[Early Rectal Cancer: Can Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) Become the Standard Treatment?]

Aim: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a main treatment technique for rectal adenomas, but can also be used for selected malignant tumors. This study presents TEM experience.

Methods: The study enrolled patients with rectal adenomas, and selected adenocarcinomas. Preoperative work-up included: digital rectal examination, rectoscopy with biopsy, colonoscopy, EUS, pelvic MRI.

Results: Three hundred and thirty patients [mean age of 61,4±10 (33–88)] underwent TEM. The mean size ± SD of tumors was 3.2±1.2 cm (0.6–10.0). Mean distance from anal verge was 6.7±2.6 cm (2.0–14.0). Preoperative biopsy revealed: adenoma ― 263/330 (79,7%), adenocarcinoma ― 67/330 (20,3%). The median operating time was 40 (15–220) min. Tumor-free margins were obtained in all operative specimens. In 5/330 (1.5%) cases tumors were fragmented. The morbidity rate was 19/330 (5.7%). Pathological investigation revealed: adenoma in 192/330 (58.1%) cases, adenocarcinoma stage Tis, T1, T2 and T3 in 138/330 (41.9%). Median follow-up lasted for 24 (1–57) months. Five patients (2.0%) with adenoma and four patients (5.2%) with adenocarcinoma had local recurrence.

Conclusion: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal adenomas and selected malignant tumors is associated with low morbidity and low recurrents rates.