A timely new study led by Mount Sinai promises to raise the profile for an advanced surgical technique known as transanal total mesorectal excision, which can eradicate rectal tumors that threaten the anal sphincter while preserving sphincter function. The phase 2 trial at 11 sites across North America is the largest to date to confirm the safety and favorable pathologic outcomes of the procedure when performed by experienced surgeons using a two-team hybrid approach.