Comparing two surgical techniques for rectal cancer treatment

Abdominal or Transanal TME in Therapy of Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Not applicable Interventional Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen · NCT04969107

This study is testing whether a new surgical technique for rectal cancer can offer better results and fewer complications compared to the traditional method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCantonal Hospital of St. Gallen Academic / other
Locations1 site (St. Gallen, Saint Gallen)
Trial IDNCT04969107 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) compared to traditional abdominal total mesorectal excision (abTME) in patients with rectal cancer. The focus is on assessing oncological outcomes, postoperative morbidity, and 90-day mortality rates. By utilizing a novel approach that combines abdominal and transanal dissection, the study aims to improve visualization and surgical precision, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. The research is particularly relevant given the rising incidence of rectal cancer and the need for effective surgical interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults undergoing elective total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with diagnoses other than rectal cancer or those requiring partial mesorectal excision will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced recurrence rates for patients with rectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While taTME is a relatively novel approach, there have been mixed results in similar studies, indicating both potential benefits and risks.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* all patients receiving elective total mesorectal excision

Exclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis other than rectal cancer
* partial mesorectal excision
* discontinuity resection (no anastomosis)
* incomplete Staging
* metastatic cancer
* lack of follow-up
* decline of a retrospective data Analysis
* age under 18 years

Where this trial is running

St. Gallen, Saint Gallen

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 SurvivalPostoperative MorbidityMortalityRecurrenceTMERectal Cancertransanallocal recurrence
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.