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.

Analysis of the Clinical Effect of Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery Combined with Transanal Endoscopic Operations

Background: To explore the clinical efficacy of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) combined with transanal endoscopic operations (TEOs) to remove specimens from the anus for laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer. Methods: From January 2014 to May 2020, 120 colorectal cancer patients were selected as study samples, including 60 cases who underwent NOSES laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer (experimental group) and 60 cases who underwent traditional laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer (control group). The basic preoperative conditions, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, lymph node dissection, postoperative hospitalization time, postoperative exhaust and defecation time, postoperative anal function, and postoperative complications were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Sleep quality score (6.26 ± 1.16), pain score (2.95 ± 0.79), and hospitalization time (11.55 ± 3.79 days) were better than those for the control group (P < .05). There were no positive cases of incisal margin in both groups. Gastrointestinal function recovery time, blood loss, lymph node dissection, and postoperative complications were not statistically significant (P > .05). Conclusion: NOSES combined with TEOs has the advantages of less trauma, quick postoperative recovery, and low psychological pressure, so it is worth popularizing.

Local Excision and Endoscopic Resections for Early Rectal Cancer

Radical surgery is considered as the standard treatment for rectal cancer. Transanal local excision has been considered an interesting alternative for the management of selected patients with rectal cancers for many decades. Different approaches had been considered for local excision, from endoscopic submucosal dissection to resections using platforms, such as transanal endoscopic microsurgery or transanal minimally invasive surgery. Identifying the ideal candidate for this approach is crucial, as a local failure after local excision is associated with poor outcomes, even for an initial early rectal tumor. In this article, the diagnostic tools and criteria to select patients for local excision, the different modalities used, and the outcomes are discussed.