Rectal cancer accounts for 3.8% of all new cancer diagnosis and for 3.4% of all cancer-related deaths in the world in 2020. Regarding treatment of rectal cancer, it is essential to perform surgery along the anatomical and embryological planes. This technique called total mesorectal excision (TME) reduces the local recurrence rate and improves the survival. Since the early 2000, TME has changed from open to laparoscopic approach due to better results in short-term outcome. Nevertheless, oncological benefits are modest. In 2009 the first ever transanal TME (taTME) war performed. This novel technique combines abdominal with transanal dissection. Because the distal part of the rectum is approached from below, a better visualization of the mesorectal plane resulting in higher rate of free CRM and of complete TME specimen grade (Quirke Score) can be accomplished. However, taTME remains a hot topic in the current scientific literature. In Norway and the Netherlands a higher rate of anastomotic leakage as well as a higher rate of local recurrence (9.5%) with multifocal growth pattern were described.
This study assessed whether transanal TME in patients with rectal cancer is superior to open, laparoscopic, and robotic TME (abdominal TME (abTME)) regarding oncological outcome, postoperative morbidity and 90-day mortality.