Comparing surgical methods for rectal cancer treatment

Oncological Differences Between Transanal and Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer.

Observational Sun Yat-sen University · NCT05201885

This study is testing whether a new surgical method for rectal cancer is safer and more effective than the traditional approach to help patients have better outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment192 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-sen University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05201885 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the oncological outcomes of patients with rectal cancer undergoing two different surgical techniques: transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME). The researchers will analyze the effects of these methods on prognosis and the potential risk of oncological diffusion during surgery. By collecting abdominal and pelvic irrigation fluids during the procedures, the study seeks to provide evidence on the safety and feasibility of taTME compared to traditional laparoscopic approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients with primary rectal carcinoma who have a single lesion and no metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of malignant tumors, severe surgical contraindications, or those with large tumors over 6cm may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into safer surgical options for rectal cancer patients, potentially improving their prognosis.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been prospective studies on natural orifice specimen extraction surgery, this specific comparison of taTME and laparoscopic TME is relatively novel and lacks extensive prior evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary rectal carcinoma
* Single lesion
* No metastasis

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of malignant tumors
* Acute bowel obstruction, bleeding or perforation
* Tumor over 6cm in diameter or in severe adhesion with surrounded tissues
* Severe other contradictions of surgery
* Pregnant women will be excluded

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rectum Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.