Author response to: Comment on: Transanal versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for mid and low rectal cancer (Ta-LaTME study): multicentre, randomized, open-label trial

Summary: This study suggests that laparoscopic TaTME can avoid conversion to open surgery and has a significantly lower conversion rate compared to laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME), especially when performed by experienced surgeons. There were no significant differences in postoperative recovery and complications between the two groups, but laparoscopic TaTME had a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage.