TaTME: Is this the future for rectal cancer surgery?

In the context of the European Federation for Colorectal Cancer 10th Congress held in Vienna last 20-22 April 2017 many topics were discussed, among them rectal cancer focusing on the new techniques as transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME).

Roel Hompes, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals (UK) explained the history of rectal cancer surgery, the innovation that led to TaTME, the rationale of TaTME, possibilities of future development and the concerns about it’s fast acceptance among the surgical community.