Total mesorectal excision

Total Mesorectal Excision (or TME) is a standard technique for treatment of colorectal cancer, devised some 20 years ago. A significant length of the bowel around the tumour is removed, and the removed lymph system scrutinised for cancerous activity (see lymphadenectomy). Rejoin of the two ends of the colon may be possible, but it is usual to need at least a temporary colostomy pouch.

An occasional side-effect of the operation is the formation and tangling of fibrous bands from near the site of the operation with other parts of the bowel - these can lead to bowel infarction if not operated on.