[Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) is a surgical option to preserve fecal continence in selected low rectal cancers].

Introduction: Despite its existence for more than 40 years, the TEM method has not become widespread. The main reasons are the high acquisition costs, the sophisticated technology and alternative procedures (especially radical resection procedures), which provide greater oncological safety. However, avoiding major abdominal surgery with the creation of a stoma and higher complication rates can outweigh the higher risk of recurrence for some patients.