every low rectal cancer.
How does a Miles procedure differ from a low anterior resection?
A low anterior resection reconnects the remaining bowel and may preserve the anus. The Miles procedure removes the anus and requires a permanent end colostomy.
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