Background Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has been proposed as an
approach in patients with mid and low rectal cancer. The TaTME procedure has been
introduced in the Netherlands in a structured training pathway, including proctoring. This
study evaluated the local recurrence rate during the implementation phase of TaTME.
Methods Oncological outcomes of the first ten TaTME procedures in each of 12 participating
centres were collected as part of an external audit of procedure implementation. Data …

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) was developed as a surgical solution for a
surgical problem. The lower third mesorectal dissection and transection of rectal cancers
presents a significant technical challenge, particularly in the narrow android pelvis. It is this
subset of male obese patients who record poor oncological outcomes and the cohort that
have the most to gain from the TaTME approach. It was therefore logical to attempt part of
the dissection from below using a perineal approach with advanced optics and existing …