title: Transanal total mesorectal excision: A valid option for rectal cancer?
abstract: Low anterior resection can be a challenging operation, especially in obese male patients and in particular after radiotherapy. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) might offer technical advantages over laparoscopic or open approaches particularly for tumors in the distal third of the rectum. The aim of this article is to review the current experience with TaTME. The limits and future developments are also explored. Although the experience with TaTME is still limited, it might be a promising alternative to laparoscopic TME, especially for difficult cases where laparoscopy is too demanding. The preliminary data on complications and short-term oncological outcomes are good, but also emphasize the importance of careful patient selection. Finally, there is a need for large-scale trials focusing on long-term outcomes and oncological safety before widespread adoption can be recommended.
authors.affiliation: Nicolas C Buchs, Gary A Nicholson, Neil J Mortensen, Roel Hompes, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, OX3 7LE Oxford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Nicolas C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Buchs
authors.affiliation: Nicolas C Buchs, Gary A Nicholson, Neil J Mortensen, Roel Hompes, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, OX3 7LE Oxford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Gary A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Nicholson
authors.affiliation: Nicolas C Buchs, Gary A Nicholson, Neil J Mortensen, Roel Hompes, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, OX3 7LE Oxford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Frederic
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ris
authors.affiliation: Nicolas C Buchs, Gary A Nicholson, Neil J Mortensen, Roel Hompes, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, OX3 7LE Oxford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Neil J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Mortensen
authors.affiliation: Nicolas C Buchs, Gary A Nicholson, Neil J Mortensen, Roel Hompes, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, OX3 7LE Oxford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Roel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hompes
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures; D000067368:Transanal Endoscopic Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Bottom up; Laparoscopy; Outcomes; Rectal cancer; Robotic; Total mesorectal excision; Transanal; Transanal minimally invasive surgery