OBJECTIVETo explore the indication and efficacy of transanal local excision for low rectal cancer.

METHODSA total of 40 consecutive patients undergoing transanal local excision of low rectal cancer were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSThe mean operative time was 50 (30-85) minutes. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 40 (10-100) ml. The mean hospital stay was 5 (2-10) days. The local recurrence rate was 20.0% (8/40). The 5-year survival rate was 90.0%. Local recurrence rate was 17.9% (5/28 cases) for T1, and 25.0% (3/12) for T2 lesions. However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.61). Local recurrence rate was significantly lower for moderate differentiated than that for well-differentiated cancer [12.9% (4/31) vs. 44.4% (4/9), P=0.037]. Tumor diameter less than 3 cm was associated with a significantly lower local recurrence rate as compared to the counterparts (10.7% vs. 41.7%, P=0.03). No significant correlations were found between local recurrence and other variables including tumor location (P=0.93), tumor classification (P=0.53), and method of surgical excision (P=0.41).

CONCLUSIONSIndications for transanal local excision of low rectal cancer include T1 and T2 tumors with well differentiation and the diameter less than 3 cm. Clinical outcome may be favorable if patients are carefully selected for transanal local excision.