Escisión mesorrectal total transanal (tatme): Aspectos prácticos de la técnica quirúrgica

Introduction. Rectal cancer is the seventh most common cancer in Spain with an incidence of 12570 cases/100000 h/year. The 5-year overall survival of rectal cancer in Europe was 55-62% and this rate tends to improve due to new challenges and the deve-lopment of new surgical techniques. TaTME offers a direct vision of the distal end of tumour, it avoids technical difficulties for in-troducing staplers down a narrow pelvis and it improves a direct visualization of pelvic structures during total mesorectal excision. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique for TaTME selecting the most practical aspects of this procedure. Material and methods. The relevant studies were identified by a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Oral Health Group Specialized Register using terms transanal total mesorectal excision. Results. During transanal phase pneumorectum is created using Gel Point Path Transanal Access platform. The rectal lumen is closed with a purse.string suture. After a complete rectotomy the total mesorectal excision is performed circumferentially. Pneu-moperitoenum is created for abdominal phase. When transanal and abdominal teams have achieved a complete total mesorectal excision both planes are connected at the anterior plane. Several types of colorectal anastomosis can be performed. Conclusion. TaTME is a secure and feasible surgical treatment for low-mid rectal cancer.