In transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), the primary advantage over conventional laparoscopic TME for rectal cancer is:

• A Reduced rate of anastomotic leak by 50%
• B Complete avoidance of perineal wound in abdominoperineal resection
• C Ability to perform surgery without general anaesthesia
• D Improved access and dissection in patients with narrow pelvis, obesity, or low tumors ✓

Explanation

Transanal TME (TaTME) approaches the mesorectal dissection from below through the anus simultaneously with or instead of the abdominal approach. It provides superior visualization and ergonomics in challenging cases — obese patients, narrow male pelvis, bulky tumors, and low rectal tumors — where laparoscopic access from above is technically difficult. It does not eliminate the need for a perineal wound in APR and does not reduce anastomotic leak rates compared to conventional TME.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.