Endoscopic management versus transanal surgery for early primary or early locally recurrent rectal neoplasms-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Both endoscopic techniques and transanal surgery are viable options that allow organ preservation for early rectal neoplasms. Whilst endoscopic approaches are less invasive and carry less morbidity, it is unclear whether they are as oncologically effective.

Aim: To compare endoscopic techniques with transanal surgery in the management of early rectal neoplasms.