Comparing two surgical techniques for rectal cancer treatment

Postoperative and Long-term Outcomes of Transanal Tran-section and Single-stapled Anastomosis (TTSS) in Rectal Can-cer Patients: a Multicentric International IDEAL Stage 2b Prospective Parallel Cohort Study

Observational Istituto Clinico Humanitas · NCT06314646

This study is testing a new surgical technique for rectal cancer to see if it can lead to fewer complications compared to the traditional method for patients having surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment472 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Clinico Humanitas Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rozzano, MI)
Trial IDNCT06314646 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the Transanal Transection and Single-Stapled anastomosis (TTSS) technique as an alternative to the traditional double-stapled anastomosis in patients undergoing surgery for low rectal cancer. It aims to compare postoperative and functional outcomes between these two surgical approaches. By expanding data collection to multiple countries, the study seeks to provide robust prospective data to confirm previous findings that suggested TTSS may reduce anastomotic leaks. The research involves adult patients scheduled for elective rectal resection with Total Mesorectal Excision (TME).

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with rectal cancer who are scheduled for elective rectal resection with either TTSS or double-stapled techniques.

Not a fit: Patients requiring abdominoperineal resection or those with concurrent invasive pelvic malignant tumors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested the TTSS technique may be advantageous, but this study aims to provide more comprehensive prospective data to validate those findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult (≥ 18 years old) patients, men and women, diagnosed with rectal cancer scheduled for elective rectal resection with Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) with double-stapled or Transanal Transection and Single-Stapled anastomosis (TTSS) approaches.
* Patients scheduled for open, laparoscopic, or robotic surgery.
* Patients preoperatively indicated for sphincter-saving procedures with or without protective-stoma.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Immediate or delayed hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis.
* Patients requiring abdominoperineal resection (APR). Patients undergoing unplanned non-reconstructive surgery will be withdrawn from the study.
* Patients with concurrent or previous invasive pelvic malignant tumors. Patients with an intraoperative evidence of invasive pelvic malignant tumors will be withdrawn from the study.

Where this trial is running

Rozzano, MI

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 Rectal CancerSurgeryTransanal Transection and Single-Stapled anastomosisTotal Mesorectal Excision
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.