Robotic TME for a T4 rectal cancer after radiotherapy - a video vignette

Neoadjuvant treatment plays an important role in the downstaging of rectal cancer. Some patients who are treated in this way will develop a complete clinical response (1). The adoption of a “watch and wait” policy for patients who have undergone complete clinical response is now accepted in many centres (2,3). An intensive follow-up protocol, including clinical, endoscopic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment every four months for the first 2 years is recommended (3). Studies have shown that despite some excellent responses to the initial treatment, up to 30% of patients will develop a regrowth requiring surgical resection (1–3). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.