Published online Aug 21, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i31.9286
Peer-review started: March 16, 2015
First decision: April 23, 2015
Revised: May 10, 2015
Accepted: July 3, 2015
Article in press: July 3, 2015
Published online: August 21, 2015
Processing time: 159 Days and 17.4 Hours
Transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) consists of a series of anorectal surgical procedures using different devices that are introduced into the anal canal. TES has been developed significantly since it was first used in the 1980s. The key point for the success of these techniques is how accurately patients are selected. The main indication was the resection of endoscopically unresectable adenomas. In recent years, these techniques have become more widespread which has allowed them to be applied in conservative rectal procedures for both benign diseases and selected cases of rectal cancer. For more advanced rectal cancers it should be considered palliative or, in some controlled trials, experimental. The role of newer endoscopic techniques available has not yet been defined. TES may allow for new strategies in the treatment of rectal pathology, like transanal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery or total mesorectal excision.
Core tip: In recent years, the diffusion of transanal endoscopic surgery techniques has allowed the application of conservative rectal procedures in both benign diseases and selected cases of early rectal cancer. For more advanced rectal cancers it should be considered palliative or, in some controlled trials, experimental and may allow for new strategies in the treatment of rectal pathologies.