[Transanal total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer - first results]

First experiences with laparoscopic low anterior resection with transanal mesorectal excision in patients with low and mid rectal cancer are referred.

During a 9 month period (between October 2013 and May 2014), 17 laparoscopically assisted rectal resections with transanal total mesorectal excision, hand-sewn colo-anal anastomosis and protective ileostomy were performed at two institutions (CHK FN Brno, CHO KOC Nový Jičín). There were 11 males and 6 females, with a mean age 68 years (range 49-81 years) in our cohort. The tumor was located 30-80mm from the anal verge (median 60 mm).

A negative distal resection margin was achieved in all patients. The circumferential resection margin was positive in two cases. The TME quality was described as complete in 8 cases and nearly complete in 9 cases. Mean operative time was 280 min (range 212-375 min) with no intra-operative complications. Anastomotic leakage was observed in two patients (12%). Median length of postoperative hospital stay was 9 days with a range of 6-30 days, in case of anastomotic and wound complications.

According to our first experience we evaluated this method as feasible and safe with satisfactory pathological outcomes. We cannot recommend exact indications yet. It is assumed that the transanal approach for total mesorectal excision should be indicated in obese patients with a narrow pelvis and voluminous prostate.Key words: total mesorectal excision transanal minimally invasive surgery.