A new solution to some old problems: transanal TME

Excerpt

I predict that 2013 will be the year of endoscopic transanal approaches to radical low rectal dissection and anastomosis. The paper by Atallah et al. [1] and its video mirror the work of Lacy et al. [2] who recently presented in Barcelona and in Vienna the results of the first 40 cases of what he called abdomino-transanal TME. Last year, in this very journal, Zheng published the first case of transanal TME carried out entirely from below [3] shortly followed by Leroy et al. [4] who called it “no scar transanal TME”, both using many of the same principles. It was too soon to claim oncological superiority to conventional laparoscopic TME, but Lacy’s principal message was that the dissection from below is “much easier” than either minimally invasive or open surgery from above. What could be more important for the management of a common cancer which continues to challenge the most experienced colorectal surgeons? …