In selected patients, ELRR had similar oncological results to TME. Unique Protocol ID: URBINO-LEZ-1995; registration number: NCT01609504 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

The study shows similar results between the two treatments in terms of local recurrences, distant metastases, and probability of survival for rectal cancer.

Treatment of small uT2 and uT3 uN0 rectal cancers with preoperative high-dose radiotherapy followed by transanal endoscopic microsurgery is an acceptable alternative to conventional radical resection.

These results suggest that laparoscopic hemicolectomy for colonic cancer can be performed safely, with morbidity, mortality, and long-term results comparable to those of open surgery.

Because BDI is a rare event, it is difficult to generate evidence for prevention, diagnosis, or the management of BDI from clinical studies. Nevertheless, the panel has formulated recommendations. Due to the currently limited evidence, a European registry should be considered to collect and analyze more valid data on BDI upon which recommendations can be based.