Transanal TME shows clear advantages for rectal cancer

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TATME) is superior to laparoscopic TME (LAPTME) in key outcomes for rectal cancer.

TATME has lower conversion rates (0.35 odds ratio) and improved completeness (1.26 odds ratio).
Patients show reduced local recurrence (0.69 odds ratio) and better overall survival (0.80 hazard ratio) with TATME.

However, TATME increases the risk of major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) (1.58 odds ratio).

Surgeons must weigh oncological benefits against functional risks when choosing TATME.

© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Foundation Ltd.

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