Extending the indications: Transanal endoscopic surgery for fistula, stricture, and rare tumors

The role of transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) in the management of rectal neoplasm is well established. TES offers many advantages over traditional transanal approaches, in particular excellent visualization and a stable platform for precise instrumentation. These features facilitate reliable and accurate surgical treatment and have been exploited in managing other rectal pathologies by TES, such as fistulae, strictures, and rare tumors. The effectiveness of TES means that radical surgery can be avoided in favor of organ-preserving approaches with considerable advantage to patients.