History of the development of surgical treatment of colorectal cancer

The surgical management of colorectal cancer (CRC) has undergone a long and complex evolutionary path, reflecting paradigm changes in the understanding of neoplasm etiology and pathogenesis. Historically, the development of surgical techniques was constrained by humoral theories, the lack of anaesthesia and antisepsis, high postoperative morbidity and 
mortality rates. The present era is characterized by a transition from maximally mutilating procedures towards personalized, function-preserving, and minimally invasive interventions aimed at maintaining patients’ quality of life. Despite substantial progress, ongoing efforts are directed towards further search of optimal surgical strategies, standardization of training 
programmes, and integration of novel technologies to improve both short- and long-term outcomes.