Consensus on structured training curriculum for transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Education
• Oncology

Background:

• Growing interest in transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) necessitates a standardized training framework.
• Lack of clear guidance for safe TaTME practice requires a structured curriculum development.

Framework:

• Consensus process involving 207 surgeons from 18 countries, including 52 TaTME experts.
• Key curriculum elements agreed upon through surveys, workshops, and expert consensus.

Implementation:

• Recommended for mid and low rectal cancers; prerequisites include laparoscopic colorectal surgery training and transanal surgery experience.
• Emphasizes mentorship (mentors with ≥20 TaTME cases), multidisciplinary training, and simulated suturing.
• Includes online modules, case selection criteria, specimen quality review, and data registry participation.

Implications:

• Proposed detailed framework for structured TaTME training curriculum.
• Encompasses diverse training modalities and assessment strategies for quality control.
• Potential to guide future research and ensure competency in this novel surgical technique.