Volume and Quality Impact TME Outcomes in Rectal Cancer

Surgeons should note that higher surgical volume correlates with better outcomes in total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer.

Facilities performing 16 or more TME annually were more likely to report TME grades (p=0.02).
Robotic-assisted surgery achieved the highest complete TME rates (p<0.001) and lower conversion rates compared to laparoscopy (4.6% vs 14.6%, p<0.001).

Complete TME significantly improved lymph node yield (p=0.001), reduced residual tumor (p<0.001), and ensured negative margins (p<0.001).

Consider prioritizing higher-volume centers and robotic techniques to enhance patient outcomes.

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