An improved technique for Soave trans-anal pull-through

Abstract

To describe a new technique for the Soave trans-anal pull-through. After the mucosectomy during a Soave's procedure, a laparoscopic wound retractor was used to line the distal rectal segment to facilitate delivery of the proximal bowel through a narrow scarred pelvis. The technique greatly assisted delivery of the proximal bowel and helped prevent mesenteric injury. Soave trans-anal pull-through is a difficult operation that is largely confined to specialist centres. We describe an improvement to the technique that greatly facilitates the procedure.