ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Long-term outcomes of transanal mesorectal excision are still controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term oncological and functional results of TaTME. METHODS: Fifty patients with mid-low rectal cancer were included: 20 underwent TaTME and 30 laparoscopic total mesorectal excision. Clinical characteristics of patients and tumors and quality indicators for rectal surgery were described. Long-term functional outcomes were compared in two groups (TaTME vs. laTME). Local recurrence rate was calculated. Kaplan-Meier curves were performed for disease-free and overall survival and log-rank test was used to compare two groups. RESULTS: There were not significant differences between two groups in sex, age ASA Score, neoadjuvant therapy, tumor stage and quality indicators of rectal surgery. After a median follow-up of 46 (41-51) months functional outcomes were significantly worse in TaTME group in terms of rates of maior low anterior resection syndrome score (10% vs. 0%, P=0.009), faucal incontinence (15% vs. 3%, P=0.017), urinary disfunction (10% vs. 0%, P=0.009) and sexual disfunction (15% vs. 13%, P=0.047). Only one patient presented local recurrence (TaTME group, ypT3N0). Overall survival at 1 and 3 years were 92.6% and 90% respectively and disease-free survival at 1 and 3 years were 96% and 90% respectively. There were not significant differences in overall survival and disease-free survival between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall survival and disease-free survival after TaTME for rectal cancer were similar to laparoscopic total mesorectal excision. However functional outcomes were worse after TaTME.
