Applications

1725 – Transanal total mesorectal excision for the treatment of rectal cancer and benign disease

Find out about the service or technology in this application and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

Application details

Reason for application

New MBS item

Service or technology in this application

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a surgical technique primarily used in patients undergoing surgery to remove rectal cancer tumours. TaTME is used in patients with cancer located in the lower rectum, providing an alternative method of access to the low pelvis for dissection and reconstruction. Dissection is performed using both an abdominal approach (from above) and a transanal approach (from below), which eventually meet. It is also utilised in selected benign cases that would otherwise likely require a permanent stoma.

Type: Therapeutic technology

Medical condition this application addresses

Rectal cancer arises from the lining of the rectum. The rectum is the last part of the large intestine, starting at the final segment of the colon and ending at the short, narrow passage leading to the anus.

Consultation survey and deadlines

Meetings to consider this application

  • PASC meeting: 8–9 December 2022
  • ESC meeting: To be confirmed
  • MSAC meeting: To be confirmed