Application value of multidisciplinary team model in normatively carrying out transanal total mesorectal excision

Abstract

With certain advantages of superior surgical fields and better chances for anus reservation, transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a novel surgical approach for low rectal cancer. Guidelines recommend multidisciplinary team (MDT) work as a clinical routine for standardized treatment of rectal cancer. Indication of TaTME depends on multidisciplinary discussion including preoperative staging, prediction of recurrence risks. Standardized preoperative evaluation by MDT and decisions after MDT discussion are the guarantee for the stan-dardized implementation and reasonable promotion of TaTME. Meanwhile, as a procedure for improving local efficacy of rectal cancer, TaTME could save a part of patients with low rectal cancer the trouble of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy based on accurate staging by radiologists. That might upgrade status of colorectal surgeons in the MDT and contribute to optimize both curative effects and health economics. Key words: Rectal neoplasms; Transanal total mesorectal excision; Multidisciplinary team; Surgery; Standardization; Diagnosis; Treatment; Model