Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer

Abstract

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a technique where rectal dissection is begun transanally in a "bottom-up" fashion. This technique facilitates dissection of the most distal part of the rectum and allows the establishment of the distal margin for rectal cancer. TaTME has proven its utility in facilitating low rectal dissection with significantly lower conversion rates and acceptable perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes. However, taTME remains a challenging technique to learn and adopt. This article describes the technique, indications, and outcomes of taTME in rectal cancer during the last decade.

Keywords: Innovation; Minimally invasive surgery; Rectal cancer; Total mesorectal excision (TME); Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME).