A novel technique of securing a clear surgical space using a silicone disc during transanal total mesorectal excision

Excerpt

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has emerged as a minimally invasive technique for lower rectal cancer [1]. However, as the dissection proceeds cephalad during posterior dissection, the suspended rectum can occasionally block the surgical view, specifically in cases involving obese patients and large tumors. Furthermore, the transanal phase is performed through a single-port platform, which often interferes with triangulation, resulting in potential cluttering among the surgical instruments. Forceful retraction of the rectum in an attempt to obtain the surgical field may induce damage to the mesorectum and rectal stump, which further restricts the view because of the leaking of body fluids and potentially creates a risk for local recurrence [2]. Thus, methods to improve the surgical view are necessary for successful taTME. …