Drainage of a Subphrenic Abscess Followed by Two-Stage Gastrectomy and Adjuvant Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for Perforated Gastric Carcinoma: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 65

Final Diagnosis: Gastric carcinoma

Symptoms: Abdominal and/or epigastric pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Surgery

Extended versus conventional thromboprophylaxis after major abdominal and pelvic surgery: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism, presenting as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, can be associated with considerable morbidity after major abdominal and pelvic surgery. Perioperative thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin is well established, but the duration of treatment remains debated. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of extended (4-week) versus conventional (1-week) thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin in patients undergoing abdominopelvic surgery.

METHODS

Using MEDLINE databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science), we conducted an electronic, systematic search of randomized controlled trials comparing post-operative extended versus conventional low-molecular-weight heparin on venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism rates.

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials met the predefined criteria. Extended prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin after major abdominal and pelvic surgery decreased rates of postoperative venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and proximal deep vein thrombosis without increased postoperative bleeding. Numbers needed to treat to prevent venous thromboembolism, overall deep vein thrombosis, and proximal deep vein thrombosis were 14, 14, and 44, respectively. Rates of postoperative symptomatic PE were rare, and the incidence was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Extended prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin is associated with a decrease in asymptomatic venous thromboembolism. There remains sparse evidence regarding its impact on pulmonary embolism because of the overall low incidence. Extended prophylaxis should be considered in high-risk patients.

FA01.02: THE EFFECT OF POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS AFTER MIE ON LONG-TERM SURVIVAL: A RETROSPECTIVE, MULTI-CENTER COHORT STUDY

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy has a high incidence of postoperative morbidity. Complications lead to a decreased short-term survival, however the influence of those complications on long-term survival is still unclear. Most of the performed studies are small, single center cohort series with inconclusive or conflicting results. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been shown to be associated with a reduced postoperative morbidity. In this study, the influence of complications on long-term survival for patients with esophageal cancer undergoing a MIE were investigated.

METHODS

Data was collected from the EsoBenchmark database, a collaboration of 13 high-volume centers routinely performing MIE. Patients were included in this database from June 1, 2011 until May 31, 2016. Complications were scored according to the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification for surgical complications. Major complications were defined as a CD grade ≥ 3. The data were corrected for 90-day mortality to correct for the short-term effect of postoperative complications on mortality. Overall survival was analyzed using the Kaplan Meier, log rank- and (uni- and multivariable) Cox-regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 926 patients were eligible for analysis. Mean follow-up time was 30.8 months (SD 17.9). Complications occurred in 543 patients (59.2%) of which 39.3% had a major complication. Anastomotic leakage (AL) occurred in 135 patients (14.5%) of which 9.2% needed an intervention (CD grade ≥ 3). A significant worse long-term survival was observed in patients with any AL (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.29-2.32, P < 0.001) and for patients with AL CD grade ≥3 (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.32-2.63, P < 0.001). Major cardiac complications occurred in 18 patients (1.9%) and were related to a decreased long-term survival (HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.38-5.35, p 0.004). For all other complications, no significant influence on long-term survival was found.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence and severity of anastomotic leakage and cardiac complications after MIE negatively affect long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients.

DISCLOSURE

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Impact of Laparoscopic Repair of Large Hiatus Hernia on Quality of Life: Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery has proven safe and effective in the treatment of large hiatus hernia. Differences may exist between objectively assessed surgical outcomes, symptomatic scores, and patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

An observational, single-arm cohort study was conducted in patients undergoing primary laparoscopic repair with crura mesh augmentation and Toupet fundoplication for large (> 50% of intrathoracic stomach) type III-IV hiatus hernia. Data were extracted from hospital charts and a prospectively updated research database. The main study outcome was quality of life assessed by the Gastroesophageal reflux disease Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) score and the Short-form 36 (SF-36).

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2016, 37 out of 49 operated patients completed the comprehensive quality-of-life evaluation at the 2-year follow-up. The GERD-HRQL score significantly decreased compared to baseline (p < 0.001). All items of the SF-36 significantly improved compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Both Physical and Mental Component Summary scores were significantly higher than preoperative scores, with a medium Cohen's effect size (-0.77 and 0.56, respectively). At the 2-year follow-up, symptoms had disappeared in the majority of patients. The use of proton-pump inhibitors significantly decreased compared to baseline (13.5 vs. 86.4%, p < 0.001). Also, the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines significantly decreased after surgery (8.1 vs. 32.4%, p < 0.001). The overall alimentary satisfaction score was > 8 in 92% of patients. There were no safety issues related to the use of the absorbable synthetic mesh. The incidence of anatomical hernia recurrence was 5.4%, but no patient with recurrent hernia required surgical revision.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic repair of large hiatus hernia with mesh and partial fundoplication is associated with symptomatic relief, no side-effects, and a significant improvement in disease-specific and generic quality of life at 2-year follow-up.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation is an effective option for refractory duodeno-gastro-oesophageal reflux following Billroth II gastrectomy

Bile reflux into the gastric stump and then into the oesophagus is a common event after distal gastrectomy and Billroth II reconstruction. In addition to typical symptoms of nausea, epigastric pain and bile vomiting, acid reflux can also occur in patients with concomitant hiatus hernia and lower oesophageal sphincter incompetency. Diverting the bile away from the oesophagus by conversion into a Roux-en-Y anastomosis or by completion gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy have so far represented the mainstay of treatment. We report the first case of magnetic sphincter augmentation to relieve refractory reflux symptoms after Billroth II gastrectomy. The procedure was performed through a laparoscopic approach and proved very effective at 1-year follow-up.

Outcomes of Transhiatal and Intercostal Pleural Drain After Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy: Comparative Analysis of Two Consecutive Patient Cohorts

BACKGROUND

In a previous proof of concept study, transhiatal pleural drain has been shown to be safe and effective after hybrid Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of transhiatal and intercostal pleural drainage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is an observational retrospective cohort study. Two methods of pleural drainage were compared in patients undergoing hybrid Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Patients treated with a transhiatal drain connected to a vacuum bag were compared to a historical cohort of patients treated with the conventional intercostal drain connected to underwater seal and suction. Postoperative morbidity, total and daily drainage output, serum albumin levels, and total dose of paracetamol and ketorolac administered on demand were recorded.

RESULTS

Between January 2014 and December 2016, 50 patients with transhiatal drain and 50 with intercostal drains met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Demographic and clinicopathological variables were similar in the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications. The total volume of drain output and the serum albumin levels were similar in the two groups. The total dose of ketorolac was significantly reduced in patients with transhiatal drain (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Transhiatal pleural drainage connected to a portable vacuum system could safely replace the intercostal drain after hybrid Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. It has the potential to reduce postoperative pain and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and to enhance recovery from surgery.

Esophageal Resection for End-Stage Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare disease characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation loss and of peristalsis in the esophageal body. Endoscopic balloon dilation and laparoscopic surgical myotomy have been established as initial treatment modalities. Indications and outcomes of esophagectomy in the management of end-stage achalasia are less defined. A literature search was conducted to identify all reports on esophagectomy for end-stage achalasia between 1987 and 2017. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were consulted matching the terms “achalasia,” “end-stage achalasia,” “esophagectomy,” and “esophageal resection.” Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria and 1422 patients were included in this narrative review. Most of the patients had previous multiple endoscopic and/or surgical treatments. Esophagectomy was performed through a transthoracic (74%) or a transhiatal (26%) approach. A thoracoscopic approach was used in a minority of patients and seemed to be safe and effective. In 95 per cent of patients, the stomach was used as an esophageal substitute. The mean postoperative morbidity rate was 27.1 per cent and the mortality rate 2.1 per cent. Symptom resolution was reported in 75 to 100 per cent of patients over a mean follow-up of 43 months. Only five series including 195 patients assessed the long-term follow-up (>5 years) after reconstruction with gastric or colon conduits, and the results seem similar. Esophagectomy for end-stage achalasia is safe and effective in tertiary referral centers. A thoracoscopic approach is a feasible and safe alternative to thoracotomy and may replace the transhiatal route in the future.

Esophageal Resection for End-Stage Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare disease characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation loss and of peristalsis in the esophageal body. Endoscopic balloon dilation and laparoscopic surgical myotomy have been established as initial treatment modalities. Indications and outcomes of esophagectomy in the management of end-stage achalasia are less defined. A literature search was conducted to identify all reports on esophagectomy for end-stage achalasia between 1987 and 2017. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were consulted matching the terms "achalasia," "end-stage achalasia," "esophagectomy," and "esophageal resection." Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria and 1422 patients were included in this narrative review. Most of the patients had previous multiple endoscopic and/or surgical treatments. Esophagectomy was performed through a transthoracic (74%) or a transhiatal (26%) approach. A thoracoscopic approach was used in a minority of patients and seemed to be safe and effective. In 95 per cent of patients, the stomach was used as an esophageal substitute. The mean postoperative morbidity rate was 27.1 per cent and the mortality rate 2.1 per cent. Symptom resolution was reported in 75 to 100 per cent of patients over a mean follow-up of 43 months. Only five series including 195 patients assessed the long-term follow-up (>5 years) after reconstruction with gastric or colon conduits, and the results seem similar. Esophagectomy for end-stage achalasia is safe and effective in tertiary referral centers. A thoracoscopic approach is a feasible and safe alternative to thoracotomy and may replace the transhiatal route in the future.

Outcome of Trimodal Therapy in Elderly Patients with Esophageal Cancer: Prognostic Value of the Charlson Comorbidity Index

BACKGROUND

In the real-world setting outside clinical trials, neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy followed by esophagectomy may represent overtreatment in some elderly individuals with multiple comorbidities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Through an observational cohort study, consecutive patients with esophageal cancer treated with the protocol of the Chemoradiotherapy for Oesophageal Cancer Followed by Surgery Study (CROSS) were compared to patients of similar age who underwent upfront surgery during the same study period.

RESULTS

Fifty consecutive patients treated between 2010 and 2017 were enrolled. Thirty-two (64%) were older than 65 years and three (9.4%) were octogenarians. Eleven patients dropped-out of the protocol. Sixty-four patients undergoing upfront surgery served as controls. Compared to those who dropped out, patients who completed the protocol were younger (p=0.002) and had a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (p=0.003); the CCI was also lower (p=0.006) in the group treated with upfront surgery. The American Society of Anesthesiologists score did not discriminate between those who dropped out and patients who completed the protocol (p=0.178).

CONCLUSION

Routine use of the CCI may help in the pretreatment risk stratification of elderly patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Early results of magnetic sphincter augmentation versus fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication (LF) are currently considered gold-standard surgical treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA) is an innovative surgical procedure that has been showed to be effective to control GERD symptoms and to reduce esophageal acid exposure. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare early outcomes of LF and MSA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were consulted matching the terms "Gastroesophageal reflux or heartburn", "LINX or magnetic sphincter augmentation" and "fundoplication". Pooled effect measures were calculated using an inverse-variance weighted or Mantel-Haenszel in random effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I²-index and Cochrane Q-test. Meta-regression was used to address the effect of potential confounders.

RESULTS

Seven observational cohort studies, published between 2014 and 2017, matched the inclusion criteria. Overall, 1211 patients, 686 MSA and 525 LF, were included. Postoperative morbidity ranged from 0 to 3% in the MSA group and from 0 to 7% in the LF group, and there was no mortality. Dysphagia requiring endoscopic dilatation occurred in 9.3% and 6.6% of patients respectively (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 0.61-3.95, p = 0.119). The pooled OR of gas/bloat symptoms, ability to vomit, and ability to belch were 0.39 (95% CI 0.25-0.61; p < 0.001), 10.10 (95% CI 5.33-19.15; p < 0.001), and 5.53 (95% CI 3.73-8.19; p < 0.001), respectively. The postoperative GERD-HRQL was similar (p = 0.101). The pooled OR of PPI suspension, endoscopic dilation, and reoperation were similar in the two patients groups (p = 0.548, p = 0.119, p = 0.183, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Both anti-reflux procedures are safe and effective up to 1-year follow-up. PPI suspension rate, dysphagia requiring endoscopic dilatation, and disease-related quality of life are similar in the two patient groups. MSA is associated with less gas/bloat symptoms and increased ability to vomit and belch.

Transhiatal Chest Drainage After Hybrid Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy: Proof of Concept Study

BACKGROUND

Intercostal pleural drainage is standard practice after transthoracic esophagectomy but has some drawbacks. We hypothesized that a transhiatal pleural drain introduced through the subxyphoid port site incision at laparoscopy can be as effective as the intercostal drainage and may enhance patient recovery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A proof of concept study was designed to assess a new method of pleural drainage in patients undergoing hybrid Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (laparoscopy and right thoracotomy). The main study aims were safety and efficacy of transhiatal pleural drainage with a 15 Fr Blake tube connected to a portable vacuum system. Pre- and postoperative data, mean duration, and total and daily output of drainage were recorded in an electronic database. Postoperative complications were scored according to the Dindo-Clavien classification.

RESULTS

Between June 2015 and December 2016, 50 of 63 consecutive patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. No conversions from the portable vacuum system to underwater seal and suction occurred. There was no mortality. The overall morbidity rate was 40%. Two patients (4%) required reoperation for hemothorax and chylothorax, respectively. Percutaneous catheter drainage for residual pneumothorax was necessary in 2 patients (4%) on postoperative day 2. The mean duration of drainage was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 2), and the total volume of drain output was 1580 mL (IQR = 880). No pleural effusion on chest X-ray was detected at the 3-month follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Transhiatal pleural drainage is safe and effective after hybrid Ivor Lewis esophagectomy and could replace the intercostal drain in selected patients.

Respiratory Symptoms and Complications of Zenker Diverticulum: Effect of Trans-Oral Septum Stapling

BACKGROUND

Zenker diverticulum is a rare condition commonly associated with dysphagia and respiratory symptoms/complications, which are alarming especially in the elderly population. Aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms/complications and the effects of minimally invasive trans-oral surgery in these patients.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients who underwent trans-oral septum stapling for Zenker diverticulum were included in a retrospective, observational cohort study. Pre- and postoperative symptoms, including chronic cough and aspiration pneumonia, were evaluated using a dedicated foregut questionnaire and were recorded on a prospectively maintained database. The operation was performed under general anesthesia. A barium swallow study and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed 6 months after the operation, and the foregut questionnaire was administered yearly.

RESULTS

A total of 139 patients were finally included in the study. The median age was 72 years. In 62 (44.6%, CI 36.2-53.3) patients, there was a history of chronic cough and/or aspiration pneumonia. Chronic cough was associated with pneumonia (p < 0.001), while pneumonia was associated with severe regurgitation (p < 0.042) and weight loss (p = 0.001). The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 2.2% and there was no mortality. The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days (range 0-22). The median follow-up was 38 months (range 2-105). At 3 years, a statistically significant reduction in the rate of chronic cough (36.8 vs. 7.9%, p < 0.001), recurrent episodes of pneumonia (6.6 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.031), dysphagia (78.9 vs. 6.6%, p < 0.001), and regurgitation (67.1 vs. 6.6%, p < 0.001) was recorded. The probability of remaining symptom-free at 90 months of follow-up was 0.818 (CI: 0.745-0.899).

CONCLUSIONS

Trans-oral septum stapling is safe and can effectively reduce the burden of respiratory symptoms and complications associated with Zenker diverticulum.

Hybrid and total minimally invasive esophagectomy: how I do it

Esophagectomy is a major surgical procedure associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Minimally invasive esophagectomy is becoming the preferred approach because of the potential to limit surgical trauma, reduce respiratory complications, and promote earlier functional recovery. Various hybrid and total minimally invasive surgical techniques have been introduced in clinical practice over the past 20 years, and minimally invasive esophagectomy has been shown equivalent to open surgery concerning the short-term outcomes. Implementation of a minimally invasive esophagectomy program is technically demanding and requires a significant learning curve and the infrastructure of a dedicated multidisciplinary center where optimal staging, individualized therapy, and perioperative care can be provided to the patient. Both hybrid and total minimally invasive techniques of esophagectomy have proven safe and effective in expert centers. The choice of the surgical approach should be driven by preoperative staging, tumor site and histology, comorbidity, patient's anatomy and physiological status, and surgeon's experience.

Transanal removal of a broken drinking glass self-inserted and retained in the rectum

Retained rectal foreign bodies are increasingly reported in current clinical practice, and there is no clear consensus in the literature as to whether transanal extraction should be performed in the emergency or in the operating room. A 47-year-old presented to the hospital for a retained drinking glass in the rectum that was broken after an attempt at self-extraction. Physical examination showed no evidence of abdominal guarding nor bleeding from the rectum; abdominal and pelvic X-rays confirmed the presence of a broken glass, 8×6 cm in size and no signs of perforation. Initial anoscopy performed in the emergency room confirmed the partial fracture of the glass. The patient was transferred to the operating room and transanal extraction was carried out under general anaesthesia without complications.

Non-iatrogenic esophageal injury: a retrospective analysis from the National Trauma Data Bank

BACKGROUND

Traumatic, non-iatrogenic esophageal injuries, despite their rarity, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The optimal management of these esophageal perforations remains largely debated. To date, only a few small case series are available with contrasting results. The purpose of this study was to examine a large contemporary experience with traumatic esophageal injury management and to analyze risk factors associated with mortality.

METHODS

This National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) database study included patients with non-iatrogenic esophageal injuries. Variables abstracted were demographics, comorbidities, mechanism of injury, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), esophageal Organ Injury Scale (OIS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), level of injury, vital signs, and treatment. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent predictors for mortality and overall complications.

RESULTS

A total of 944 patients with non-iatrogenic esophageal injury were included in the final analysis. The cervical segment of the esophagus was injured in 331 (35%) patients. The unadjusted 24-h mortality (8.2 vs. 14%, p = 0.008), 30-day mortality (4.2 vs. 9.3%, p = 0.005), and overall mortality (7.9 vs. 13.5%, p = 0.009) were significantly lower in the group of patients with a cervical injury. The overall complication rate was also lower in the cervical group (19.8 vs. 27.1%, p = 0.024). Multilogistic regression analysis identified age >50, thoracic injury, high-grade esophageal injury (OIS IV-V), hypotension on admission, and GCS <9 as independent risk factors associated with increased mortality. Treatment within the first 24 h was found to be protective (OR 0.284; 95% CI, 0.148-0.546; p < 0.001). Injury to the thoracic esophagus was also an independent risk factor for overall complications (OR 1.637; 95% CI, 1.06-2.53; p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite improvements in surgical technique and critical care support, the overall mortality for traumatic esophageal injury remains high. The presence of a thoracic esophageal injury and extensive esophageal damage are the major independent risk factors for mortality. Early surgical treatment, within the first 24 h of admission, is associated with improved survival.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

iStar, HS-16-00883.

Crura augmentation with Bio-A® mesh for laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia: single-institution experience with 100 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

The potential utility of both non-absorbable and absorbable meshes to reinforce the esophageal hiatus and prevent recurrent hernia has been investigated in observational studies and a few randomized clinical trials. Use of absorbable mesh has been associated with lesser side-effects, but the long-term safety and effectiveness are still debated. This rather scanty clinical evidence is due to heterogeneity and bias regarding the type of mesh and operation used, the modalities of follow-up, and the reporting of objective results.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to assess safety, quality of life, and recurrence-free probability after laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia reinforced with a synthetic absorbable mesh.

METHODS

Observational, retrospective, single-center cohort study. All patients with hiatal hernia who underwent laparoscopic crura repair using a biosynthetic mesh (Gore Bio A^® tissue reinforcement, Flagstaff, AZ) were included. Pre- and post-operative symptoms were assessed with the GERD-HRQL questionnaire. Objective follow-up consisted of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and barium swallow study.

RESULTS

From September 2011 to March 2016, a total of 100 patients underwent hiatal hernia repair using a Bio-A^® mesh. All surgical procedures were completed laparoscopically. Postoperative morbidity rate was 10%. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 6 months, and the median follow-up was 30 (IQR = 22) months. No mesh-related complications occurred. The incidence of recurrent hernia ≥2 cm was 9%, and eight of the nine patients had a preoperative type III hernia. The median GERD-HRQL score was significantly reduced after operation (p < 0.001). The recurrence-free probability at 1 and 5 years was, respectively, 0.99 (CI 0.97-1.00) and 0.84 (CI 0.74-0.97), and no reoperation was required. No association was found between age, BMI, hernia size, previously failed surgical repairs and hernia recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a synthetic absorbable mesh to reinforce the esophageal hiatus is safe and appears to be effective and durable over a medium-term follow-up.

Laparoscopic Rectal Dissection Assisted by Transanal Endoluminal Videoendoscopy Through a Blunt Tip Trocar

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Laparoscopic resection is a well-established approach for colorectal cancer surgery. In patients with rectal cancer treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, it may be difficult to identify a clear safety margin for endostapling and subsequent anastomosis. We designed an innovative technical approach to assist colorectal anastomosis in these patients.

TECHNIQUE

A four-trocar laparoscopic approach is used. After exploration of the abdominal cavity, the left colic flexure is completely mobilized. Using a medial to lateral approach, the inferior mesenteric artery and vein are divided between clips, and the left colon proximal to the tumor is transected with a linear stapler. A total mesorectal excision is performed. At this point, if the free margin distal to the tumor site cannot be clearly identified, a blunt tip trocar (BTT, 10 mm; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) is inserted into the anus and the proximal foam sponge is secured to the anal verge to avoid displacement and gas leakage. Under low flow rate gas insufflation, a 0° scope inserted into the trocar allows a clear observation of the distal margin of the lesion and guides the low rectal laparoscopic dissection and the precise placement of the stapler. The BTT is then removed to perform the transanal colorectal anastomosis; at the end of the procedure, the BTT can be reinserted to check the anastomosis for bleeding and leakage.

RESULTS

We used this novel technique on 3 patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy for T3 rectal cancer. In all of them, identification of the distal tumor margin was difficult at laparoscopy. All surgical procedures were safely completed and resulted in R0 resection. The average length of stay was 6 days. All patients were free from recurrences at 1 year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Endoluminal videoendoscopy through a transanal BTT is a useful ancillary technique to achieve a safe free margin during low rectal resection.