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.

Multiple-revolution spiral osteotomy for cranial reconstruction. Technical note

Various combinations of cranial remodeling techniques are used in an attempt to provide optimal cosmetic results and to reduce possible sequelae associated with craniosynostosis. One element of deformity that is difficult to correct directly is an overly flattened area such as that found in the parietal area in sagittal synostosis, unilaterally in lambdoid synostosis, or even in severe positional molding. The authors present a novel application for recontouring cranial bone, namely the multiple-revolution spiral osteotomy. The advantages of this technique include the avoidance of large areas of craniectomy and immediate correction of the cranial deformity. The surgical procedure, illustrative cases, early results, and apparent benefits of this technique are discussed.

Lemierre syndrome: magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic appearance

Lemierre syndrome consists of septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein secondary to oropharyngeal infection, usually with Fusobacterium necrophorum. Septic metastatic emboli and distant infection are characteristic. We describe the imaging appearance of Lemierre syndrome in an adolescent female by both magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. This case illustrates the rapid onset and characteristic progression of the rare syndrome of Lemierre. In addition, we used magnetic resonance imaging to effectively distinguish between inflammatory venous thrombosis and abscess, thus avoiding surgery in our patient. Early directed antibiotic therapy is mandatory to ensure good outcome.