Transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is increasingly accepted but technically challenging in certain patients.
• Narrow pelvis, bulky tumors, and obesity can complicate standard laparoscopic rectal dissection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the feasibility and outcomes of transanal endoscopic rectal dissection (transanal TME) as an alternative approach.
• To evaluate its potential advantages in overcoming technical difficulties of laparoscopic rectal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of transanal endoscopic rectal dissection (transanal TME) for rectal cancer.
• Analysis of operative and short-term postoperative outcomes.

Main Results:

• Transanal TME facilitates anorectal dissection irrespective of patient body habitus.
• The technique allows for a clear distal margin and transanal specimen extraction.
• The approach appears feasible with positive operative and short-term postoperative results.

Conclusions:

• Transanal TME is a promising method for resecting mid- and low-rectal cancers in experienced hands.
• Further research is needed to establish long-term oncological and functional outcomes.