New perspectives in rectal cancer surgery: Transanal total mesorectal excision

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cause of oncologic mortality. Its key prognostic factors are operability and surgical quality. Total mesorectal excision is the gold standard of rectal cancer surgery, however, it is hardly achievable with the laparoscopic technique in a number of cases due to anatomical issues. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a new operative concept, which may address this technical problem. Aim: We aimed to present the initial Hungarian experiences with the new technique. Method: Retrospective analysis of clinical data of the first year case series at two Hungarian centers initiating the technique. Results: A total of 17 transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) operations were performed at two centers. Major perioperative complications happened in two cases. There was no 30-day mortality. Conclusions: Early Hungarian experiences with transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) give hope of a brand new era of rectal cancer surgery.