The role of transanal total mesorectal excision in rectal surgery

Abstract

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is the newest approach for the resection of rectal cancer, according to the principles of TME. The evolution of TaTME started almost 40 years ago and is a combination of several important developments in both micro-endoscopic surgery and transanal surgery. The preliminary clinical data have revealed acceptable TME quality. Clinical trials to determine the long-term oncological results are still in process. In order to master TaTME, the surgeon should be an expert in laparoscopic rectal surgery as well as transanal microsurgery and follow a stepwise training approach. Robotic TaTME using a single-port robotic system is a promising future development.