Surgical outcomes for patients with rectosigmoid hirschsprung disease who underwent transanal endorectal pull-through after 1 year of age.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the differences in postoperative complications and long-term bowel function outcomes between patients with rectosigmoid Hirschsprung disease (HD) who underwent transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) beyond infancy (age> 1 year of age) and those during infancy (≤ 1 year of age). METHODS: All patients with rectosigmoid HD at Beijing Children's Hospital between January 2011 and December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into two groups based on age at TEPT: group A was defined as patients who performed TEPT beyond infancy (age>1 year of age), and group B as patients who performed TEPT during infancy (age ≤ 1 year of age). Clinical details were collected from medical records. Bowel function outcomes were assessed by the Rintala questionnaire (age ≥ 4 years). RESULTS: A total of 339 patients were included: 216 (63.7%) who operated with TEPT beyond infancy (group A) and 123 (36.3%) during infancy (group B). Regarding postoperative complications, all patients suffering anastomosis leakage following TEPT (7/216, 3.2%) occurred in group A, and the rate of anastomosis leakage in group A was significantly higher than in group B (3.2% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.044). 228 patients (228/327, 69.7%) completed the Rintala questionnaire. There was no significant difference in long-term bowel function outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with patients who performed TEPT during infancy, those beyond infancy are more likely to suffer anastomosis leakage. however, the long-term bowel function outcomes seem comparable. TYPE OF STUDY: A retrospective single-center study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

[Effect of Da Vinci robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery for rectal neoplasms].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of Da Vinci robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (R-TAMIS) for rectal neoplasms. Methods: The patients of rectal neoplasms who underwent R-TAMIS and were regularly followed up at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2021 to January 2024 were retropectively selected. Follow-up visits were conducted at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively, and then every 3 months until January 20, 2024. The perioperative situation, postoperative histopathological results, and follow-up status of the patients were observed. Results: A total of 17 patients were included, including 10 males and 7 females, aged 35-80 (59±13) years. Eleven patients underwent surgery using the da Vinci® Si robot, while 6 patients underwent surgery using the da Vinci® Xi robot. The height of the resected tumor from the anal verge [M (Q1, Q3)] was 3.5 (3.0, 3.8) cm. The total operative time was 55.0 (50.0, 55.0) minutes, the platform installation time was 32.5 (30.0, 35.0) minutes. The actual surgical operation time was 22.5 (20.0, 27.5) minutes. Intraoperative blood loss was 9.2 (5.0, 10.0) ml. The postoperative hospital stay was 3.2 (3.0, 3.8) days. The total treatment cost was (29 447±4 765) yuan. Two patients who achieved clinical complete remission after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy experienced incision dehiscence one week postoperatively, which was resolved after four weeks of rectal irrigation therapy. All surgical specimens were intact, and all resection margins were negative. A total of 44(31,73) weeks were followed up, without local recurrence or distant metastasis. Conclusion: Da Vinci robotic transanal minimally invasive local resection may be a safe and feasible treatment option for rectal neoplasms.

Long-Term Outcomes of Modified Endoscopic Transcanal Approach to Small Acoustic Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The management options for small acoustic tumors are still controversial, and surgery is indicated in a select number of patients only. This is to avoid unnecessary extensive operations and risk of complications. Endoscopic transcanal approach, which was recently introduced, can be an alternative option to overcome these challenges. We have developed a modified technique for endoscopic transcanal removal of small acoustic tumors with tympanoplasty using tragal cartilage and without the need to harvest abdominal fat for obliteration. There was also no need to do an ear cul-de-sac procedure compared with the previous method. We report the long-term outcomes of this approach. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Those who were diagnosed with small acoustic tumors between June 2016 and June 2022 were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: Tumor removal via a Modified Endoscopic Transcanal Transpromontorial Approach (mETTA). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Tumor control rate, closure rate of tympanic membrane, and complications such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and facial palsy were analyzed. Operation time and hospital stay were also analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 55.5 ± 9.4 years were enrolled. Eighteen were vestibular schwannomas (VS), two were intracochlear schwannomas (ICS), and two were with intravestibulocochlear schwannomas (IVCS). Gross total removal was achieved in 21 cases. One had developed significant CSF leakage, and the other patient complicated with permanent facial palsy. The tympanic membrane healed well in all patients, but three patients showed delayed healing until several months and treated conservatively. Mean operation time was 149.6 ± 48.4 minutes, mean hospital stay was 8.9 ± 4.5 days, and mean postoperative follow-up period was 42.0 ± 15.7 months. CONCLUSION: Long-term results of modified endoscopic transcanal approach to small acoustic tumors are acceptable and comparable to classical treatments such as translabyrinthine approach or gamma knife radiation. This is an alternative option for smaller tumors warranting surgical removal and maintained cosmetic advantages.

A Case of Transanal Endoscopic Excision for Rectal Tumor Using Surgical Instruments With Multi-jointed Structures.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Transanal endoscopic local excision requires fine operation in a very narrow space in the rectum. We report a case in which the use of surgical instruments with a multi-jointed structure allowed safe resection of a lesion with a stable field of view, resulting in preservation of postoperative function. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 49-year-old man who had a rectal neuroendocrine tumor (NET) (G1) with erosive changes in the lower rectum. Preoperative imaging showed no evidence of surrounding lymph node or distant metastasis; thus, we performed a transanal endoscopic local excision of the tumor. After positioning the patient under general anesthesia and securing the field of view in the intra-rectal cavity, the flexion of the surgical instruments with a multi-jointed structure was used to secure the operating space to not interfere with the camera and the surgeon's right hand. The operating field was developed, and the tumor was incised by stable traction. After the excision, the needle was advanced in the direction of the intestinal axis using the multi-jointed holder, and continuous suturing was performed. The patient has no recurrence without any defecation disorder. CONCLUSION: The use of multi-jointed surgical instruments in transanal endoscopic excision of rectal tumors can provide a stable operative field and preserve postoperative function. The advanced flexibility of these instruments allows precise manipulation in the narrow rectal space, resulting in successful tumor resection with minimal invasiveness and no postoperative complications. These findings suggest that multi-jointed instruments are valuable for enhancing the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive rectal surgery.

Peri-operative, oncological and functional outcomes of robotic versus transanal total mesorectal excision in patients with rectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Comparative outcomes of robotic low anterior resection (rTME) and trans-anal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) in patients with low rectal cancer were evaluated. METHODS: A systematic online search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane database, The Virtual Health Library, Clinical trials.gov and Science Direct. Comparative studies of rTME versus TaTME for low rectal cancer were included. Primary outcomes were postoperative complications, including anastomotic leak, surgical site infection, and Clavien-Dindo complication rate. Total operative time, conversion to open surgery, intra-operative blood loss, intensive therapy unit (ITU) and total hospital length of stay (LOS), oncological outcomes and functional outcomes were the other evaluated outcome parameters. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies with a total number of 3025 patients divided between rTME (n = 1881) and TaTME (n = 1144) groups were included. There was no significant difference between the two groups for total operative time (P = 0.39), conversion to open surgery (P = 0.29) and intra-operative blood loss (P = 0.62). Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3 complication rate (P = 0.47), anastomotic leak (P = 0.89), rates of re-operation (P = 0.62) and re-admission (P = 0.92), R0 resections (P = 0.52), ITU LOS (P = 0.63) and total hospital LOS (P = 0.30) also showed similar results between the two groups. However, the rTME group had higher rates of total harvested lymph nodes (P = 0.04) and complete total mesorectal excision (TME) resections (P = 0.05). Albeit with a limited dataset, the Wexner and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scores showed better functional results in the rTME group compared with the TaTME group (P = 0.0009 and P = 0.00001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Compared with TaTME, rTME seems to provide better functional outcomes, higher lymph node yield and more complete TME resections with a similar post-operative complications profile.

Developing an Animal Model for Swenson Transanal Endorectal Pull-Through: A New Possibility for Training and Research Purposes.

As far as we know, no report uses the Swenson transanal endorectal pull-through technique in an animal model. Our objective is to describe the use of this technique as an experimental model for training and research purposes. Ten Norfolk hybrid rabbits were randomly selected from our experimental laboratory, with a mean weight of 3539.3 (± 678.4) g. Neither colon preparation nor fast were used before the procedures. The surgical technique was based on the description performed by Levitt et al. (2013, J Pediatr Surg. 2013;48(11):2289-2295). Information related to the surgical procedures and the clinical evolution in the postoperative period were recorded and analyzed. There were no deaths or severe complications. The anesthetic and the surgical times were significantly higher for the first three animals of the experiment. Our animal model proved adequate to perform the transanal endorectal Swenson pull-through technique, allowing the training of surgical skills through a model similar to the human, with few anesthetic complications and good postoperative evolution, including postoperative follow-up. We believe that it will serve as a learning tool in many institutions that are continuously searching for improved new techniques and will support new researches in this area.

Evaluation of Trans-Anal Endorectal Pull-Through Outcomes in Hirschsprung's Disease in Different Age Groups: A Comprehensive Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The timing of trans-anal endorectal pull-through (TAEPT) for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is controversial. Early endorectal pull-through avoids the occurrence of preoperative enterocolitis. However, delayed pull-through (≥31 days) enables postnatal maturation of the anal canal and sphincter complex. The aim of this study was to identify the best age to perform trans-anal pull-through according to the literature. METHODS: This is a comprehensive systematic review. All articles published from 2010 to 2022 were searched in the Web of Science, Ovid Medline, PubMed, CINAHIL, and Embase databases, using the keywords HD, delayed or early treatment, trans-anal pull-through surgery, age, sex or gender, complications and outcomes. Articles that met the inclusion criteria with good to fair quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment and low bias score in the Cochran collaboration tool were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were eligible to be reviewed. The overall results of this study showed that due to more common short-term complications at neonatal period and lower contrast enema diagnostic accuracy in determining the transition zone, it seems to be reasonable decision to postpone surgery until the child is several months old. There was also no difference in terms of complications and outcomes of trans-anal pull-through surgery between females and males. CONCLUSION: It is not recommended to delay surgery too much for ages over 1 year. Ages between 3 and 12 months can be a good time for interventional treatment for HD.

Artificial intelligence-assisted decision making: Prediction of optimal level of distal mesorectal margin during transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) using deep neural network modeling.

BACKGROUND: With steep posterior anorectal angulation, transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) may have a risk of dissection in the wrong plane or starting higher up, resulting in leaving distal mesorectum behind. Although the distal mesorectal margin can be assessed by preoperative MRI, it needs skilled radiologist and high-definition image for accurate evaluation. This study developed a deep neural network (DNN) to predict the optimal level of distal mesorectal margin. METHODS: A total of 182 pelvic MRI images extracted from the cancer image archive (TCIA) database were included. A DNN was developed using gender, the degree of anterior and posterior anorectal angles as input variables while the difference between anterior and posterior mesorectal distances from anal verge was selected as a target. The predictability power was assessed by regression values (R) which is the correlation between the predicted outputs and actual targets. RESULTS: The anterior angle was an obtuse angle while the posterior angle varied from acute to obtuse with mean angle difference 35.5°±14.6. The mean difference between the anterior and posterior mesorectal end distances was 18.6±6.6mm. The developed DNN had a very close correlation with the target during training, validation, and testing (R=0.99, 0.81, and 0.89, P<0.001). The predicted level of distal mesorectal margin was closely correlated with the actual optimal level (R=0.91, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Artificial intelligence can assist in either making or confirming the preoperative decisions. Furthermore, the developed model can alert the surgeons for this potential risk and the necessity of re-positioning the proctectomy incision.

Trans­anal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) versus rigid platforms for local excision of early rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Available platforms for local excision (LE) of early rectal cancer are rigid or flexible [trans­anal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS)]. We systematically searched the literature to compare outcomes between platforms. METHODS: PRISMA-compliant search of PubMed and Scopus databases until September 2022 was undertaken in this random-effect meta-analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic. Studies comparing TAMIS versus rigid platforms for LE for early rectal cancer were included. Main outcome measures were intraoperative and short-term postoperative outcomes and specimen quality. RESULTS: 7 studies were published between 2015 and 2022, including 931 patients (423 females); 402 underwent TAMIS and 529 underwent LE with rigid platforms. Techniques were similar for operative time (WMD 11.1, 95%CI - 2.6 to 25, p = 0.11), percentage of defect closure (OR 0.7, 95%CI 0.06-8.22, p = 0.78), and peritoneal violation (OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.12-1.43, p = 0.16). Rigid platforms had higher rates of short-term complications (19.1% vs 14.2, OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.07-2.4, p = 0.02), although no significant differences were seen for major complications (OR 1.41, 95%CI 0.61-3.23, p = 0.41). Patients in the rigid platforms group were 3-times more likely to be re-admitted within 30 days compared to the TAMIS group (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.07-9.4, p = 0.03). Rates of positive resection margins (rigid platforms: 7.6% vs TAMIS: 9.34%, OR 0.81, 95%CI 0.42-1.55, p = 0.53) and specimen fragmentation (rigid platforms: 3.3% vs TAMIS: 4.4%, OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.33-1.64, p = 0.46) were similar between the groups. Salvage surgery was required in 5.5% of rigid platform patients and 6.2% of TAMIS patients (OR 0.8, 95%CI 0.4-1.8, p = 0.7). CONCLUSION: TAMIS or rigid platforms for LE seem to have similar operative outcomes and specimen quality. The TAMIS group demonstrated lower readmission and overall complication rates but did not significantly differ for major complications. The choice of platform should be based on availability, cost, and surgeon's preference.

Decalogue for mastering robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (rTAMIS).

This manuscript offers a detailed description of our successful tips for mastering transanal robotic surgery. It covers various aspects, including patient positioning, management of abdominal pressures to maintain a stable pneumorectum, platform positioning, camera alignment, trocar positioning to minimize collisions, instruments used, and approaches to tumor resection.

Functional Outcomes After Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (taTME) for Rectal Cancer: Results From the Phase II North American Multicenter Prospective Observational Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate fecal incontinence and defecatory, urinary, and sexual functional outcomes after transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME). BACKGROUND: Proctectomy for rectal cancer may result in alterations in defecatory, urinary, and sexual function that persist beyond 12 months. The recent multicenter phase II taTME trial demonstrated the safety of taTME in patients with stage I to III tumors. METHODS: Prospectively registered self-reported questionnaires were collected from 100 taTME patients. Fecal continence [Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL), Wexner], defecatory function [Colorectal Functional Outcome (COREFO)], urinary function (International Prostate Symptom Score), and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index-female, International Index of Erectile Function-male) were assessed preoperatively (PQ), 3 to 4 months postileostomy closure (FQ1), and 12 to 18 months post-taTME [postoperative questionnaire 2 (FQ2)]. RESULTS: Among 83 patients who responded at all 3 time points, FIQL, Wexner, and COREFO significantly worsened postileostomy closure. Between FQ1 and FQ2, FIQL lifestyle and coping, Wexner, and COREFO incontinence, social impact, frequency, and need for medication significantly improved, while FIQL depression and embarrassment did not change. International Prostate Symptom Score did not change relative to preoperative scores. For females, Female Sexual Function Index declined for desire, orgasm, and satisfaction between PQ and FQ1, and did not improve between FQ1 and FQ2. In males, International Index of Erectile Function declined with no change between FQ1 and FQ2. CONCLUSIONS: Although taTME resulted in initial decline in defecatory function and fecal continence, most functional domains improved by 12 months after ileostomy closure, without returning to preoperative status. Urinary function was preserved while sexual function declined without improvement by 18 months post-taTME. Our results address patient expectations and inform shared decision-making regarding taTME.

Minimally invasive approach for retrorectal tumors above and below S3: a multicentric tertiary center retrospective study (MiaRT study).

BACKGROUND: Retrorectal tumors are uncommon lesions developed in the retrorectal space. Data on their minimally invasive resection are scarce and the optimal surgical approach for tumors below S3 remains debated. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive resection of retrorectal tumors between 2005 and 2022 at two tertiary university hospital centers, by comparing the results obtained for lesions located above or below S3. RESULTS: Of over 41 patients identified with retrorectal tumors, surgical approach was minimally invasive for 23 patients, with laparoscopy alone in 19, with transanal excision in 2, and with combined approach in 2. Retrorectal tumor was above S3 in 11 patients (> S3 group) and below S3 in 12 patients (< S3 group). Patient characteristics and median tumor size were not significantly different between the two groups (60 vs 67 mm; p = 0.975). Overall median operative time was 131.5 min and conversion rate was 13% without significant difference between the two groups (126 vs 197 min and 18% vs 8%, respectively; p > 0.05). Final pathology was tailgut cyst (48%), schwannoma (22%), neural origin tumor (17%), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (4%), and other (19%). The 90-day complication rates were 27% and 58% in the > S3 and < S3 groups, respectively, without severe morbidity or mortality. After a median follow-up of 3.3 years, no recurrence was observed in both groups. Three patients presented chronic pain, three anal dysfunction, and three urinary dysfunction. All were successfully managed without reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery for retrorectal tumors can be performed safely and effectively with low morbidity and no mortality. Laparoscopic and transanal techniques alone or in combination may be recommended as the treatment of choice of benign retrorectal tumors, even for lesions below S3, in centers experienced with minimally invasive surgery.

Functional outcomes and quality of life following open versus laparoscopic versus robot-assisted versus transanal total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The standard surgical treatment for rectal cancer is total mesorectal excision (TME), which may negatively affect patients' functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL). However, it is unclear how different TME techniques may impact patients' functional outcomes and QoL. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated functional outcomes of urinary, sexual, and fecal functioning as well as QoL after open, laparoscopic (L-TME), robot-assisted (R-TME), and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis, based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement, were conducted (PROSPERO: CRD42021240851). A literature review was performed (sources: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases; end-of-search date: September 1, 2023), and a quality assessment was performed using the Methodological index for non-randomized studies. A random-effects model was used to pool the data for the meta-analyses. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included, reporting on 2495 patients (88 open, 1171 L-TME, 995 R-TME, and 241 TaTME). Quantitative analyses comparing L-TME vs. R-TME showed no significant differences regarding urinary and sexual functioning, except for urinary function at three months post-surgery, which favoured R-TME (SMD [CI] -0 .15 [- 0.24 to - 0.06], p = 0.02; n = 401). Qualitative analyses identified most studies did not find significant differences in urinary, sexual, and fecal functioning and QoL between different techniques. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight a significant gap in the literature concerning the evaluation of functional outcomes and QoL after TME for rectal cancer treatment. This study emphasizes the need for high-quality, randomized-controlled, and prospective cohort studies evaluating these outcomes. Based on the limited available evidence, this systematic review and meta-analysis suggests no significant differences in patients' urinary, sexual, and fecal functioning and their QoL across various TME techniques.

IRIS U kit usefulness in transanal total mesorectal excision for lower rectal cancer to avoid urethral injury.

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has improved the laparoscopic dissection for rectal cancer in the narrow pelvis. Although taTME has more clinical benefits than laparoscopic surgery, such as a better view of the distal rectum and direct determination of distal resection margin, an intraoperative urethral injury could occur in excision ta-TME. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and efficacy of the ta-TME with IRIS U kit surgery. This retrospective study enrolled 10 rectal cancer patients who underwent a taTME with an IRIS U kit. The study endpoints were the safety of access (intra- or postoperative morbidity). The detectability of the IRIS U kit catheter was investigated by using a laparoscope-ICG fluorescence camera system. Their mean age was 71.4±6.4 (58-78) years; 80 were men, and 2 were women. The mean operative time was 534.6 ± 94.5 min. The coloanal anastomosis was performed in 80%, and 20% underwent abdominal peritoneal resection. Two patients encountered postoperative complications graded as Clavien-Dindo grade 2. The transanal approach with IRIS U kit assistance is feasible, safe for patients with lower rectal cancer, and may prevent intraoperative urethral injury.

[Perceptions of transanal total mesorectal excision surgical quality and patient screening].

As a rapid developing rectal cancer procedure that has been in existence for more than a decade, transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has had a rough experience along the way, suggesting the importance of improving its surgical quality. In the current view of quality control of taTME, its main advantages are that it could increase the distance of distal margins, reduce the positive rate of circumferential margins, and improve the quality of total mesorectal excision. As few high-quality clinical studies have been conducted, the limitations brought about by confounding bias and publication bias that could not be excluded in current published studies call for a cautious interpretation of the current conclusions. At this stage taTME is only recommended in highly selective patients and centers. Under these circumstances, we aim to discuss the quality assessment of the taTME procedure and the selection of patients and centers. Based on current evidence and practical experience, we typically select patients with difficult pelvis, low rectal cancer, and/or those requiring direct visual recognition of the distal margin after neoadjuvant chemoradiation to perform taTME in our center.

Solitary fibrous tumor within the mesorectum: literature review based on a case report of resection by transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS).

PURPOSE: Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) are a rare entity of in majority benign neoplasms. Nevertheless, up to 20% of cases show a malignant tendency with local infiltration or metastasis. Commonly arising in the thoracic cavity, only few cases of SFT of the mesorectal tissue have been reported in the literature. Complete surgical resection, classically by posterior approach, is the treatment of choice. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the safety and suitability of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) as a surgical approach for the resection of benign pararectal solid tumors. METHODS: We report the case of a 52-year-old man who was diagnosed incidentally with SFT of the distal mesorectum. Resection by TAMIS was performed. Based on this case, we describe the steps and potential benefits of this procedure and provide a comprehensive review of the literature. RESULTS: Histopathology confirms the completely resected SFT. After uneventful postoperative course and discharge on day four, follow-up was recommended by a multidisciplinary board by clinical examination and MRI, which showed a well-healed scar and no recurrence up to 3 years after resection. CONCLUSION: SFT of the mesorectum is a very rare entity. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a TAMIS resection for SFT, demonstrated as a safe approach for complete resection of benign pararectal solid tumors.

Total mesorectal excision in MRI-defined low rectal cancer: multicentre study comparing oncological outcomes of robotic, laparoscopic and transanal total mesorectal excision in high-volume centres.

BACKGROUND: The routine use of MRI in rectal cancer treatment allows the use of a strict definition for low rectal cancer. This study aimed to compare minimally invasive total mesorectal excision in MRI-defined low rectal cancer in expert laparoscopic, transanal and robotic high-volume centres. METHODS: All MRI-defined low rectal cancer operated on between 2015 and 2017 in 11 Dutch centres were included. Primary outcomes were: R1 rate, total mesorectal excision quality and 3-year local recurrence and survivals (overall and disease free). Secondary outcomes included conversion rate, complications and whether there was a perioperative change in the preoperative treatment plan. RESULTS: Of 1071 eligible rectal cancers, 633 patients with low rectal cancer were identified. Quality of the total mesorectal excision specimen (P = 0.337), R1 rate (P = 0.107), conversion (P = 0.344), anastomotic leakage rate (P = 0.942), local recurrence (P = 0.809), overall survival (P = 0.436) and disease-free survival (P = 0.347) were comparable among the centres. The laparoscopic centre group had the highest rate of perioperative change in the preoperative treatment plan (10.4%), compared with robotic expert centres (5.2%) and transanal centres (2.1%), P = 0.004. The main reason for this change was stapling difficulty (43%), followed by low tumour location (29%). Multivariable analysis showed that laparoscopic surgery was the only independent risk factor for a change in the preoperative planned procedure, P = 0.024. CONCLUSION: Centres with expertise in all three minimally invasive total mesorectal excision techniques can achieve good oncological resection in the treatment of MRI-defined low rectal cancer. However, compared with robotic expert centres and transanal centres, patients treated in laparoscopic centres have an increased risk of a change in the preoperative intended procedure due to technical limitations.