Functional outcomes are comparable in tatme and latme surgeries

A meta-analysis of 11 studies involving 1,020 rectal cancer patients revealed no significant differences in functional outcomes between transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME). Measures of bowel, anorectal, and urogenital function, assessed through various scales like LARS and EORTC QLQ-C30/29, indicated similar results. These findings support the notion that both surgical approaches yield comparable quality of life outcomes, emphasizing the need for further research on long-term effects.