Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a novel surgical technique for rectal cancer.
• It involves a 'bottom-up' dissection initiated transanally, aiding in the management of distal rectal tumors.
• taTME aims to overcome challenges associated with traditional low rectal dissections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the technique, indications, and outcomes of taTME in rectal cancer.
• To evaluate the learning curve and adoption challenges of taTME.
• To review the perioperative, oncological, and functional results of taTME over the past decade.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature and surgical case series on taTME for rectal cancer.
• Analysis of reported techniques, patient selection criteria, and surgical approaches.
• Evaluation of perioperative complications, oncological margins, and functional outcomes.

Main Results:

• taTME facilitates challenging distal rectal dissections and improves distal margin achievement.
• Studies show significantly lower conversion rates compared to traditional methods.
• Acceptable perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes have been reported.

Conclusions:

• taTME is a valuable technique for low rectal dissection in rectal cancer management.
• Despite a learning curve, it offers advantages in terms of conversion rates and outcomes.
• Continued research and training are essential for wider adoption and optimization of taTME.