Main selection criteria Patients with a histologically proved single mid or low rectum carcinoma (0-10cm from anal verge) on MRI, eligible for TME surgery with a curative intent, are included. Main exclusion criteria are T4 tumours, T3 tumours with a suspected involved mesorectal fascia (MRF) after neoadjuvant therapy, patients with concomitant metastases or other malignancies, with malignancies in their medical history or with signs of acute mechanical obstruction by the tumour.