Technique for a stapled XXXX following transanal total mesorectal excision for @entity5 .

@entity5 @entity1 @entity254 @entity834
AIM: Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is an emerging and exciting new technique in @entity5 surgery. As with all novel techniques, new challenges arise, requiring small modifications of the technique. Here we present a simple technique that we have devised to facilitate a stapled @entity254 using standard circular staplers following a taTME. METHOD: We describe the technique in a stepwise fashion with picture - and video illustration. Our experience with this @entity254 in a small cohort of @entity1 is reported. RESULTS: No @entity834 occurred in 12 consecutive @entity1 using this technique following taTME. In one @entity1 a small defect was noticed on direct visualisation of the @entity254 intra-operative, and was closed transanally. So far 8/12 @entity1 had their protective ileostomy reversed with satisfactory function. CONCLUSION: We believe that this technique for a transanal, stapled @entity254 after a transanal TME procedure is safe and reproducible. Objective assessment of longterm functional outcome is required and outcomes need to be compared to other stapled techniques and handsewn anastomoses.
