A preliminary report on endoscopic transanal resection of the rectum.

Since 1986 we have performed 62 endoscopic transanal resections (TAR) on 43 patients with malignant or benign tumours. Initially a transurethral resectoscope was used, and later the recently developed rectal resectoscope was introduced, enabling diathermy resection of a rectal lesion growing into the lumen of the rectum and making it possible to take the resection level up to or below the level of the muscularis propria. The wound is left to epithelialise spontaneously. 32 patients with malignant lesions of the rectum underwent TAR. The aim was to palliate symptoms and avoid colostomy. 11 patients with benign tumours (8 adenomas, 2 polyps, 1 stricture) also underwent TAR. No patient died within 25 days of operation. TAR is a minimally invasive procedure. It is quick, safe and effective if performed caudal to the peritoneal reflection fold.