Transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: state of the art

Abstract

Total mesorectal excision remains the gold standard for surgical treatment for rectal cancer to achieve excellent oncological outcomes. The transanal approach to the mesorectum was introduced to complement conventional surgery so that technical difficulties related to the distal rectal dissection could be overcome. Since its introduction, interest in transanal mesorectal excision has been growing and it appears that the benefits are maximal in patients with mid-low rectal cancer where anatomical and pathological factors present the greatest challenges. Current evidence demonstrates this approach is safe and feasible, with an acceptable morbidity profile, but with specific complications related to the technique. Oncological and functional data seem comparable to the conventional approaches, but most of the results come from small studies with short-term endpoints. Robotics, when available, might potentially overcome the difficulty of distal rectal dissection with a shorter learning curve compared to the transanal approach, but with higher costs. The aim of this review is to critically evaluate the available literature concerning transanal total mesorectal excision so that we can better define its role in the management of rectal cancer.