Consensus conference on the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for disordered defaecation

Abstract
An international working party was convened in Rome, Italy on 16–17 June, 2005, with the purpose of developing a consensus on the application of the circular stapling instrument to the treatment of certain rectal conditions, the so‐called Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR). Since the procedure has been submitted to only limited objective analysis it was felt prudent to hold a meeting of interested individuals for the purpose of evaluating the current status and to make conclusions and recommendations concerning the applicability of this new approach.