The "tatami" (Ta TME) operation, which is called total mesorectal excision through anus, is a new operation method in recent years. The surgery is mainly aimed at treating patients with low and ultra-low rectal cancer.

Li Guocai, Director of the Department of Gastroenterology (Colorectal Surgery) at the Digestive Hospital of Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, introduced that the traditional concept holds that rectal cancer patients with lesions less than 5 centimeters away from the edge of the anus cannot be treated without preserving the anus, and the anus should be removed. Under the new technique of "tatami", patients can preserve anal function, and the long-term effect of treatment is relatively good.

Aunt Li, who is in her 60s this year, was diagnosed with rectal cancer in an external hospital. Upon examination, it was found that the lesion was only 4 centimeters away from the anus. She visited multiple hospitals and was informed that preserving the anus was difficult. Is there a fecal bag hanging from a person who has had their anus removed for a lifetime? Aunt Li and her family find it difficult to accept such a result.

When feeling disheartened, through a friend's introduction, Aunt Li learned that the team led by Zhao Qingchuan, Executive Director of the Digestive Hospital of Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, was carrying out a new surgical treatment. For patients like herself with low rectal cancer, it may be an opportunity.

The patient has a strong desire to protect their anus, and their family members have a special trust in us. After receiving the diagnosis, Dean Zhao Qingchuan had a detailed understanding of the patient's condition and was admitted to the ward of Director Li Guocai of Colorectal Surgery. The patient's lesion is only about 4 centimeters away from the anus, and their weight is relatively large, making it difficult to preserve the anus. Director Zhao Qingchuan and Director Li Guocai went forward to meet the difficulties, organized the department team to hold several disease seminars, and finally decided to implement the anal total mesorectal excision, that is, "tatami" surgery.

After completing various preoperative examinations, with the cooperation of the Anesthesiology and Surgery Department, Director Zhao Qingchuan and Director Li Guocai led the colorectal surgery team to perform the surgery for the patient.

The surgery requires two sets of laparoscopic equipment and close cooperation between two surgical groups: the transabdominal and anal groups. At the beginning of the operation, President Zhao Qingchuan led the transabdominal group to establish pneumoperitoneum according to the traditional laparoscopic low anterior resection, place Trocar, and free the Sigmoid colon, rectum and mesorectum from top to bottom until the peritoneum is reflexed. Under the leadership of Director Li Guocai, the transanal group is 2cm away from the lower edge of the tumor, the lower rectum is closed, a special device is placed to stretch the anal canal and rectum, and gas is injected to control the air pressure. The tumor and the lower rectum are free from the bottom up, so as to avoid damaging the adjacent organs and tissues in front, the presacral vascular plexus in the rear, and the vascular Nerve fascicle on both sides.

Finally, the transanal group and transabdominal group successfully "reunited" at the peritoneal fold, successfully removed the specimen, and completed the disconnection and anastomosis of the rectum. The test is tight and there is no air leakage, and the surgery is completed. The patient's anus is preserved, and their bowel function is normal. They will be discharged soon. Director Li Guocai introduced that the "tatami" surgery reduces surgical trauma by eliminating the need for abdominal wall openings, making it more microscopic. The lower boundary of the tumor is always in the surgeon's view, making the resection range more accurate. This not only achieves the goal of preserving the anus, but also reduces the possibility of residual tumor.

The completion of this surgery signifies that the Colorectal Surgery Team of Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital Digestive Disease Hospital has the ability to carry out "tatami" surgery, greatly improving the anal preservation rate, striving for more benefits for more patients with low rectal cancer, treating the disease while improving the quality of life, and allowing patients to live a dignified life.