Fewer wound problems linked to transanal extraction

In low rectal cancer surgery, removing the specimen through the anus was linked to fewer wound complications and less pain in the first two days.

• Among 208 matched patients, wound complications occurred in 2.9% with transanal extraction versus 14.4% with abdominal extraction.
• Pain scores were lower at 24 and 48 hours, but opioid rescue use and overall complications did not differ.

This single-center review shows an association, not proof that the extraction route caused the difference.