Transanal minimal invasive surgery for rectal lesions: should the defect be closed?

Robotic Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Polyps

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) can be utilized to manage a wide variety of rectal lesions but can be technically demanding with traditional laparoscopic equipment. Robotic platforms such as the da Vinci Single Port system can reduce the technical barriers of TAMIS and allow more complicated lesions to be addressed. Robotic TAMIS with the SP system follows similar indications for local excision of benign and malignant lesions as conventional TAMIS or even transanal endoscopic microsurgery. We describe our initial experience using the SP system and provide technical suggestions for how to incorporate this technology. We also address innovations in flexible endoscopic robotic surgery that we anticipate will allow for increased use of organ preservation of the colon and rectum, as well as possibly expand the use of natural orifice surgery.

Total mesorectal excision after rectal-sparing approach in locally advanced rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant treatment: a high volume center experience

Background

In patient with a complete or near-complete clinical response after neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer, the organ-sparing approach [watch & wait (W&W) or local excision (LE)] is a possible alternative to major rectal resection. Although, in case of local recurrence or regrowth, after these treatments, a total mesorectal excision (TME) can be operated.

Method

In this retrospective study, we selected 120 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who had a complete or near-complete clinical response after neoadjuvant treatment, from June 2011 to June 2021. Among them, 41 patients were managed by W&W approach, whereas 79 patients were managed by LE. Twenty-three patients underwent salvage TME for an unfavorable histology after LE (11 patients) or a local recurrence/regrowth (seven patients in LE group - five patients in W&W group), with a median follow-up of 42 months.

Results

Following salvage TME, no patients died within 30 days; serious adverse events occurred in four patients; 8 (34.8%) patients had a definitive stoma; 8 (34.8%) patients undergone to major surgery for unfavorable histology after LE - a complete response was confirmed.

Conclusion

Notably active surveillance after rectal sparing allows prompt identifying signs of regrowth or relapse leading to a radical TME. Rectal sparing is a possible strategy for LARC patients although an active surveillance is necessary.

Transanal full-thickness excision for rectal neoplasm: is it advisable to leave the defect open?

PURPOSE

After a full-thickness total wall excision of a rectal tumor, suturing the defect is generally recommended. Recently, due to various contradictory studies, there is a trend to leave the defects open. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether leaving the defect open is an adequate management strategy compared with suturing it closed based on postoperative outcomes and recurrences.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database was conducted. Adult patients who underwent transanal surgery for rectal neoplasm in our institution from 1997 to 2019 were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: sutured (group A) or unsutured (group B) rectal defect. The primary outcomes were morbidity (early and late) and recurrence.

RESULTS

In total, 404 (239 men) patients were analyzed, 143 (35.4%) from group A and 261 (64.6%) from group B. No differences were observed in tumor size, distance from the anal verge or operation time. The overall incidence of complications was significantly higher in patients from group B, which nearly double the rate of group A. With a mean follow-up of 58 (range, 12-96) months, seven patients presented with a rectal stricture, all of them from group B.

CONCLUSIONS

We acknowledge the occasional impossibility of closing the defect in patients who undergo local excision; however, when it is possible, the present data suggest that there may be advantages to suturing the defect closed.

Local full-thickness excision for sessile adenoma and cT1-2 rectal cancer: long-term oncological outcome

PURPOSE

We analyzed all patients who underwent local transanal surgery at our institution to determine oncological outcomes and perioperative risk.

METHODS

In 1997, we developed a prospective protocol for rectal tumors: transanal local full-thickness excision was considered curative in patients with benign adenoma and early cancers. In this analysis, 404 patients were included. To analyze survival, only those patients exposed to the risk of dying for at least 5 years were considered for the study.

RESULTS

The final pathological analysis revealed that 262 (64.8%) patients had benign lesions, whereas 142 had malignant lesions. Postoperative complications were recorded in 12.6%. At the median time of 21 months, 14% of the adenomas and 12% of cancers had recurred, half of which were surgically resected. The overall 5-year survival rate was 94%.

CONCLUSION

With similar outcomes and significantly lower morbidity, we found local surgery to be an adequate alternative to radical surgery in selected cases of early rectal cancer.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgical submucosal dissection (TEM-ESD) for rectal adenomas: a retrospective cohort study of 145 consecutive cases

PURPOSE

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are currently the two most popular methods for resecting large rectal adenomas en bloc. However, damage to the mesorectum in the case of TEM, plus the technical challenges and long procedure times of flexible ESD, are major disadvantages of these procedures. Transanal endoscopic microsurgical submucosal dissection (TEM-ESD) is a new technique, combining the ergonomic features of TEM with the minimally invasive approach of ESD. The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility and safety of TEM-ESD for resection of large rectal adenomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all TEM-ESD procedures performed in Karlsruhe Municipal Hospital between 2012 and 2019, isolated all cases of adenomas, and analyzed the perioperative and follow-up data of the patients.

RESULTS

We identified 145 cases matching our criteria. The median size of the lesions was 4.2 cm, and the median operating time was 45 min. The en bloc resection rate was 100%, and the complete en bloc resection rate was 78.6%. The overall morbidity rate was 6.9%. In a median follow-up period of 24 months, there was a local recurrence in 4.8% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

TEM-ESD is a safe and feasible therapeutic option for resecting large rectal adenomas, offering high en bloc resection and low recurrence rates combined with short operating time and low morbidity. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER (CLINICALTRIALS.GOV): NCT04870931.

The Role of Transanal Endoscopic Surgery for Early Rectal Cancer

Transanal endoscopic surgery (TES), which is performed through a variety of transanal endoluminal multitasking surgical platforms, was developed to facilitate endoscopic en bloc excision of rectal lesions as a minimally invasive alternative to radical proctectomy. Although the oncologic safety of TES in the treatment of malignant rectal tumors has been an area of vigorous controversy over the past two decades, TES is currently accepted as an oncologically safe approach for the treatment of carefully selected early and superficial rectal cancers. TES can also serve as both a diagnostic and potentially curative treatment of partially resected unsuspected malignant polyps. In this article, indications and contraindications for transanal endoscopic excision of early rectal cancer lesions are reviewed, as well as selection criteria for the most appropriate transanal excisional approach. Preoperative preparation and surgical technique for complications of TES will be reviewed, as well as recommended surveillance and management of upstaged tumors.

Complex Procedures in Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: Intraperitoneal Entry, Ultra Large Rectal Tumors, High Lesions, and Resection in the Anal Canal

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows the local excision of rectal tumors and achieves lower morbidity and mortality rates than total mesorectal excision. TEM can treat lesions up to 18 to 20 cm from the anal verge, obtaining good oncological results in T1 stage cancers and preserving sphincter function. TEM is technically demanding. Large lesions (>5 cm), those with high risk of perforation into the peritoneal cavity, those in the upper rectum or the rectosigmoid junction, and those in the anal canal are specially challenging. Primary suture after peritoneal perforation during TEM is safe and it does not necessarily require the creation of a protective stoma. We recommend closing the wall defect in all cases to avoid the risk of inadvertent perforation. It is important to identify these complex lesions promptly to transfer them to reference centers. This article summarizes complex procedures in TEM.

Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery: a single institutional experience

Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (R-TAMIS) is a novel and evolving technique with limited reported outcomes in the literature. Compared to the laparoscopic approach, R-TAMIS provides enhanced optics, increased degrees of motion, superior ergonomics, and easier maneuverability in the confines of the rectum. We report a single institution experience at a large quaternary referral academic medical center with R-TAMIS using the da Vinci Xi® platform. This is a retrospective review of electronic medical records at the Mayo Clinic from September 2017 to April 2020. It includes all available clinical documentations for patients undergoing R-TAMIS at our institution. Patient demographics, intraoperative data (procedure time, tumor size and distance), complications, and pathology reports were reviewed. A total of 28 patients underwent R-TAMIS. Median follow-up was 23.65 months. Sixteen patients underwent R-TAMIS for endoscopically unresectable rectal polyps, eight for rectal adenocarcinoma, two for rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and two for rectal carcinoid tumor. The mean size of the lesions was 4.1 cm (range 0.2-13.8 cm). The mean location of lesions was 7.8 cm (range 0-16 cm) from the anal verge. The mean operative time was 132.5 ± 46.8 min. There was one 30-day complication, and no deaths. Twenty-three (82%) patients were discharged the day of surgery. R-TAMIS is a safe, feasible, and effective technique for the surgical treatment of a variety of rectal pathology. A hybrid technique can be used for the resecting tumors extending into the anal canal.

Transanal Minimally-Invasive Surgery (TAMIS): Experience with No Closure of the Rectal Defect

Background In transanal minimally-invasive surgery (TAMIS), the closure of the rectal defect is controversial, and endoluminal suture is one of the most challenging aspects. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the short- and medium-term complications of a consecutive series of patients with extraperitoneal rectal injuries who underwent TAMIS without closure of the rectal defect.

Materials and Methods A prospective, longitudinal, descriptive study conducted between August 2013 and July 2019 in which all patients with extraperitoneal rectal lesions, who were operated on using the TAMIS technique, were consecutively included. The lesions were: benign lesions ≥ 3 cm; neuroendocrine tumors ≤ 2 cm; adenocarcinomas in stage T1N0; and adenocarcinomas in stage T2N0, with high surgical risk, or with the patients reluctant to undergo radical surgery, and others with doubts about complete remission after the neoadjuvant therapy. Bleeding, infectious complications, rectal stenosis, perforations, and death were evaluated.

Results A total of 35 patients were treated using TAMIS without closure of the defect. The average size of the lesions was of 3.68 ± 2.1 cm (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.7 cm to 9 cm), their average distance from the anal margin was of 5.7 ± 1.48 cm, and the average operative time was of 39.2 ± 20.5 minutes, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 1 year. As for the pathologies, they were: 15 adenomas; 3 carcinoid tumors; and 17 adenocarcinomas. In all cases, the rectal defect was left open.

The overall morbidity was of 14.2%. Two patients (grade II in the Clavien-Dindo classification) were readmitted for pain treatment, and three patients (grade III in the Clavien-Dindo classification) were assisted due to postoperative bleeding, one of whom required reoperation.

Conclusion The TAMIS technique without closure of the rectal defect yields good results, and present a high feasibility and low complication rate.

Long-term outcomes of open versus closed rectal defect after transanal endoscopic microscopic surgery

AIM

Management of the rectal defect after transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a matter of debate. Data are lacking on long term outcomes and continence of patients with open or closed rectal defect. We sought to analyse these in a retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TEM via the Specialist Early Rectal Cancer (SERC) MDT between 2012 and 2019 were included from a prospectively maintained database. These were divided into two groups - open and closed, based on management of rectal defect. Patient demographics and outcomes, including pre- and postoperative oncological staging, morbidity, mortality, length of stay and faecal incontinence severity score (FISI) scores were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 170 matched patients were included (70-open, 100-closed rectal defects). Short-term complications (bleeding, infection, urinary retention and infection, length of stay and pain) were 18.8% with no significant difference between the two groups (22% vs. 16%). Most of the defects were well healed upon endoscopic follow-up; more unhealed/sinus formation was noticed in the open group (p = 0.01); more strictures were encountered in the closed group (p = 0.04). Comparing the open and closed defect groups, there was no difference in the functional outcome of patients in those who developed sinus (p = 0.87) or stricture (p = 0.79) but a significant difference in post-TEMS FISI scores in those with healed scar, with those in closed rectal defect group with worsening function (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

There are pros and cons associated with both rectal defect management approaches. Long-term complications should be expected and actively followed up. Patients should be thoroughly counselled about these and possible deterioration in continence post-TEM.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopic instruments of the rectum: A review

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) was first described in 2010 as an alternative to transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). The TAMIS technique can be access to the proximal and mid-rectum for resection of benign and early-stage malignant rectal lesions and also used for noncurative intent surgery of more advanced lesions in patients who are not candidates for radical surgery. TAMIS has a shorter learning curve, reduced device setup time, flexibility in instrument use, and versatility in application than TEM. Also, TAMIS shows similar results in a view of the operation time, conversion rate, reoperation rate, and complication to TEM. For these reasons, TAMIS is an easily accessible, technically feasible, and cost-effective alternative to TEM. Overall, TAMIS has enabled the performance of high-quality local excision of rectal lesions by many colorectal surgeons. As TAMIS becomes more broadly utilized such as pelvic abscess drainage, rectal stenosis, and treatment of anastomotic dehiscence, the acquisition of appropriate training must be ensured, and the continued assessment and assurance of outcome must be maintained.

Transanal minimal invasive surgery (TAMIS): safety and feasibility for the resection of benign and malignant lesions of the rectum

Objectives

Radical surgery for rectal tumours has high morbidity. Local excision of such tumours can be achieved without compromising oncologic safety. However tumours that are not accessible to local excision can be approached using Transanal Minimal Invasive Surgery (TAMIS). The aim of our study was to assess feasibility of TAMIS procedure in terms of complications, operating time, resection margin positivity, hospital stay and local recurrence rate.

Material and Methods

Forty eight patients with benign adenomas or early stage adenocarcinoma, within 4 to 12 cm from anal verge who were subjected to TAMIS over a period of 3 years were included in the study. Short and long term outcomes were assessed.

Results

TAMIS was performed for 36 benign adenomas and 12 adenocarcinomas, which were located at an average distance of 6.2 cm from anal verge. The mean operating time was 72 minutes. There were no intraoperative complications.1 (2.08%) patient suffered post operative bleeding, which was managed conservatively. 2 (4.16%) patients developed acute urinary retention who required indwelling catheterisation. Resection margin was positive in 3 (6.25%) benign cases. Average hospital stay was 2.7 days. Local recurrence occurred in 2 (4.16%) villous adenoma patients (after 11 and 13 months), whereas in malignant patients there was no recurrence at a follow up period ranging between 12 to 36 months.

Conclusion

TAMIS is a safe and feasible procedure for benign tumours and early rectal cancers, located in low and middle rectum.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgical submucosal dissection (TEM-ESD): A novel approach to the local treatment of early rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Complete local resection is currently the treatment of choice for low-risk early rectal cancer; however, the ideal resection technique for such tumours is still debated. Transanal endoscopic microsurgical submucosal dissection (TEM-ESD) is a new technique which combines the ergonomic advantages of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) with the minimally invasive approach of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and long-term outcomes of TEM-ESD in treating early rectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed all cases of rectal adenocarcinomas treated with TEM-ESD in Karlsruhe Municipal Hospital between 2012 and 2019, as well as the perioperative and follow-up data of the patients.

RESULTS

We identified 40 cases (19 low-risk and 21 high-risk carcinomas) matching our criteria. The median size of the lesions was 3.8 cm and the median operating time 48.5 min. En bloc resection was possible in all cases, while histologically complete resection was confirmed in 18 of 19 low-risk tumours and in 30 out of all lesions. The resection was curative in 19 cases. No scarring of the mesorectum was reported during the completion of total mesorectal excision for high-risk tumours. There was only 1 case of local recurrence among patients treated with curative intent, with an overall survival rate of 100% and a disease-free survival rate of 96% at both 2 and 5 years for these patients.

CONCLUSION

TEM-ESD is a safe and feasible therapeutic option for resecting early rectal cancer, offering very good long-term outcomes.

Trans-anal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) versus trans-anal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM): a comparative case-control matched-pairs analysis

AIM

Since its introduction, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has become the treatment of choice for rectal benign lesions not amenable to flexible endoscopic excision and for early rectal cancer. Disposable soft devices as the Trans-anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) are a valid alternative to non-disposable rigid trans-anal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) platforms. The aim of the present study is to compare TEM and TAMIS in terms of incidence of R1 resection and lesion fragmentation which were combined in a composite outcome called quality resection. Perioperative complication and operative time were also investigated.

METHODS

A total of 132 patients were eligible for this study of whom 63 (47.7%) underwent TAMIS and 69 (52.3%) underwent TEM. Patients were extracted for from a prospective maintained database and groups resulted homogenous after matching using propensity score in terms of size of the lesion, height from the anal verge, position within the rectal lumen, preoperative histology, neoadjuvant treatment. A multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was carried out using those variables that have significant independent relationship with the quality of surgical resection and operative time.

RESULTS

The incidence of R0 resection and lesion fragmentation was similar between groups. No differences were found in terms of perioperative complication. TAMIS was associated with less setup time and less operative time compared with TEM. Variables influencing quality resection at the multivariate analysis were larger lesion (> 5 cm) and ≥ T2 stage. Variables influencing operative time were surgical procedure (TEM vs TAMIS), height from the anal verge and size of the lesion.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that TEM and TAMIS are equally effective in terms of quality of local excision and perioperative complication. TAMIS resulted less operative time consuming compared to TEM.

Education and Training in Transanal Endoscopic Surgery and Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision

There is a paradigm shift in surgical training, and new tool and technology are being used to facilitate mastery of the content and technical skills. The transanal procedures for rectal cancer-transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)-have a distinct learning curve for competence in the procedures, and require special training for familiarity with the "bottom-up" anatomy, procedural risks, and managing complex cases. These procedures have been models for structured education and training, using multimodal tools, to ensure safe implementation of TES and TaTME into clinical practice. The goal of this work was to review the current state of surgical education, the introduction and learning curve of the TES and TaTME procedures, and the established and future models for education of the transanal procedures for rectal cancer.

Management of intra- and postoperative complications during TEM/TAMIS procedures: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a safe procedure and the rates of intra- and postoperative complications are low. The information in the literature on the management of these complications is limited, and so their importance may be either under- or overestimated (which may in turn lead to under- or overtreatment). The present article reviews the most relevant series of TEM procedures and their complications and describes various approaches to their management.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the literature, including TEM series of more than 150 cases each. We analyzed the population characteristics, surgical variables and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 1043 records were found. After review, 1031 were excluded. The review therefore includes 12 independent cohorts of TEM procedures with a total of 4395 patients. The rate of perforation into the peritoneal cavity was 5.1%, and conversion to abdominal approach was required in 0.8% of cases. The most frequent complications were acute urinary retention (AUR, 4.9%) and rectal bleeding (2.2%). Less common complications included abscesses (0.99%) and rectovaginal fistula (0.62%). Mortality rates were low, with a mean value of 0.29%.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness and knowledge of TEM complications and their management can play an important role in their treatment and patient safety. Here, we present a review of the most important TEM series and their complication rates and describe various approaches to their management.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer

Due to the increased uptake of rectal cancer screening and the increasing rates of complete clinical response to chemoradiotherapy, more early-stage and down-staged rectal cancers are being treated. This has triggered surgeons to question the necessity for proctectomy and its associated morbidity and consider local excision and organ preservation in selected cases. Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has evolved as an oncologically safe yet cost-effective platform for local excision of rectal tumors using traditional laparoscopic instruments. This review highlights the recent advances and current role of TAMIS in the treatment of rectal cancer.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for rectal tumor: a case report and literature review

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is mainly used for benign tumors of the rectum, but there are few reports on treating malignant tumors of the rectum with a large volume. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of TAMIS for resection of rectal malignant tumors. A 57-year-old patient was pathologically diagnosed as rectal malignancy before surgery. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fludeoxyglucose-18F (18F-FDG), and endoscopic mucosal biopsy were performed to assess the tumor location and preoperative size. There were no contraindications in all preoperative examinations. We applied TAMIS technology to perform the operation on this patient, And the operative time, the amount of blood loss, the length of hospital stay, the cost of hospital stay, surgical complications, postoperative complications and other relevant data were all collected. The operation was successful, the operation time was 45 min, 10 mL of intraoperative blood loss, and the length of stay was 3 days, a tumor of a maximum diameter of 4 cm being completely removed. There were no related complications or recurrence during postoperative follow-up. The pathological results were tubular villous adenoma with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, and a focal area of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. The pathological stage was T1N0M0. At 3-month follow-up there were no signs of recurrence. The patient was followed up for 5 years after the operation and there was no tumor recurrence or metastasis in other parts and no other discomfort. TAMIS is less commonly used in rectal malignancies, especially for tumors with larger diameters. We successfully performed complete resection of a 4-cm rectal malignant tumor with TAMIS. Given its low risk, low cost, simple operation, and few complications, TAMIS can be used for more indications of rectum diseases.

Evaluation of transanal minimally invasive surgery for submucosal rectal resection in cadaveric canine specimens

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for submucosal rectal resection in large breed dogs.

STUDY DESIGN

Cadaveric study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Canine cadavers (n = 6) weighing between 37.5 and 60 kg.

METHODS

Dogs were positioned in sternal recumbency. After rectal cleansing, a transanal access platform was placed in the rectum, and a pneumorectum was established. An area of ventral rectal wall approximately 2 × 2 cm was resected in a submucosal plane by using laparoscopic instruments and submitted for histopathological evaluation. The rectal wall defect was closed with a single-layer continuous suture pattern with barbed suture. Postoperatively, the rectum was removed en bloc and evaluated for suture or surgical penetration of the serosal surface.

RESULTS

Submucosal rectal resection was successfully completed by using TAMIS in all dogs. The median length of resected specimens after fixation was 24.5 mm (range 9.8-26.5). In two of six dogs, suture was macroscopically visible on the serosal surface, but no dogs had evidence of iatrogenic full-thickness surgical penetration of the rectum. The median distance from the aborad extent of the suture closure line to the anocutaneous junction was 35 mm (range, 35-105).

CONCLUSION

Submucosal resection of the canine rectal wall was feasible in large breed dogs by using TAMIS. No evidence of full-thickness penetration of the rectal wall was seen in these cadaveric specimens.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Transanal minimally invasive surgery may provide an alternative minimally invasive approach for resection for benign adenomatous rectal polyps in large breed dogs that might otherwise require a rectal pull-through.

Should the rectal defect be sutured following TEMS/TAMIS carried out for neoplastic rectal lesions? A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Management of the rectal defect following transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) or minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) carried out for excision of neoplasm in the lower rectum is controversial. We aimed to extract evidence by carrying out a meta-analysis to compare the peri- and postoperative outcomes following rectal neoplasm excision carried out by TEMS and/or TAMIS, whereby the defect is either sutured or left open.

METHODS

A literature search of Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed. Full-text comparative studies published until November 2019, in English and of adult patients, whereby TEMS or TAMIS was undertaken for rectal neoplasms were included. The main outcome measures were postoperative bleeding, infection, operative time and hospital stay.

FINDINGS

Three studies (one randomised controlled trial and two comparative case series) yielded 555 cases (283 in the sutured group and 272 in the open group). The incidence of postoperative bleeding was higher and statistically significant (p = 0.006) where the rectal defect was left open following excision of the neoplasm (19/272, 6.99% vs 6/283, 2.12%). There was no statistical difference between the sutured and open groups regarding infection (p = 0.27; (10/283, 3.53% vs 5/272, 1.84%, respectively), operative time (p = 0.15) or length of stay (p = 0.67).

CONCLUSION

Suturing the rectal defect following excision of rectal neoplasm by TEMS/TAMIS reduces the incidence of postoperative bleeding in comparison to leaving the defect open. However, suturing makes the procedure slightly longer but there was no statistical difference between both groups when postoperative infection and length of hospital stay were compared.

Evaluation of Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Benign Lesions

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for the treatment of benign rectal lesions so that patients can be provided with better surgical alternatives. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with rectal benign lesions who underwent TAMIS in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2018 to June 2019. The patients' clinical data were thoroughly recorded, such as surgical-related information, postoperative pathology, and so on. At the same time, the patients were followed up regularly and carefully after the surgery. Results: A total of 16 eligible patients were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent colonoscopy before surgery and the biopsy results showed that all the removed specimens were rectal benign tumors. All the lesions were resected with TAMIS. The average operation time was 111.94 ± 46.13 minutes. Among the 16 cases, 1 of the patients was found to have undergone peritoneal entry during operation 1 and this showed that the peritoneal cavity was penetrated during the operation. The average postoperative hospital stay was 4.56 ± 1.79 days. The final pathology of the TAMIS specimens revealed a malignant neoplasm in 10 patients, including 9 cases of rectal adenocarcinoma, 1 case of nerve endocrine tumor, and 6 cases of rectal adenoma. No long-term complications were observed during the mean follow-up time of 10.19 ± 5.14 months. Conclusions: TAMIS is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgical procedure for the treatment of rectal adenomas, which can minimize the adverse effect on anal function.

Cost Effectiveness of Endoscopic Resection vs Transanal Resection of Complex Benign Rectal Polyps

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Complex benign rectal polyps can be managed with transanal surgery or with endoscopic resection (ER). Though the complication rate after ER is lower than transanal surgery, recurrence is higher. Patients lost to follow up after ER might therefore be at increased risk for rectal cancer. We evaluated the costs, benefits, and cost effectiveness of ER compared to 2 surgical techniques for removing complex rectal polyps, using a 50-year time horizon-this allowed us to capture rates of cancer development among patients lost from follow-up surveillance.

METHODS

We created a Markov model to simulate the lifetime outcomes and costs of ER, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for the management of a complex benign rectal polyp. We assessed the effect of surveillance by allowing a portion of the patients to be lost to follow up. We calculated the cost, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio or each intervention over a 50-year time horizon.

RESULTS

We found that TEM was slightly more effective than TAMIS and ER (TEM, 19.54 QALYs; TAMIS, 19.53 QALYs; and ER, 19.53 QALYs), but ER had a lower lifetime discounted cost (ER cost $7161, TEM cost $10,459, and TAMIS cost $11,253). TEM was not cost effective compared to ER, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $485,333/QALY. TAMIS was dominated by TEM. TEM became cost effective when the mortality from ER exceeded 0.63%, or if the loss to follow up rate exceeded 25.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a Markov model, we found that ER, TEM, and TAMIS have similar effectiveness, but ER is less expensive, in management of benign rectal polyps. As the rate of loss to follow up increases, transanal surgery becomes more effective relative to ER.

Endoscopic, transanal, laparoscopic, and transabdominal management of rectal neuroendocrine tumors

Rectal neuroendocrine tumors (RNET) are rare tumors but their prevalence is constantly increasing due to a prolonged survival and rising incidence related to a growing number of colonoscopies and improved knowledge. Their main prognostic determinant is tumor stage. While most RNET are localized, their management should be tailored depending on the presence or absence of the factors predictive of lymph-node metastases including tumor size, endoscopic aspect, T stage, grade and lymphovascular invasion. Endoscopic ultrasonography is the most relevant technique for locoregional assessment. Low-risk RNET can be treated using advanced endoscopic resection techniques or transanal endoscopic microsurgery, in expert centers because they require technicity and experience. Conversely, radical surgery with lymphadenectomy should be proposed in the presence of any pejorative factor. The long-term evolution of RNET remains to be specified, and prospective studies should be conducted in order to determine the relevance of the current management strategies.

Predictors of rectal adenoma recurrence following transanal endoscopic surgery: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Transanal endoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice in patients with rectal adenomas that cannot be removed by endoscopy. However, the risk of adenoma recurrence and optimal surveillance is not well defined. The objective of this study was to characterize the timing and frequency of rectal adenoma recurrence after removal by transanal endoscopic surgery and identify recurrence risk factors.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of a large, single-center academic institution in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Consecutive patients between May 1, 2007 and September 30, 2016 with pathology-confirmed rectal adenoma treated by primary excision with transanal endoscopic surgery and at least 1 year of confirmed endoscopic follow-up were included. Main outcome measures were recurrence rates following TEM as well as risk factors for recurrence.

RESULTS

297 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 66.5 ± 11.5 years and 57.9% were male. Median follow-up was 623 (range 56-3841) days. A total of 62 recurrences occurred in 41 patients (13.8% of study population). Recurrences were managed with repeat transanal endoscopic surgery or endoscopic resection 67.7% and 25.8% of the time, respectively. Radical resection was required for adenocarcinoma in 4 patients. Recurrence-free survival rates were 93.4% at 1 year, 86.2% at 2 years, and 73.1% at 5 years. After adjusting for individual surgeons, adenoma height, size > 3 cm, high-grade dysplasia, positive margins, and management of the rectal defect, patients who underwent surgery in the latter 5 years of the study had lower odds of recurrence (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19, 0.93, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Rectal adenomas managed by transanal endoscopic surgery are lesions at high risk for recurrence; surveillance should be performed within the first 2 years and continued for a total of at least 5 years. Most recurrences can be successfully treated with repeat TEM or endoscopic resection.

A multi-centre randomized controlled trial of open vs closed management of the rectal defect after transanal endoscopic microsurgery

AIM

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a technically challenging strategy that allows expanded indications for local excision of rectal lesions. Transluminal suturing is difficult, so open management of the resultant defect is appealing. Expert opinion suggests there is more pain when the defect is left open. The aim of this study was to determine if closure of the defect created during full thickness excision of rectal lesions with TEM leads to less postoperative pain compared to leaving the defect open.

METHOD

At the time of surgery, patients undergoing a full thickness TEM were randomized to sutured (TEM-S) or open (TEM-O) management of the rectal defect. At five Canadian academic colorectal surgery centres, experienced TEM surgeons enrolled patients ≥ 18 years treated by full thickness TEM. The primary outcome was postoperative pain measured by the visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain medication use and 30-day postoperative complications, including bleeding, infection and hospital readmission.

RESULTS

Between March 2012 and October 2013, 50 patients were enrolled and randomized to sutured (TEM-S, n = 28) or open (TEM-O, n = 22) management of the rectal defect. There was no difference between the two study groups in postoperative pain on postoperative day 1 (2.8 vs 2.6, P = 0.76), day 3 (2.8 vs 2.1, P = 0.23) and day 7 (2.8 vs 1.7, P = 0.10).

CONCLUSION

In this multicentre randomized controlled trial, there was no difference in postoperative pain between sutured or open defect management in patients having a full thickness excision with TEM.

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva transanal (TAMIS): técnica y resultados de la experiencia inicial

Antecedentes: la cirugía transanal endoscópica es un abordaje mínimamente invasivo recientemente descrito, que provee una exposición superior y permite el acceso a las lesiones del recto en toda su extensión. Además, provee un riesgo menor de compromiso de los márgenes de resección, menores tasas de recurrencia y una menor morbimortalidad en comparación con la escisión transanal convencional o las remociones endoscópicas. Objetivos: se pretende describir la experiencia inicial y los resultados con la cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva (transanal minimally invasive surgery, TAMIS) en términos de resecciones completas y posibles complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento. Materiales y métodos: esta una serie de casos con un seguimiento prospectivo de los pacientes con TAMIS. Se analizaron los resultados de 27 pacientes intervenidos en varios centros de Medellín, Colombia, entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2016, realizados con cirugía laparoscópica monopuerto (single-port laparoscopic surgery, SILS) (21 casos) o el GelPOINT® Path (6 casos), junto con el apoyo de la óptica del laparoscopio (16 pacientes) y del endoscopio flexible (11 pacientes). Resultados: se realizaron 27 TAMIS en el mismo número de pacientes, 10 mujeres (37 %) y 17 hombres fueron evaluados. Se realizó un seguimiento a los pacientes durante aproximadamente 12 meses, en promedio 32 meses. La edad promedio fue de 68 años (52-83 años). El tamaño promedio del tumor fue de 5,3 cm (2-9 cm) y la distancia promedio desde el margen anal fue de 7 cm (5-9 cm) Las complicaciones posoperatorias se dieron en 6 casos (22 %) Una perforación rectal se corrigió por vía laparoscópica en el mismo acto quirúrgico y otra por la misma vía transanal. Una estenosis rectal se manejó con dilatación digital, y hubo un caso de sangrado rectal menor, uno de retención urinaria y un paciente presentó un cáncer rectal avanzado a los tres meses de la resección con margen microscópico positivo (4 %). No hubo reingresos. La mortalidad por la intervención fue nula. La patología operatoria reportó la presencia de adenoma de bajo grado en 3 casos (11 %), de alto grado en 11 (41 %), adenocarcinoma in situ en 6 (22 %), tumor neuroendocrino en 5 pacientes (18 %), 1 caso de fibrosis cicatricial (4 %) y 1 de leiomioma (4 %). Limitaciones: los resultados no son extrapolables a la población general debido al poco número de intervenciones y la ejecución limitada a solo dos autores. Conclusiones: en nuestra experiencia inicial, TAMIS es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo con una baja morbilidad posoperatoria, es curativa para lesiones benignas y para pacientes seleccionados con cáncer temprano.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery as day surgery - a single-centre experience with 500 patients

AIM

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is the current treatment of choice for rectal adenomas and early rectal cancer. Postoperative admission to hospital is common but possibly unnecessary. Our objective was to analyse predictors and outcomes of TEM patients having same day discharge (TEM-D) compared with those who were admitted to hospital (TEM-A).

METHOD

At St Paul's Hospital (SPH), demographic, surgical, pathological and follow-up data have been collected prospectively since TEM was started in 2007. Trends in admission and readmission rates were analysed using the Cochran-Armitage trend test, and predictors of admission were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2016, 500 patients were treated by TEM at SPH. The overall admission rate was 29% (145/500), but this decreased to 19% in the last 3 years of the study (P < 0.001). The readmission rate was 5.2% (n = 26/500) and did not change significantly over the study period (P = 0.30). Reasons for admission included the following: surgeon discretion/monitoring (35%), urinary retention (26%), haemorrhage (10%), breach of peritoneal cavity (7%), infection (7%) and other (15%). The most common reasons for readmission were haemorrhage (54%, n = 14), pain (19%, n = 5) and infection (12%, n = 3). Factors associated with admission were as follows: tumour height (OR 1.09, 1.02-1.17), prolonged operative time (OR 1.25, 1.14-1.37), unsutured surgical defect (OR 1.99, 1.22-3.25) and surgeon experience (OR 4.62, 2.75-7.77).

CONCLUSION

Outpatient TEM is safe and carries a low risk of readmission. In centres with an outpatient TEM strategy, predictors of hospital admission include proximal tumours, prolonged surgical time and open management of the surgical defect.

Acquired factor XII deficiency following transanal excision of rectal lesion by transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS): a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Local excision (LE) is currently one of the most effective methods used in cases of large benign polyps, not suitable for endoscopic treatment, or early-stage neoplasms. LE is also alternative to anterior rectal resection in selected patients suffering from major comorbidities and limits for major abdominal procedure. Furthermore, LE results in less pain, reduced impact on bowel function, shorter duration of hospital stay, and lower rates of morbidity, mortality and stoma creation. In particular, early data on transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) are promising, but they come from single centre case series related to small groups of patients and more data are needed to draw a final conclusion on the safety of this novel approach for transanal resection.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 62-year-old woman, following a positive faecal occult blood test and with unremarkable medical history, was admitted to hospital for excision of a large flat neoplastic lesion. Endoscopic biopsy demonstrated a tubular adenoma with high-grade dysplasia and was decided to proceed with surgical excision by TAMIS. After surgery, short-term outcomes revealed prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, undetectable factor XII activity, fever, and partial dehiscence of rectal wall defect suture. Cross-mixing studies of patient plasma show no correction in either the immediate or incubated activated partial thromboplastin time, indicating the presence of an acquired factor XII inhibitor. Activated partial thromboplastin time and factor XII improved in the following weeks without any specific therapy in addition to antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report in which acquired inhibitor of coagulation factor XII is associated with a specific surgical procedure. This case has shown how trans-anal excision of rectal lesions, even when performed by minimally invasive means such as in case of TAMIS, is not free of complications. We consider the acute infection, resulting from early dehiscence of the suture, the trigger in an abnormal immune response, and inhibitor development.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery for local excision of early rectal tumor

INTRODUCTION

Local excision (LE) is used in early rectal cancer and other pathologies for diagnostic purposes and curative treatment, as well as for palliative surgery in patients who are medically unfit for radical resection. Recently, transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has been increasingly accepted as a means for performing LE. Here, we present a TAMIS technique for LE to which endoscopic submucosal dissection was applied.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

We used conventional laparoscopic instruments, including a 10-mm 30° camera. A GelPOINT Path® was introduced into the anal canal to maintain stable pneumorectum and valve-free access. After injecting MucoUp® (SI-4404) into the submucosal layer at the edge of the tumor, we marked dots on the mucosa with cautery using the point of the monopolar diathermy L-hook; we then performed circumferential mucosal incision and submucosal dissection. The remaining defects do not always have to be sutured.

DISCUSSION

TAMIS for LE was performed for seven patients with no postoperative complication and mortality. One lesion required full-thickness resection, one lesion required partial full-thickness resection, and five lesions were dissected completely beneath the submucosal layer. Based on the pathological results, three patients underwent conventional radical resections. One patient had local recurrence at the 8-month follow-up and underwent endoscopic mucosal resection. TAMIS may be a promising option for LE that provides acceptable oncological outcomes and benefits to quality of life.

Local excision for rectal cancer: a minimally invasive option

Transanal excision (TAE) with conventional retractors and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) are two well established minimally invasive surgical options for the treatment of selected rectal cancers. TEM is nowadays considered the standard of care for the transanal excision of rectal tumors, since it is associated with significantly better quality of excision and lower rates of recurrence than TAE. When compared with rectal resection and total mesorectal excision, TEM has lower postoperative morbidity and better functional outcomes, with similar long-term survival rates in selected early rectal cancers. More recently, transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has been developed as an alternative to TEM. Possible benefits of TAMIS are under evaluation.

Does previous transanal excision for early rectal cancer impair surgical outcomes and pathologic findings of completion total mesorectal excision? Results of a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Transanal excision (TAE) is increasingly used in the treatment of early rectal cancer because of lower rate of both postoperative complications and postsurgical functional disorders as compared with total mesorectal excision (TME) OBJECTIVE: To compare in a meta-analysis surgical outcomes and pathologic findings between patients who underwent TAE followed by completion proctectomy with TME (TAE group) for early rectal cancer with unfavorable histology or incomplete resection, and those who underwent primary TME (TME group).

METHODS

The Medline and Cochrane Trials Register databases were searched for studies comparing short-term outcomes between patients who underwent TAE followed by completion TME versus primary TME. Studies published until December 2016 were included. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.0 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK).

RESULTS

Meta-analysis showed that completion TME after TAE was significantly associated with increased reintervention rate (OR=4.28; 95% CI, 1.10-16.76; P≤0.04) and incomplete mesorectal excision rate (OR=5.74; 95% CI, 2.24-14.75; P≤0.0003), as compared with primary TME. However there both abdominoperineal amputation and circumferential margin invasion rates were comparable between TAE and TME groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that previous TAE impaired significantly surgical outcomes and pathologic findings of completion TME as compared with primary TME. First transanal approach during completion TME might be evaluated in order to decrease technical difficulties.

Outcomes of Closed Versus Open Defects After Local Excision of Rectal Neoplasms: A Multi-institutional Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

The management of the rectal wall defect after local excision of rectal neoplasms remains controversial, and the existing data are equivocal.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the effect of open versus closed defects on postoperative outcomes after local excision of rectal neoplasms.

DESIGN

Data from 3 institutions were analyzed. Propensity score matching was performed in one-to-one fashion to create a balanced cohort comparing open and closed defects.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at high-volume specialist referral hospitals.

PATIENTS

Adult patients undergoing local excision via transanal endoscopic surgery from 2004 to 2016 were included. Patients were assigned to open- and closed-defect groups, and further stratified by full- or partial-thickness excision.

INTERVENTION

Closure of the rectal wall defect was performed at the surgeon's discretion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measured was the incidence of 30-day complications.

RESULTS

A total of 991 patients were eligible (593 full-thickness excision with 114 open and 479 closed, and 398 partial-thickness excision with 263 open and 135 closed). After matching, balanced cohorts consisting of 220 patients with full-thickness excision and 210 patients with partial-thickness excision were created. Operative time was similar for open and closed defects for both full-and partial-thickness excision. The incidence of 30-day complications was similar for open and closed defects after full- (15% vs. 12%, p = 0.432) and partial-thickness excision (7% vs 5%, p = 0.552). The total number of complications was also similar after full- or partial-thickness excision. Patients undergoing full-thickness excision with open defects had a higher incidence of clinically significant bleeding complications (9% vs 3%, p = 0.045).

LIMITATIONS

Data were obtained from 3 institutions with different equipment and perioperative management over a long time period.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in overall complications between open and closed defects for patients undergoing local excision of rectal neoplasms, but there may be more bleeding complications in open defects after full-thickness excision. A selective approach to defect closure may be appropriate. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A470.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery for benign large rectal polyps and early malignant rectal cancers: experience and outcomes from the first Canadian centre to adopt the technique

BACKGROUND

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has emerged as a relatively new technique in treating early cancer and benign lesion of the rectum. The technique is likely to be widely adopted, surpassing other comparable techniques owing to its simple setup and cost-effectiveness. We assessed the outcomes of TAMIS at our centre.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data on 50 patients who underwent TAMIS for benign, malignant T1 or T2 cancers that were unfit for radical surgery over a 4-year period. Outcomes, including 30-day complications and recurrence, as well as our ability to implement and integrate this technique at our centre were assessed.

RESULTS

All 50 TAMIS procedures were successful. The average lesion was 7 cm from the anal verge, the average tumour size was 2.5 cm, the average duration of surgery was 73 minutes, the average length of stay was 1.1 days, and the margin negativity was 84%. Major indications in our series included 25 lesions that were too large for endoscopic resection, 14 early cancers or high-grade dysplasia, 10 margin checks postpolypectomy, 6 cases of recurrent polyposis, and 4 medically unfit patients. There were no deaths. The rate of short-term complications, including rectal bleeding, reoperation and urinary retention, was 16%. The rate of long-term complications, including anal incontinence and stenosis, was 4%. Benign and malignant recurrence rates were 2% and 6%, respectively. Overall long-term requirement for invasive procedures, low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection, was 12%.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first Canadian study showing TAMIS to be an efficient and safe procedure for the treatment of well-selected patients with rectal lesions. Outcomes from our centre are comparable with those found in the literature.

Is there any role for minimally invasive surgery in NET?

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) represent the variability of almost benign lesions either secreting hormones occurring as a single lesion up to malignant lesions with metastatic potential. Treatment of NET is usually performed by surgical resection. Due to the rarity of NET, surgical treatment is mainly based on the experience and recommendations of experts and less on the basis of prospective randomized studies. In addition, the development and establishment of new surgical procedures is made more difficult by their rarity. The development of laparoscopic-assisted surgery has significantly improved the treatment of many diseases. Due to the well-known advantages of laparoscopic surgery, this method has also been increasingly used to treat NET. However, due to limited comparative data, the assumed superiority of laparoscopic surgery in the area NET remains often unclear or not yet proven. This review focuses on the present usage of laparoscopic techniques in the area of NET. Relating to the current literature, this review presents the evidence of various laparoscopic procedures for treatment of adrenal, pancreatic and intestine NET as well as extraadrenal pheochromocytoma and neuroendocrine liver metastases. Further, this review focuses on recent new developments of minimally invasive surgery in the area of NET. Here, robotic-assisted surgery and single-port surgery are promising approaches.

Should the rectal defect be closed following transanal local excision of rectal tumors? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Transanal local excision (TLE) has become the treatment of choice for benign and early-stage selected malignant tumors. However, closure of the rectal wall defect remains a controversial point and the available literature still remains unclear. Our aim was to determine through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of relevant studies whether or not the wall defect following TLE of rectal tumors should be closed.

METHODS

Medline and the Cochrane Trials Register were searched for trials published up to December 2016 comparing open versus closed management of the surgical rectal defect after TLE of rectal tumors. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.0.

RESULTS

Four studies were analyzed, yielding 489 patients (317 in the closed group and 182 in the open group). Meta-analysis showed no significant difference between the closed and open groups regarding the overall morbidity rate (OR 1.26; 95% CI 0.32-4.91; p = 0.74), postoperative local infection rate (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.23-1.62; p = 0.33), postoperative bleeding rate (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.29-1.77; p = 0.63), and postoperative reintervention rate (OR 2.21; 95% CI 0.52-9.47; p = 0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

This review and meta-analysis suggest that there is no difference between closure or non-closure of wall defects after TLE.

Quality of Local Excision for Rectal Neoplasms Using Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery Versus Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Multi-institutional Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

There are no data comparing the quality of local excision of rectal neoplasms using transanal endoscopic microsurgery and transanal minimally invasive surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of tumor fragmentation and positive margins for patients undergoing local excision of benign and malignant rectal neoplasms using transanal endoscopic microsurgery versus transanal minimally invasive surgery.

DESIGN

This was a multi-institutional cohort study using coarsened exact matching.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at high-volume tertiary institutions with specialist colorectal surgeons.

PATIENTS

Patients undergoing full-thickness local excision for benign and malignant rectal neoplasms were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery and transanal minimally invasive surgery were the included interventions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence of poor quality excision (composite measure including tumor fragmentation and/or positive resection margin) was measured.

RESULTS

The matched cohort consisted of 428 patients (247 with transanal endoscopic microsurgery and 181 with transanal minimally invasive surgery). Transanal minimally invasive surgery was associated with shorter operative time and length of stay. Poor quality excision was similar (8% vs 11%; p = 0.233). There were also no differences in peritoneal violation (3% vs 3%; p = 0.965) and postoperative complications (11% vs 9%; p = 0.477). Cumulative 5-year disease-free survival for patients undergoing transanal endoscopic microsurgery was 80% compared with 78% for patients undergoing transanal minimally invasive surgery (log rank p = 0.824). The incidence of local recurrence for patients with malignancy who did not undergo immediate salvage surgery was 7% (8/117) for transanal endoscopic microsurgery and 7% (7/94) for transanal minimally invasive surgery (p = 0.864).

LIMITATIONS

All of the procedures were also performed at high-volume referral centers by specialist colorectal surgeons with slightly differing perioperative practices and different time periods.

CONCLUSIONS

High-quality local excision for benign and rectal neoplasms can be equally achieved using transanal endoscopic microsurgery or transanal minimally invasive surgery. The choice of operating platform for local excisions of rectal neoplasms should be based on surgeon preference, availability, and cost. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A382.

Establishing the learning curve of transanal minimally invasive surgery for local excision of rectal neoplasms

INTRODUCTION

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is an endoscopic operating platform for local excision of rectal neoplasms. However, it may be technically demanding, and its learning curve has yet to be adequately defined. The objective of this study was to determine the number of TAMIS procedures for the local excision of rectal neoplasm required to reach proficiency.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

All TAMIS cases performed from 07/2009 to 12/2016 at a single high-volume tertiary care institution for local excision of benign and malignant rectal neoplasia were identified from a prospective database. A cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis was performed to determine the number of cases required to reach proficiency. The main proficiency outcome was rate of margin positivity (R1 resection). The acceptable and unacceptable R1 rates were defined as the R1 rate of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM-10%) and traditional transanal excision (TAE-26%), which was obtained from previously published meta-analyses. Comparisons of patient, tumor, and operative characteristics before and after TAMIS proficiency were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 254 TAMIS procedures were included in this study. The overall R1 resection rate was 7%. The indication for TAMIS was malignancy in 57%. CUSUM analysis reported that TAMIS reached an acceptable R1 rate between 14 and 24 cases. Moving average plots also showed that the mean operative times stabilized by proficiency gain. The mean lesion size was larger after proficiency gain (3.0 cm (SD 1.5) vs. 2.3 cm (SD 1.3), p = 0.008). All other patient, tumor, and operative characteristics were similar before and after proficiency gain.

CONCLUSIONS

TAMIS for local excision of rectal neoplasms is a complex procedure that requires a minimum of 14-24 cases to reach an acceptable R1 resection rate and lower operative duration.

Recent advances in the management of rectal cancer: No surgery, minimal surgery or minimally invasive surgery

Over the last decade, with the acceptance of the need for improvements in the outcome of patients affected with rectal cancer, there has been a significant increase in the literature regarding treatment options available to patients affected by this disease. That treatment related decisions should be made at a high volume multidisciplinary tumor board, after pre-operative rectal magnetic resonance imaging and the importance of total mesorectal excision (TME) are accepted standard of care. More controversial is the emerging role for watchful waiting rather than radical surgery in complete pathologic responders, which may be appropriate in 20% of patients. Patients with early T1 rectal cancers and favorable pathologic features can be cured with local excision only, with transanal minimal invasive surgery (TAMIS) because of its versatility and almost universal availability of the necessary equipment and skillset in the average laparoscopic surgeon, emerging as the leading option. Recent trials have raised concerns about the oncologic outcomes of the standard “top-down” TME hence transanal TME (TaTME “bottom-up”) approach has gained popularity as an alternative. The challenges are many, with a dearth of evidence of the oncologic superiority in the long-term for any given option. However, this review highlights recent advances in the role of chemoradiation only for complete pathologic responders, TAMIS for highly selected early rectal cancer patients and TaTME as options to improve cure rates whilst maintaining quality of life in these patients, while we await the results of further definitive trials being currently conducted.

[Minimally invasive approaches for transanal surgery]

Since the introduction of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in the 1980 s, the minimally invasive transanal approach has been a treatment option for selected patients with colorectal diseases. Recently, transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) was introduced as an alternative technique. TAMIS is a hybrid between TEM and single-port laparoscopy and was followed by introduction of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). Although the TaTME experience remains preliminary, it appears to be an attractive minimally invasive procedure for carefully selected patients with resectable rectal cancer. The objective of this review is to describe the latest technologies which enhanced progress of minimally invasive transanal approaches for endo- and extraluminal surgery in this area of colorectal surgery.

Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Lesions

Background and Objectives:

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has emerged as an alternative to transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). The authors report their experience with TAMIS for the treatment of mid and high rectal tumors.

Methods:

From November 2011 through May 2016, 31 patients (21 females, 68%), with a median age of 65 years who underwent single-port TAMIS were prospectively enrolled. Mean distance from the anal verge of the rectal tumors was 9.5 cm. Seventeen patients presented with T1 cancer, 10 with large adenoma, 2 with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and 2 with carcinoid tumor. Data concerning demographics, operative procedure and pathologic results were analyzed.

Results:

TAMIS was successfully completed in all cases. In 4 (13%) TAMIS was converted to standard Park's transanal technique. Median postoperative stay was 3 days. The overall complication rate was 9.6%, including 1 urinary tract infection, 1 subcutaneous emphysema, and 1 hemorrhoidal thrombosis. TAMIS allowed an R0 resection in 96.8% of cases (30/31 cases) and a single case of local recurrence after a large adenoma resection was encountered.

Conclusion:

TAMIS is a safe technique, with a short learning curve for laparoscopic surgeons already proficient in single-port procedures, and provides effective oncological outcomes compared to other techniques.

Indications and Outcomes From 32 Consecutive Patients for the Treatment of Rectal Lesions by Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, perioperative morbidity, and short-term outcomes of the transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) technique.

METHODS

This is a descriptive review of prospectively collected data from 32 consecutive patients who underwent TAMIS procedures in our colorectal unit over a 40-month period. GelPOINT Path port was used in all cases. Demographic data, indications, tumor characteristics, morbidity, and follow-up data were collected. Primary endpoints included feasibility, safety, perioperative morbidity, and resection quality.

RESULTS

Fifteen adenomas, 12 carcinomas, 1 gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and 1 neuroendocrine tumor were locally excised. Additionally, 3 pelvic abscesses were drained transanally using the TAMIS port. Mean distance from the anal verge was 5.6 ± 1.5 cm. Early postoperative complications occurred in 22%, with only one case of major complication (3.1%) requiring reoperation, and no postoperative mortality. Four carcinomas were understaged (33.3%) and 1 adenoma overstaged (6.7%) preoperatively. Three carcinomas were not suspected preoperatively (25%). Microscopic positive lateral margin was found in one case, and no affected deep margin was found. Fragmentation rate was 6.9%, 2 cases, both lesions over 20 cm². In cases of fit patients with high-risk carcinomas, 2 underwent immediate salvage surgery and another 2 refused and were treated with adjuvant radiotherapy. With a median follow-up of 26 months, the overall recurrence rate was 10.3%, 1 adenoma and 2 carcinomas.

CONCLUSION

TAMIS seems to be a safe and reproducible procedure for local excision of well-selected rectal lesions with low morbidity and good functional outcomes.

[Full thickness resection device (FTRD). Experience and outcome for benign neoplasms of the rectum and colon]

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic validity of a full-thickness resection is higher compared to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic mucosal dissection (ESD). Whereas transanal endoscopic microsurgery techniques (TEM, TAMIS) are established therapeutic procedures in the rectum no established and safe minimally invasive or endoscopic procedure exists in the colon.

AIM

In this study the novel endoscopic full thickness resection device (FTRD, Ovesco, Germany) was investigated concerning success rates with histologically proven full thickness resections, R0 status as well as patient and device safety for the rectum and colon.

METHOD

In the period from November 2014 to June 2015 full thickness resections in the rectum and colon were performed with the FTRD in 20 patients. Data on technical success, R0 resection rate and histologically confirmed full thickness resections were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The following indications were treated in the rectum (n = 11) and colon (n = 9): T1 carcinoma (n = 6) and neuroendocrine tumors (n = 2), untreated and nonlifting adenomas (n = 3) and incomplete resection of adenomas with low and high grade dysplasia (n = 9). The technical success rate was 75 %, 3 technical failures made a conventional polypectomy necessary in 2 patients and in 1 patient an operative resection of the duplicated intestinal wall had to be performed. The median endoscopic follow-up time was 61.5 days (n = 10) and in 7 patients the clip had dislodged at the first follow-up. A thermal perforation in one case of conventional polypectomy gave rise to indications for a partial resection of the colon. In one patient the lesion in the cecum could be reached but not treated for technical reasons. The histological R0 rate was 80 %, whereas the full thickness resection rate was 60 % (85.7 % in the colon and 54.6 % in the rectum). In two patients with carcinoma and incomplete FTRD, surgical treatment was performed. The median size of the resection specimen was 5  cm(2) (range 1.6-12.9  cm(2)).

CONCLUSION

The results show that FTRD is a safe and effective instrument for use in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Limitations of the FTRD system concerning full thickness resection are scarring, fibrosis and thickness of the intestinal wall, especially in the lower rectum; therefore, it is suggested that a simulation with a tube similar in size to the FTRD should be performed during the screening colonoscopy in order to establish whether an endoscopic resection with FTRD is possible.

Significance of defect closure following transanal local full-thickness excision of rectal malignant tumors

Transanal excision (TAE) for rectal tumors is increasingly applied and it is generally recommended that the defect following full-thickness excision should be closed. The aim of this study was to compare the complications and anal function following TAE between cases where the defect was closed and those where it was not. A total of 43 consecutive rectal malignant tumor patients eligible for TAE were investigated. Regarding anorectal function, incontinence was assessed using the Wexner score. The defect of the rectum was closed in 21 of the 43 patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding gender, distance from the anal verge, tumor size, diagnosis and tumor site. There was a significantly higher number of postoperative complications of all grades and ≥Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa in the closure group (P=0.02 and 0.04, respectively). Regarding the Wexner score, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.24). Compared with the closure group, the non-closure group had significantly fewer postoperative complications of all grades and ≥Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa. Moreover, there was no significant difference regarding the anorectal function between the two groups. Thus, suturing the rectal defect is not necessarily recommended following TAE.