Cabrini hosts an international surgical workshop on trans-anal total mesolectal excision (taTME)

Earlier this year in February the Cabrini Colorectal surgeons hosted consultant surgeons and nurses from tertiary hospitals around Australia and New Zealand at a surgical workshop on trans-anal total mesolectal excision (“taTME”) convened by Mr Stephen Bell.

This new surgical technique has recently been pioneered for the management of difficult rectal cancers to overcome some of the technical difficulties provided by abdominal approaches to these surgically challenging operations. This operation combines standard laparoscopic equipment and approaches to trans-anal surgery to perform the surgical removal of tumours in the lower part of the rectum.

The workshop itself involved a lecture series in the recently completed seminar room, live surgery and cadaveric dissection by all of the surgical delegates. It provided the opportunity for Cabrini surgeons to share knowledge and experience with colleagues in the colorectal field on this evolving technique, which has allowed these surgeons to take this valuable information back to their respective hospitals.

The Cabrini staff were exceptional in coordinating this educational activity, including the theatre staff, IT (in transmitting high quality surgical video images to the seminar room) and catering. It highlighted Cabrini’s ability to host exceptional surgical workshops and promote Cabrini’s innovative standing in the surgical community.