Clinical outcomes of transanal total mesorectal excision using a lateral-first approach for low rectal cancer: a propensity score matching analysis.

Ta-TME using a lateral-first approach is feasible and may offer several advantages over lap-TME in terms of short-term outcomes. It might be an alternative safe approach for ta-TME. To confirm the oncological superiority of this surgery, further study in a larger population and for a longer follow-up period is warranted.