Abstract
We are trying to illustrate operative, short-term, and pathological outcomes of transanal totalmesorectal excision (TaTME) as a surgical
procedure for patients who are suffering cancer in the lower or middle rectum. This study included 25 consecutive patients who
underwent TaTME for the mid and low cancer rectum. The primary outcome measures included frequency of postoperative (PO)
bleeding, leakage, ileus, days to regain bowel function, days for Foley’s removal, and erectile function. The secondary outcome
measures included operation time, status of resectionmargins, number, the quality of TME, and duration PO hospital stay. No recorded
intraoperative complications. The mean hospital stay was 6.9 ± 2.6 days. The mean duration need for urinary catheter removal and
flatus passage were 2.4 ± 2.1 and 1.5 + 0.9 days, respectively. The mean IPSS was returned to normal 12 months after surgery. The
mean distal margin distance was 1.9 ± 1.1. Circumferential margin distance was > 1 mm in 23 (92%) patients. The mesorectum was
complete in 22 (88%) patients. The survival rate was 88% over 3 years. TaTME could be considered as a safe, feasible, and effective
surgical modality for patients who had mid and lower rectal tumors with an excellent pathological outcome.