The improvement in prognosis of rectal cancer through modern therapy modalities rises questions regarding quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes. Evidence for long-term QoL and functional outcomes of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is not provided in current literature. This study will compare short-term and long-term QoL and functional outcomes after taTME compared to traditional abdominal TME (laparoscopic, robotic, and open approach)

Quality of life and functional outcomes of patients undergoing taTME or abTME for stage I-III rectal cancer will be analysed. A retrospective propensity score-adjusted analysis of prospectively conducted data will be performed. The primary endpoint QoL will be assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Secondary endpoints are the functional outcomes according to the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria:

• elective total mesorectal excision followed by reconstruction with anastomosis for primary rectal cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnoses other than rectal cancer
• recurrent rectal cancer
• partial mesorectal excision
• discontinuity resection (no anastomosis)
• incomplete TNM staging information
• metastatic cancer
• 30-day mortality
• lack of quality of life data
• patient decline
• age under 18 years

Patients receiving elective total mesorectal excision followed by reconstruction with anastomosis for primary rectal cancer at the Cantonal hospital of St.Gallen, Switzerland.

The anonymized patient data that support the findings of this study are available and can be obtained upon reasonable request.