Controversies and consensus in transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME): Is it a valid choice for rectal cancer?

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a novel approach to radical surgery for low rectal cancer. taTME is associated with the benefits of a higher rate of free distal resection margins (DRM) under direct visualization, better visualization of the mesorectal plane, and the feasibility of overcoming the restriction of the distal pelvis. Thus, it is increasingly used globally. In this review, we investigated whether taTME yields better short- and long-term outcomes than laparoscopic TME.

Automated summary

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a novel approach for radical surgery in low rectal cancer, offering benefits such as higher rate of free distal resection margins under direct visualization and better visualization of the mesorectal plane. It is becoming increasingly popular globally, with studies suggesting that taTME may yield better short- and long-term outcomes compared to laparoscopic TME.