Total mesorectal excision in the operative treatment of carcinoma of the rectum.

Abstract

Total mesorectal excision cures carcinoma of the rectum and provides excellent local control through resection of the entire unit of regional spread that is excised, intact and with negative circumferential margins. Total mesorectal excision is compatible with autonomic nerve preservation and with sphincter preservation. The current role of combined modality adjuvant therapy, which is standard therapy following conventional surgery, should be reconsidered in patients who have undergone resection in accordance with TME.