Using flexible endoscopy to assist in rectal cancer surgery

Flexible Colonoscope Assisted Hybrid Transanal Total Mesorectal Resection (taTME)

Observational Sun Yat-sen University · NCT06380855

This study is testing a new way to perform surgery for rectal cancer that uses a flexible camera to help protect the anus and improve recovery for patients with tumors close to it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment5 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-sen University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT06380855 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores the use of flexible endoscopy combined with transanal total mesorectal resection (taTME) to minimize anal injury during surgery for rectal cancer. The approach involves closing the distal rectum with a purse suture and making a full-layer incision of the rectal wall using a flexible colonoscope. By integrating these techniques, the study aims to enhance surgical outcomes and reduce complications associated with traditional methods. The focus is on patients with rectal adenocarcinoma located within 12 cm of the anal margin.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma located within 12 cm from the anal margin.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastasis, multiple colorectal tumors, or recurrent rectal cancer are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to reduced anal injury and improved recovery for patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of flexible endoscopy in surgical procedures is established, this specific hybrid approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 18 and 80 years old
2. Confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma cancer pathologically
3. tumor location ≦ 12 cm from the anal margin
4. Willing and able to provide written informed consent for participation in this study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. distant metastasis before surgery
2. more than one colorectal tumor at diagnosis
3. familial adenomatous polyposis
4. recurrent rectal cancer
5. undergo transanal minimally invasive surgery
6. undergo palliative treatment
7. undergo emergency surgery

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 Rectal Cancer
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.