Transanal Versus Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision: a Cohort

The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term oncology outcomes and specimen quality of taTME and laTME in the treatment of middle and low rectal cancer by a large sample cohort. At the same time, the local recurrence following a primary rectal cancer resection was analyzed to respond to the concerns about the event of the national suspension for TaTME due to the high local recurrence rate in Norway.

Inclusion Criteria:Age between 18 and 80 years oldConfirmed rectal adenocarcinoma cancer pathologicallyTumor location ≦ 12 cm from the anal marginWilling and able to provide written informed consent for participation in this studyExclusion Criteria:Distant metastasis before surgeryMore than one colorectal tumor at diagnosisFamilial adenomatous polyposisRecurrent rectal cancerUndergo transanal minimally invasive surgeryUndergo palliative treatmentUndergo emergency surgery