Resección endoscópica transanal mediante plataforma TEO®

INTRODUCTION: Total mesorectal excision is the standard of care for rectal adenocarcinoma. However, minimally invasive transanal techniques such as TEO (Transanal Endoscopic Operation) offer a safe alternative in early stages, providing good margins, lower recurrence rates, and better functional preservation. DESCRIPTION: A 71-year-old male with a history of soft tissue tumor resection. A follow-up colonoscopy revealed a 1 cm rectal lesion located 10 cm from the anal verge; pathology reported an intramucosal carcinoma. Pelvic MRI and staging CT scans ruled out locoregional extension and metastasis; incidental lesions were observed in T7 and the adrenal glands, which are currently under investigation. A Transanal Endoscopic Operation (TEO) was performed. The surgical specimen (2.5 x 2 cm) showed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma infiltrating the submucosa by 1 mm, with perineural invasion, no vascular invasion, and tumor-free margins. The postoperative course was favorable, and the patient was discharged at 24 hours. At 45 days, a follow-up flexible rectoscopy showed a patent rectum without stricture. Strict oncological surveillance is ongoing. CONCLUSION: TEO proved to be an effective and minimally invasive approach for an early rectal lesion, achieving adequate oncological resection while avoiding the morbidity of radical surgery. Proper patient selection and strict follow-up are essential.