RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess postoperative morbidity and mortality in tumors with a proximal margin 15â¯cm or more from the anal verge operated with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). METHODS: This observational study of consecutive rectal tumor patients undergoing TEM was carried out from July 2004 to June 2017. We compared the results of rectal tumors at distances of ≥15â¯cm (group A) and <15â¯cm (group B) from the anal verge. RESULTS: During the study period 667 patients were included: 118 in group A and 549 in group B. In the comparative analysis there were no significant differences in morbidity (pâ¯=â¯0.23), mortality (pâ¯=â¯0.32) or free margin involvement (pâ¯=â¯0.545). Differences were observed in terms of lesion size (pâ¯<â¯0.001), surgical time (pâ¯<â¯0.001) and peritoneal cavity perforation, which were all increased in group A. CONCLUSION: TEM for lesions in the rectosigmoid junction is feasible and is not associated with higher morbidity or mortality.