Initial experience with taTME in patients undergoing laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy for familial...

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a minimally invasive technique which was developed to overcome the difficulties associated with the "top-down" pelvic dissection by enabling a "bottom-up" dissection in patients with mid- and low rectal cancer. While this technique was primarily designed to manage tumors in the mid- and lower rectum, its spectrum of indications has been broadened to include benign colorectal pathologies. The aim of the present study was to assess our initial experience with taTME in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

All consecutive patients (undergoing prophylactic restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA for FAP using taTME between April and October 2016 at our institution) were included in the study.

There were 8 patients (6 females and 2 males). The median age was 19.5 years (range 16-31 years). In all cases, surgery was successfully completed using with taTME. No perioperative complications were recorded. A median of 5 bowel movements (range 4-6 bowel movements) with intermittent anti-diarrheal medication was recorded in all cases.

Our initial experience with 8 consecutive cases suggests taTME is safe and effective in patients undergoing prophylactic restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA for FAP.