Outcomes for early rectal cancer managed with transanal endoscopic microsurgery: a 5-year follow-up study.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term risk of local and distant recurrence as well as the survival of patients with early rectal cancer treated using transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM).

Methods: The study reviewed 69 patients with Tis/T1/T2 rectal cancer treated using full-thickness excision between 1991 and 1999. The pathology T-stages included 25 Tis, 23 T1, and 21 T2.

[Local excision of rectal tumors].

Local excision is a suitable approach for treating sessile adenomas and early adenocarcinomas of the rectum. The indication for transmural rectal carcinomas (T2 and T3) is a matter of debate and no randomized studies have been reported to date. The early and long-term results of a consecutive series of 160 patients who underwent local excision in our departments are reported.