BACKGROUND - Information on functional outcomes after laparoscopic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is limited. This study analyzed the functional results in patients with low rectal cancer.
METHODS - Ten consecutive patients (nine males) undergoing electrophysiologically controlled nerve-sparing taTME were investigated prospectively and asked to complete functional questionnaires [the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function, Female Sexual Function Index, Wexner score, and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score].