Before laparoscopic treatment of colon and rectal cancer, the TME (total mesorectal excision) was "the standout technique" introduced in the past 100 years able to modify local recurrence, to increase life expectancy of patients with rectal cancer, and to preserve the continence with ultra-low anastomosis through sphincter-sparing procedures. Most all of patients with rectal cancer must be operated with TME technique and only those with malignant neoplasm invading the anal canal should be submitted an abdominoperineal resection.
Progress in colorectal cancer management; rectal cancer; sphincter-sparing procedures; local recurrence; fecal continence