Delayed total mesorectal excision after rectal-sparing strategies, oncologic safety and surgical outcomes: a…

Cohort studyEuropean journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology· Jul 2026

Delayed total mesorectal excision after rectal-sparing strategies, oncologic safety and surgical outcomes: a propensity score-matched study from ReSARCh trial.

Quoc Riccardo Bao, Alessandra Pulvirenti, Carlotta Parati … ReSARCh study group

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Colon & Rectal SurgeryCohort studyTreatmentQ1IF 2.8

Delayed total mesorectal excision after rectal-sparing therapy shows similar 5-year recurrence versus standard total mesorectal excision

Delayed total mesorectal excision after rectal-sparing strategies, oncologic safety and surgical outcomes: a propensity score-matched study from ReSARCh trial.

Quoc Riccardo Bao … ReSARCh study group

European journal of surgical oncology · Jul 2026 · Q1 in Surgery

Background

In rectal cancer patients managed with rectal-sparing after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), total mesorectal excision (total mesorectal excision) is recommended in selected cases, such as local regrowth, recurrence, or high-risk histopathological features.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess whether delayed total mesorectal excision compromises oncologic outcomes and increases postoperative complications.

Methods

Were identified from a prospective, multicentre observational study (ReSARCh trial, NCT02710812).

n = 66 patients

Results

recurrence was less common after delayed surgery, not worse

18%

Delayed TME

28%

Standard TME

More results

Thirty-day complications, reintervention and mortality were comparable.

“

Conclusion

Delayed total mesorectal excision after rectal-sparing strategies does not appear to compromise survival or increase recurrence.

Delayed total mesorectal excision after rectal-sparing strategies, oncologic safety and surgical outcomes: a propensity score-matched study from ReSARCh trial.

Delayed total mesorectal excision after rectal-sparing strategies, oncologic safety and surgical outcomes: a propensity score-matched study from ReSARCh trial.

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