Change in quality of life, bowel, urinary and sexual outcomes from pre operative baseline to one year post operative, in patients undergoing Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TaTME) for low rectal cancers at 1 year insights from a single centre, single surgeon study.

Title : Change in quality of life, bowel, urinary and sexual outcomes from pre operative baseline to one year post operative, in patients undergoing Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TaTME) for low rectal cancers at 1 year insights from a single centre, single surgeon study.

Abstract:

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. In India, rectal cancer is more prevalent than colon cancer and often presents at a younger age, with 35% of cases in patients under 40. The anatomical complexities of the rectum, including its proximity to critical neurovascular structures, pose surgical challenges, often causing functional complications and incomplete resections with conventional approaches. Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TaTME) has emerged as an advanced technique combining proximal abdominal and distal transanal dissection, enabling better surgical access, visualization, and precision. It reduces recurrence rates and complications when performed by experienced surgeons. This study investigates changes in quality of life and functional outcomes, including bowel, urinary, and sexual functions, from pre-operative baseline to one year post-TaTME in Indian patients with low rectal cancers. It aims to provide insights into functional recovery, recurrence rates, and patient satisfaction. Unlike previous multi-centre studies, it offers a controlled, uniform surgical approach, reducing variability in technique and post-operative care. These findings will help address global knowledge gaps and contribute to establishing TaTME as a safe, effective, and life-enhancing surgical approach.

Biography:

Tanushree Nahata is final year DNB trainee from Department of Laparoscopic, Laser and General Surgery,Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, India. In my country I’ve come across a variety of young patients having low rectal cancers. Many patients undergo surgeries for low rectal cancers with conventional abdominal approaches which resulted in inadvertent injury to para-rectal neurovascular bundles. This drastically changed the quality of life of patients post surgery resulting in urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunctions, many said their life was better with the cancer. My guide, Dr Sheikh Mohammad Taha Mustafa, a distinguished Indian colorectal surgeon is a specialist in surgeries for colorectal cancers particularly intersphincteric resection, TAMIS,etc. After obtaining training from the pioneers of Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TaTME) approach from the USA, he has performed over 40 cases alone in our hospital, highest in our country. TaTME approach not only provides a better visualisation of the cancer but also reduces the inadvertent injury to hypogastric nerves resulting in an overall better quality of life post surgery compared to other approaches. It also reduces recurrences. Unlike previous multi-centre studies, our study offers a controlled, uniform surgical approach, reducing variability in technique and post-operative care. These findings will help address global knowledge gaps and contribute to establishing TaTME as a safe, effective, and life-enhancing surgical approach.