The learning curve of transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is associated with local recurrence: results from a multicentre external audit.
Stefan E Van OostendorpH J Eric BelgersJeroen C HolPascal G DoorneboschEric J Th BeltSteven J OosterlingMiranda KustersHendrik Jaap BonjerColin SietsesJurriaan B TuynmanPublished in: Colorectal disease : the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (2021)
This multicentre study shows a high local recurrence rate (12.5%) after implementation of TaTME which lowers to an acceptable rate (3.4%) when experience increases. Therefore, intensified proctoring and further precautions must be implemented to reduce the unacceptably high risk of local recurrence at units starting this technique.