total mesorectal excision

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is a surgical technique used to treat rectal cancer. It involves carefully removing the rectum along with the surrounding fatty tissue called the mesorectum, which contains lymph nodes and blood vessels where cancer may spread. By excising the entire mesorectum intact, surgeons aim to reduce the chance of cancer recurrence and improve the patient's outcome. TME requires precise dissection along embryological planes, ensuring complete removal of cancerous tissue while preserving nearby structures, which often leads to better long-term results and fewer complications.