The Anorectal Function and QoL of Patients Receiving Transrectal NOSE Via Rigid TAMIS Platform in Minimal Invasive Colon Surgery

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female, aged above 18 years, inclusive.
• Patients scheduled for an elective laparoscopic or robotic-assisted colectomy above sigmoid colon.
• Deemed a suitable candidate for the Transrectal NOSE procedure by the treating surgical team, based on tumor size (generally, largest diameter < 4 cm), tumor T stage(1-3), location, and patient anatomy.
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification of I, II, or III.
• Able to understand the purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits of the study and willing to provide written informed consent, as approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Willing and able to comply with all scheduled follow-up visits and assessment procedures outlined in the protocol.

Exclusion criteria

• Pre-existing moderate-to-severe fecal incontinence, defined as a Wexner incontinence score > 8.
• History of any prior anal surgery (e.g., sphincteroplasty, artificial sphincter implantation, fistulotomy), major pelvic surgery (e.g., hysterectomy, radical prostatectomy), or pelvic radiation therapy.
• Confirmed diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
• The planned surgical procedure requires a protective stoma.
• Uncorrectable coagulopathy identified on preoperative assessment.
• Known neurological condition affecting bowel control (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, significant post-stroke deficits).
• Cognitive impairment, severe psychiatric illness, or other condition that would interfere with reliable completion of questionnaires or compliance with the protocol.
• Currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study period.
• Concurrent participation in another interventional clinical trial that could potentially interfere with the study outcomes.
• Any other condition which, in the professional opinion of the investigator, makes the subject unsuitable for participation in this study.