Total mesorectal excision (TME) has significantly advanced rectal cancer surgery, reducing local recurrence and boosting patient survival. Essential techniques focus on thorough mesorectum resection along embryologic planes, underscoring the importance of anatomical insights including critical fascial layers and pelvic autonomic nerves. A step-by-step dissection strategy ensures effective excision while preserving nerve function. In Korea, TME’s implementation has greatly enhanced local recurrence rates and survival, highlighting the necessity of ongoing research into surgical methods and tumor biology for improved patient care.
Review by Cho MS, Bae HW and Kim NK in Ann Coloproctol