Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection versus Surgery in the Resection of Early Rectal Cancer: Does the Knife Triumph over the Scalpel?

Abstract Colorectal cancer is a major global public health concern since it is the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Early rectal neoplasia requires treatment strategies that ensure oncologic safety while preserving rectal function and quality of life. Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has traditionally served as a standard local excision technique, whereas endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has emerged as a less invasive alternative capable of achieving en bloc resection of large, non-pedunculated rectal lesions. In this news and views, we will discuss the recently published DSETAMIS trial, which compares ESD and TAMIS for early rectal cancer.