[Transanal total mesorectal excision in laparoscopic surgery for lower rectal cancer: leading actor or supporting actor].

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a hot topic currently in colorectal surgery. It has several advantages for lower rectal cancer, especially for male obese patients with narrow pelvis. But the indication of taTME which can really achieve the completeness of TME is limited. In terms of management and regulation, it is necessary to strictly control the indications for surgery. In the initial stage of development, patients with lower rectal cancer, with early stage and real difficulties in laparoscopy should be selected. TaTME is still premature in terms of technique, devices and instruments, with relative higher morbidity in its current form. We should pay more attentions to the safety of taTME to avoid the complications. Also, we should pay more attentions to indication and standardization of techniques, the improvement of instruments and training program of the technique. TaTME should be operated in large teaching hospitals for research purpose in the initial stage. Only with the high-quality evidence of clinical trials, can the technique be spread widely. Now, taTME is still a complementary technique to traditional abdominal surgery for lower rectal cancer. With the accumulation of standardized technique and high-quality of clinical evidence, the value of taTME will be assessed fairly.