Cancer of the lower lower rectum has a poorer prognosis than most other lesions of the colon. There is a difference of opinion whether the results of surgical treatment have improved in the past 15–20 years. Numerous investigators have achieved clinically apparent satisfactory results with electrocoagulation. These results may have been due to host resistance acquired from the treatment. Recent research tends to demonstrate an immune response to colonic cancer. A series of 13 cases of operable lower rectal carcinomas treated by electro-coagulation is presented. The three-year survival rate was 69 per cent. No mortality and only minimal morbidity were associated with this procedure. The hospital stay was short and not complicated. Familiarity with electrosurgical equipment and technic is essential for utilizing this technic. Continued study of this method of therapy is warranted. However, the authors feel that it remains experimental and that it has not replaced abdominoperineal resection in the treatment of cancers of the lower rectum.