Abstract
Objective
Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is an alternative to conventional TME owing to its reported superior ability to achieve clear resection margins in low rectal cancers. Yet, nationwide Norwegian data claimed a 12-month local recurrence rate of up to 10%, a three-fold increase compared to conventional TME, questioning the oncological safety of taTME.
Methods
Consecutive patients with low rectal cancer treated by taTME were prospectively included. Patients who required a partial mesorectal excision were excluded. Perioperative outcomes were reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). Data were independently audited and certified.
Results
125 patients (88 men : 37 women) with a low rectal cancer (7 cm to anal verge, IQR 5-9) underwent a taTME. Age and body mass index were 65 years (IQR 56-76) and 26 kg/m2 (IQR 23-29). 87 (70%) patients had neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Surgery time was 357 minutes (IQR 303-435), including an ileostomy in all patients. 1 patient (0.8%) required a conversion to laparotomy. Performing taTME in a 2-team technique saved 94 minutes or 19% operating time (p < 0.005, t-test one-team (n = 52, 420 minutes, IQR 349-494) vs. 2-team (n = 73, 326 minutes, IQR 285-372). 30-day morbidity amounted to 36% minor complications (Dindo Clavien I-II) and 25% major complications (Dindo Clavien III-V), including 11 anastomotic leaks (9%) and 3 reoperations (3%). Most of the leaks could be managed endoscopically and the ileostomy reversed at last. Median length of hospital stay was 10 days (IQR 8-14).
Median follow-up was 45 months (IQR 25-67; range 13-95). Dissection of the mesorectum was excellent (Quirke 1 incomplete mesorectal excision rate: 1.6%) with 100% clear margins (distal margin 16mm, IQR 10-30; circumferential margin 10mm, IQR 5-15). Median T stage was 3 (IQR 2-3). 24 patients had positive lymphnodes (median 27, IQR 21-38). Local recurrence occurred in 7 (6%) patients and development of metachronous metastasis was present in 36 (29%) patients. This led to a 5-year disease-free survival of 56% and a 5-year overall survival of 86%.
Conclusion
Transanal total mesorectal excision allows good surgical and oncologic quality to the expenses of a reasonable surgery time and morbidity.
Association of Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision With Local Recurrence of Rectal Cancer
