Transanal Versus Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision For Rectal Cancer

Total mesorectal excision (TME) has been prevailingly accepted as a crucial surgical intervention within the latest oncological therapeutic regime for mid-low rectal cancer. However, surgical dissection under the restricted pelvic anatomical structure, added by obesity and many other general factors, remains challenging for classical open and laparoscopic patterns, particularly in male cases. The introduction of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) offers an optimal pattern for the surgical resection of mid-low rectal cancer, circumventing the conventional anatomical limits while bringing forward considerable advantages by direct dissection. Noteworthy, the surgical techniques of TaTME is initially established, with the mortality/morbidity and the oncological safety unverified. The studies that focus on the comparison between TaTME and laparoscopic TME (LaTME) remain sparse. Therefore, the features of TaTME, both in short and long terms, await further consolidation by clinical trials. Herein, this single centered, interventional study protocol is established to collect initial clinical data on both the safety and efficacy of the TaTME in comparison with LaTME in East Chinese patients with mid-low rectal cancer.