Modified technique for performing STARR with Contour Transtar™

Abstract

Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) performed using CCS-30 Contour Transtar™ despite its recent introduction seems to be an effective surgical procedure to treat obstructed defecation syndrome. The major constraint of this procedure is the need to open the prolapse longitudinally using the CCS-30. This is often difficult and can lead to an inadequate or spiralling resection. Our modified technique, presented in this paper, creates the prolapse opening with an electric scalpel between two Kocher clamps, placed to grab the whole prolapsed tissue at 2 and 4 o'clock, respectively. The results of the first 83 procedures confirm that this technique allows the surgeon to simplify the prolapse's longitudinal opening and especially the first loading of the tissue between the CCS-30 jaws, which is necessary to start the circular resection, as confirmed by the absence of spiralling and major complications in this series.