Use of transanal minimally invasive surgery for endoscopic resection of rectal tumour: a technical note

Background: The aim of this article is to report and discuss a case of lower rectal cancer undergoing endoscopic transanal resection of tumour (ETART) using a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) approach. Methods: A technical note on a case report. An innovative approach for ETART using TAMIS. Results: This is the first-ever case report of lower rectal cancer treated by ETART using a TAMIS approach. The procedure was completed successfully without any operative or peri-operative complication. Peri-operative flexible sigmoidoscopy confirmed a wide and patent rectal lumen. Conclusion: Use of a TAMIS approach for ETART to remove lower rectal cancer for palliation can be technically very effective compared with conventional ETART, due to the potential advantages of avoiding contaminant fluid spillage, easy access, better visualization compared with conventional ETART, and being user-friendly. The results from larger cohorts of patients undergoing TAMIS ETART are required before recommending the routine use of this technique. However, until then, this approach may be considered as an alternative to conventional ETART.