This matched case-control study demonstrated that TaTME is safe and feasible. Compared with LapTME, TaTME not only achieves identical circumferential margin status without compromising other operative and quality parameters but also benefits patients by achieving a longer distal margin. Thus, TaTME has the potential to become an option in managing irradiated rectal cancer.

No abstract

Hybrid NOTES for rectal cancer is safe and feasible. Rapid experience-building accelerates its evolution, as reflected here by the high stapling rate and the idea of a two-team approach. It has the potential to become an option of treating rectal cancers.

Local thermal stimulation evokes relaxation of the hypertonic internal anal sphincter through a somatoanal reflex, thus providing an easy and feasible method of clinical application.

Local somatothermal stimulation inhibits internal anal sphincter motility through the activation of nonadrenergic noncholinergic neural release of nitric oxide. This procedure may represent a simplified approach for the treatment of anorectal diseases with hypofunction of the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway. [Key words: Local somatothermal stimulation; Nitric oxide; Internal anal sphincter; Motility; Moxibustion] Jiang J-K, Chiu J-H, Lin J-K. Local somatothermal stimulation inhibits motility of the internal anal sphincter through nitrergic neural release of nitric oxide.