Reply to Gachabayov et al: Consensus Statement on TaTME: Other Thoughts

We thank Gachabayov et al for their thoughts and appreciation of our recently published International Expert Consensus Guidance on TaTME [1], and the opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings regarding its purpose and methodology. Firstly, the panellists consisted of 56 internationally known and respected surgeons, experienced in managing rectal cancer not only by TaTME but also by the abdominal approaches. They have performed over 50 TaTME cases each, taught on cadaveric courses, and published literature on the technique.