Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the resection of submucosal and retrorectal tumors. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2013;23:66-68. [PMID: 23386155 DOI: 10.1097/sle.0b013e3182757860]

Endoscopic Resection of Tailgut Cyst

Tailgut cyst or retrorectal cystic hamartoma is a rare congenital lesion, thought to arise from a portion of the embryological hindgut, usually benign, with no or unspecific symptoms, mainly diagnosed in middle-aged women. Complete surgical resection of the cyst is recommended to avoid complications and confirm the diagnosis. In this report, we present our experience in the successful endoscopic management of a tailgut cyst, outlining the endoscopic resection technique and discussing under what conditions this approach may be applicable.

Non-conventional applications for Transanal endoscopic microsurgery. A single centre experience and a systematic review of literature

BACKGROUND

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and Transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) have been initially described for local excision of rectal adenomas and selected cases of rectal carcinomas. In the past decade, however, several new indications raised, and others could raise in the future. The aim of this review was to evaluate, both in the literature and in our personal experience, the use of TEM and TEO for nonconventional applications, different from rectal tumors.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of published papers and we selected articles reporting patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for other medical reason than polyp cancer resection, with TEM or TEO. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and bibliographies of the selected studies were searched for articles in English published up to May 2020 to identify all relevant articles. We excluded articles reporting TEM and TEO used for classical indications. We finally report our experience of non-conventional use of TEO in 5 patients with different diseases.

RESULTS

The research revealed 800 papers and among them we selected 52 articles for a total of 697 patients. Of all patients, only 52 had intraoperative or postoperative complications, with only 10 patients requiring major surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggest that TEM and TEO may be valid alternatives to traditional surgery in situations other than its classical indication. These findings can positively impact on the care of patients, who could benefit from less invasive surgical procedures associated with lower morbidity.

Tailgut Cysts with Malignant Transformation: Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A tailgut cyst is a type of benign congenital disease that mainly develops in the retro-rectal space. However, malignant transition can occur in some cases of tailgut cysts. Early and precise diagnosis, and proper treatment, are vital for patients with tailgut cysts with malignant transformation. In this review, we aim to summarize the similarities and differences in the diagnosis and treatment methods among the 3 most frequently reported types of tailgut cysts with malignant transformation. In our study, PubMed and Web of Science databases were used to search for the studies and the key words were “tailgut cysts” and “malignancy”. We found 176 articles and selected 75 articles in our survey, with 9 reviews, 35 case reports, and 31 case reports and reviews.

Surgical outcomes of robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery for selected rectal neoplasms: A single-hospital experience

BACKGROUND

Rectal neoplasm is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Screening programs for rectal neoplasm result in early diagnosis and a decrease in disease-related mortality and morbidity. In selected patients, early rectal cancer may be treated with local excision. Owing to poor exposure during conventional transanal excision, transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) was developed, and TAMIS is feasible for the local excision of selected rectal neoplasms. However, the limited range of motion is a major disadvantage of this operation. Therefore, robotic TAMIS was developed to resolve this issue. This paper describes the surgical outcomes of robotic TAMIS for selected rectal tumors.

METHODS

The eligibility criteria for robotic TAMIS were as follows: benign neoplasms, early malignancy, complete remission after concurrent chemoradiotherapy, lesions located in the middle or lower rectum, and a lesion size of less than 5 cm. To gain access to the anal canal, a transanal access platform was used, and the da Vinci robotic system was mounted for surgery. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were recoded.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients were included, and the median tumor size was 2.5 cm (range: 1.1-4.5 cm) on average. The median tumor location was 5 cm (range: 2-8 cm) from the anal verge. The median length of hospital stay was 3 days (range: 1-10 days). No intraoperative complications were reported, and no patient readmission occurred. The median follow-up period was 9.6 months. No recurrent lesion was found in the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Based on the short-term results, robotic TAMIS is a feasible and safe technique for the local excision of selected rectal neoplasms.

Comparison of efficacy and safety between endoscopic submucosal dissection and transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the treatment of rectal tumor

BACKGROUND/AIM

To compare the treatment efficacy and safety between endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for the treatment of rectal epithelial tumors, including large adenoma, cancer, and subepithelial tumors (SET).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 71 patients with rectal tumors who were treated with ESD (48 patients) or TEM (23 patients) from January 2013 to December 2015. The patient group comprised 56 patients with epithelial tumors and 15 patients with SET. Treatment efficacy such as en bloc resection, procedure time, local recurrence, hospital stay, additional procedure rate, and safety between the treatment groups were evaluated and analyzed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in tumor size, location, macroscopic appearance, and histological depth between ESD and TEM groups. For ESD compared to TEM in rectal epithelial tumors, en bloc resection rates were 95% vs. 93.7% and R0 resection rates were 92.5% vs. 87.5% (P = 0.617); in rectal SET, en bloc resection rates were 100% vs. 100% and R0 resection rates were 87% vs. 85% (P = 0.91). The procedure time was 71.5 ± 51.3 min vs. 105.6 ± 28.2 min (P = 0.016) for epithelial tumors and 32.13 ± 13.4 min vs. 80.71 ± 18.35 min (P = 0.00) for SET, respectively. Hospital stay was 4.3 ± 1.2 days vs. 5.8 ± 1.8 days (P = 0.001) for epithelial tumors and 4.1 ± 4.1 days vs. 5.5 ± 2 days (P = 0.42) for rectal SET, respectively. There were no significant differences between recurrence rates, additional procedure rates, and complications in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD and TEM are both effective and safe for the treatment of rectal epithelial tumors and SET because of favorable R0 resection rates and recurrence rates. However, the ESD group showed shorter procedure times and hospital stays than the TEM group. Therefore, ESD should be considered more preferentially than TEM in the treatment of large rectal epithelial tumors and SET.

The implementation of a transanal endoscopic microsurgery programme: initial experience with surgical performance

AIM

Despite transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) being used for over 30 years, there has been slow adoption of this modality in many centres. There remains a paucity of research regarding the learning curve and early performance of surgeons who begin to offer TEM. We sought to determine predictors of longer rates of tumour excision and improvements in operative time in a newly established TEM programme.

METHOD

All patients who underwent TEM at the Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada, between October 2009 and September 2014 were included. Data were abstracted through a retrospective chart review. The average rate of lesion excision (ARE) was calculated to standardize the operation time by size of the pathological specimen (min/cm³ ), representing a measure of surgical efficiency. Surgical efficiency was plotted using restricted cubic splines. Predictors of higher ARE were determined using multivariable regression.

RESULTS

During the study period 108 patients underwent TEM. ARE was available for 95 patients of mean age 67.2 years. The mean ARE was 18.6 min/cm³ . On adjusting for important covariates, the ARE improved with each additional case until 16 cases were completed. Significant predictors of higher ARE on multivariable analysis were age < 50 years, experience of fewer than five cases, and carcinoid/gastrointestinal stromal tumour or scar histology.

CONCLUSION

Operative efficiency appears to improve as surgeons completed 16 TEM cases. We have identified important factors that result in longer operating time. The study has important implications with regard to surgical training and operative planning for new TEM programmes.

Full-thickness excision using transanal endoscopic microsurgery for treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors

AIM: To assess the efficacy of full-thickness excision using transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in the treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors.

METHODS: We analyzed the data of all rectal neuroendocrine tumor patients who underwent local full-thickness excision using TEM between December 2006 and December 2014 at our department. Data collected included patient demographics, tumor characteristics, operative details, postoperative outcomes, pathologic findings, and follow-ups.

RESULTS: Full-thickness excision using TEM was performed as a primary excision (n = 38) or as complete surgery after incomplete resection by endoscopic polypectomy (n = 21). The mean size of a primary tumor was 0.96 ± 0.21 cm, and the mean distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 8.4 ± 1.4 cm. The mean duration of the operation was 57.6 ± 13.7 min, and the mean blood loss was 13.5 ± 6.6 mL. No minor morbidities, transient fecal incontinence, or wound dehiscence was found. Histopathologically, all tumors showed typical histology without lymphatic or vessel infiltration, and both deep and lateral surgical margins were completely free of tumors. Among 21 cases of complete surgery after endoscopic polypectomy, 9 were histologically shown to have a residual tumor in the specimens obtained by TEM. No additional radical surgery was performed. No recurrence was noted during the median of 3 years’ follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Full-thickness excision using TEM could be a first surgical option for complete removal of upper small rectal neuroendocrine tumors.

Transsacrococcygeal Approach for Resection of Retrorectal Tumors

Retrorectal tumors, are a rare and interesting entity, traditionally managed with surgery. The surgical approach is a key to get an easy and safe access. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of resection by a transsacrococcygeal approach. Thirty-six patients had retrorectal tumors resected by a transsacrococcygeal approach in our department. All the tumors were en bloc resected, irrespective of size and anatomical depth. The clinic data were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor mean size was 10 ± 4.4 cm. In 16 cases, tumors were 10 cm or more in size. The largest tumor measured 20 cm. The estimated mean blood loss was 130 ml. No mortality and severe postoperative complications were observed. The most significant issues were wound infection and delayed healing. Pathology showed 15 cases of epidermal cysts, two cases of enterogenous cyst, one case of bronchogenic cyst, 12cases of teratoma, two cases of schwannoma, two cases of low-grade malignant fibrous myxoma, one case of aggressive angiomyxoma, one case of desmoid tumor. The trans-sacrococcygeal approach gives an easy access and good visualization with fewer complications. This surgical approach shows to be safe and effective for resection of retrorectal tumors.

Local excision of rectal schwannoma using transanal endoscopic microsurgery: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Schwannoma is a neoplasm originating from the neural crest cells (schwann cells) that form nerve sheaths. These tumors are thought to be benign with little risk of malignant transformation. They rarely affect the gastrointestinal tract, and primary rectal involvement is extremely rare. Until 2013, only 11 cases of anorectal schwannoma have been reported. Optimal surgical treatment of rectal schwannoma has not been established.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We herein describe a 70-year-old woman with a submucosal tumor arising from the posterior wall of the rectum with features mimicking a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. After discussing the operative procedures and obtaining written informed consent, we attempted local excision of the tumor using a transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). The tumor was proved to be S-100 positive schwannoma on immuhistochemical studies. Her postoperative course was uneventful, and there is no evidence of tumor recurrence as of 6 months after surgical excision.

DISCUSSION

An extremely rare rectal schwannoma was successfully treated using a TEM without compromising anorectal function.

CONCLUSION

TEM is a feasible approach for local excision of rectal tumors with low risk of malignancy.

State of the Art in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most frequently diagnosed mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite their biological and clinical heterogeneity, the majority of these tumors are positive for the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT and are driven by KIT- or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA)-activating mutations. There are still uncertainties regarding their clinical and molecular characterization and the optimal treatment regimens, making it difficult to establish a universal treatment algorithm for these tumors.

SUMMARY

From a clinical perspective, the main difference between GISTs and other gastrointestinal neoplasms is that the benign or malignant behavior of GISTs cannot be predicted from histopathology, but instead relies on empirically established scoring systems. Clinical data suggest that malignant potential may be an inherent quality of some GISTs rather than a feature acquired by the tumor during disease progression. Thus, some patients may require prolonged anti-tumor treatment even after complete surgical removal of the tumor.

KEY MESSAGE

Although GISTs are the most frequently occurring mesenchymal neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract, no universal treatment algorithms exist. This paper reviews the current evidence that guides the management of GISTs.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The management of localized GISTs involves the use of surgical resection, with the inclusion of preoperative tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment for locally advanced, primarily unresectable tumors and for resectable cases requiring extensive surgery. Imatinib is also indicated as adjuvant therapy after complete surgical removal of GISTs with a high estimated risk of recurrence unless specific mutations conferring imatinib resistance are present. The optimal duration of adjuvant treatment is still controversial. For patients with metastatic imatinib-sensitive GISTs, imatinib constitutes the first-line standard treatment. Molecular characterization of the tumor (with respect to the PDGFRA and KIT genes) is mandatory prior to imatinib therapy. Sunitinib and regorafenib are established as alternative treatments for patients demonstrating generalized disease progression on imatinib. New tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as ponatinib and crenolanib as well as drugs targeting alternative pathways are currently under investigation. Surgery and locally ablative treatments may be indicated in some metastatic patients.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: also for the treatment of retrorectal tumors

Retrorectal tumors are an uncommon pathological entity. Their clinical importance arises from their occasional malignant nature or malignant transformation. The treatment of choice for most presacral tumors is surgical excision. The approach depends upon the upper limit of the lesion and the presumptive pathology. We reviewed the main features of these tumors with emphasis on transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) as a viable surgical approach for the treatment of the lesions, undertaken in our institution. We present our small case series, consisting of six patients with retrorectal lesions who underwent local excision via TEM. Early and late postoperative outcomes are presented. TEM for retrorectal lesions appears to be a feasible and safe approach. A remarkably low morbidity favors TEM in selected patients.

Laparoscopic approach for retrorectal tumors

BACKGROUND

Retrorectal tumors are uncommon and may represent a surgical challenge. Laparoscopic excision has been reported in very few papers. We present our experience of nine cases operated by a transabdominal laparoscopic approach, between 2005 and 2011.

METHODS

There were two males and seven females with a mean age of 35 years (range 19-48). The tumors were discovered incidentally in four cases or because of nonspecific clinical signs. All patients have had an MRI preoperatively.

RESULTS

Only one patient required open conversion due to a huge tumor >7 cm of diameter. Postoperative mortality was nil. One patient developed a hematoma in the pelvic area. The median hospital stay was 4.7 days (range 4-8). Final diagnostic were as follows: four schwannomas, one ganglioneuroma, two tailgut cysts, one anterior meningocele, and one paragangliomas. During the follow-up showed no recurrences, but four of nine patients developed neurologic complications as parenthesis and sciatic pain and one patient developed retrograde ejaculation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case series shows that the laparoscopic approach is a feasible and safe option. It reduces surgical trauma and offers an excellent tool for perfect visualization of the deep structures in the presacral space to minimize the vascular and neurological injuries.