Total mesorectal excision (or TME) is a standard technique for treatment of colorectal cancer, devised some 20 years ago by Professor Bill Heald at the UK's Basingstoke District Hospital.[1] A significant length of the bowel around the tumour is removed, and the removed lymph system scrutinised for cancerous activity (see lymphadenectomy). Rejoin of the two ends of the colon may be possible, but it is usual to need at least a temporary ileostomy pouch.
TME has become the "gold standard" treatment for rectal cancer in the west.[2]
An occasional side effect of the operation is the formation and tangling of fibrous bands from near the site of the operation with other parts of the bowel. These can lead to bowel infarction if not operated on.
TME results in a lower recurrence rate than traditional approaches and a lower rate of permanent colostomy. Postoperative recuperation is somewhat increased over competing methods. When practiced with diligent attention to anatomy there is no evidence of increased risk of urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction.[3]
It is usually combined with neoadjuvant radiotherapy.