Objective; To evaluate the role of total mesorectal excision in radical resection of rectal carcinoma. Methods:The data of 538 consecutive patients with middle and lower rectal cancer were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were treated with total mesorectal excision between January 1997 and March 2004. Results;All 538 patients had middle or lower rectal cancer

322 male

and 216 female. No patients died perioperatively and presented presacral hemorrhea. A total of 420 patients were treated by anterior rectal resection; 118 patients had to undergo abdomino - perineal resection. 403 patients were followed - up (12-60 months). The rate of local recurrence was 4.5%. 1 year and 5 - year survival rates after curative resection were 90. 3% and 65. 8% respectively. Conclusion; In our experience

with TME technique

the postoperative mortality and complication would not be increased. The anus - saving rate is increased and the patients’living quality is improved. These findings recommend TME as gold standard procedure for middle and lower rectal cancer.