Endoscopic submucosal dissection versus transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the treatment of early rectal cancer

Background Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) are minimally invasive procedures that can be used to treat early rectal cancer. Objective The aim of this study was to compare clinical efficacy between ESD and TEM for the treatment of early rectal cancer. Methods Between July 2008 and August 2011, 24 patients with early rectal cancers were treated by ESD (11) or TEM (13) at the Cancer Institute of São Paulo University Medical School (São Paulo, Brazil). Data were analyzed retrospectively according to database and pathological reports, with respect to en bloc resection rate, local recurrence, complications, histological diagnosis, procedure time and length of hospital stay. Results En bloc resection rates with free margins were achieved in 81.8 % of patients in the ESD group and 84.6 % of patients in the TEM group ( p = 0.40). Mean tumor size was 64.6 ± 57.9 mm in the ESD group and 43.9 ± 30.7 mm in the TEM group ( p = 0.13). Two patients in the TEM group and one patient in the ESD group had a local recurrence. The mean procedure time was 133 ± 94.8 min in the ESD group and 150 ± 66.3 min in the TEM group ( p = 0.69). Mean hospital stay was 3.8 ± 3.3 days in the ESD group and 4.08 ± 1.7 days in the TEM group ( p = 0.81). Limitations This was a non-randomized clinical trial with a small sample size and selection bias in treatment options. Conclusion ESD and TEM are both safe and effective for the treatment of early rectal cancer.