Transanal minimally invasive surgery for total mesorectal excision (ETM) through transanal approach (TaETM) with robotic and Transanal Endoscopic Operations (TEO) combined access: step by step surgery

RATIONAL:

In the treatment of colorectal cancer, from 1982 Heald proposed standardization of the total mesorectal excision, with a significant reduction in the recurrence rate. But the treatment of lower rectal lesions is still a challenge.

AIM:

To describe the association of robotic low anterior resection- TATA (Transanal Abdominal Transanal Resection), with transanal access using Transanal Endoscopic Operations - TEO in the treatment of lower rectal cancer.

METHOD:

The TATA performs robotic abdominal approach and the TEO performs the perineal approach, developing total mesorectal excision (TME) transanally (TaETM).

RESULT:

The TaETM technique was applied in a woman with rectal adenocarcinoma 5 cm from the anal verge that had been submitted to chemoradiation. The procedure was performed with satisfatory operative time and favorable oncological outcome (grade 3 mesorectal excision).

CONCLUSION:

This is a promising minimally invasive procedure in the armamentarium of rectal cancer treatment, specially in challenging scenarios such as narrow pelvis, obesity and very low rectal tumors.