Circular Stapling Device Research Articles

PREVENTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAILURE OF COLON ANASTOMOSES

Abstract. Objective. Development of a method to prevent the development of failure of large intestinal anastomoses. Research materials and methods. The results of treatment of 127 patients were studied. Colonic anastomosis was performed in 78 patients using a disposable double-row circular stapling device. To 49 patients was used, a disposable three-row circular anastomosis and a local hemostatic agent. Results and discussion. We have improved the method of restoring of the colon. The supporting head of the circular stapling device is placed in the proximal part of the large intestine. A pocket suture is applied and tightened. The distal end of the intestine is sutured. The suturing device is passed through the anus, the distal stump of the rectum is pierced. The Tahocomb plate is fixed on the thrust head. The ends of the intestine are sew with a three-row staple suture. The line of anastomosis is covered with a second Tahocomb plate. Conclusions. Suture line failure was 2.04% versus 3.84% of cases in the comparison group. The method is based on the synergism of the hemostatic and sealing effect of Тahokomb and the provision of mechanical tightness with the help of a three-row seam.

Impact of a digital surgical workflow including Digital Device Briefing Tool on morbidity and mortality in a patient population undergoing primary stapled colorectal anastomosis for benign or malignant colorectal disease: protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study

IntroductionWith growing emphasis on surgical safety, it appears fundamental to assess the safety of colorectal resection involving primary stapled anastomosis. Surgical stapling devices can considerably foster patient safety in colorectal...

A novel method of anvil placement of circular stapler for esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: results of consecutive 200 cases.

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer is still a demanding operation because of technical difficulties, especially of intracorporeal esophago-jejunal anastomosis. We introduced a newly designed method of anvil placement of circular stapling devices (CS) for laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy (EJS). A small incision was made on the anterior wall of the stomach, from which the anvil was inserted into the stomach and proceeded to the thoracic esophagus. Then, the abdominal esophagus was transected by a linear stapler, and the anvil into the esophagus was drawn back to the esophageal stump by pulling out the cotton tape pre-attached to the anvil. Intracorporeal EJS by Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed by CS inserted into the abdominal cavity from the umbilical wound. A total of consecutive 200 gastric cancer patients underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy using this method. There was no operative mortality. Anastomotic complications occurred in 12 cases (6.0%): 9 cases of stenosis (4.5%) and 3 cases of bleedings (1.5%). Anastomotic leakage was not observed. As for non-anastomotic complications, there occurred 2 pulmonary complications (1.0%), 3 pancreatic leakages (1.5%), and 8 bowel obstructions due to internal hernia (4.0%). With a median follow-up period of 47.1months, 5-year overall survival for assessable patients (n = 193) was 60.3% (95% CI 52.6-67.2). The total rate of peritoneal recurrence was 9.8%. Our new method of anvil placement for laparoscopic EJS with CS is safe and feasible with favorable survival outcomes. It eliminates the need for suturing, and will promote the clinical application of laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. UMIN000046119.

Robotic NICE Procedure Using Handsewn Technique.

INTRODUCTION:In 2018, we described a robotic natural orifice-assisted left-sided colorectal resection with intracorporeal anastomosis and transrectal extraction of the specimen and termed it the natural orifice intracorporeal anastomosis with transrectal extraction procedure. More recently, we have explored the feasibility, safety, and utility of performing total handsewn intracorporeal anastomosis. We present a technical video and initial experience depicting the unique steps to accomplish this procedure with colorectal end-to-end handsewn anastomosis.TECHNIQUE:Twenty natural orifice intracorporeal anastomosis with transrectal extraction procedures with end-to-end handsewn intracorporeal anastomosis were performed. A video depicting the essential steps with 2 variations of the handsewn techniques is presented along with short-term outcomes.RESULTS:The most common indication was complicated diverticulitis followed by rectal cancer and deep infiltrative endometriosis of the rectum. The mean operative time was 235 minutes (99–294 min), and there were no intraoperative complications or conversions. Handsewn end-to-end intracorporeal anastomosis was successful in all patients. Natural orifice transrectal extraction was successful in 17 of 20 (85%) patients. The mean postoperative length of stay was 2.1 days (±1.05 SD). There were 3 major complications. One patient developed a deep surgical site infection, and another patient had an organ space abscess. Both patients required readmission and were treated with antibiotics alone. One patient, who had a diverting ileostomy performed at the time of the index procedure, developed subclinical dehiscence of the anastomosis, which healed without intervention but resulted in a delay in ileostomy reversal. There were no additional readmissions and no reoperations or mortalities.CONCLUSIONS:Robotic natural orifice intracorporeal anastomosis with transrectal extraction procedure and colorectal end-to-end handsewn anastomosis was feasible and safe in this initial series. This technique can be successfully performed in a total intracorporeal manner without the need for an abdominal wall extraction incision or any circular stapling devices.

Improved anastomotic technique for esophagojejunal anastomosis using circular stapler.

In total gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y reconstruction with esophagojejunal anastomosis has been widely used in gastrointestinal reconstruction. In the case of anastomotic leakage of RY reconstruction, esophagojejunal anastomosis should be paid attention, and esophageal fragility is considered the reason for the leakage. Here, we introduce an atraumatic and innovative technique for esophagojejunostomy. We prospectively performed routine novel esophagojejunal anastomosis using circular stapler device and reviewed the records of 14 consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent open total gastrectomy at Kitasato University Hospital from April 2019 to March 2020. By placing about 10 stay sutures around the entire esophageal stump, the esophageal stump can be opened to the maximum diameter. The forceps grasping the tissue was not necessary for these procedures, consequently preventing either tears the esophageal stump tissue or narrowing the esophageal lumen. These 14 cases were far advanced cases of gastric cancer, 6 cases of splenectomy and 3 cases of distal pancreatectomy. No technical problems such as esophageal tear were observed in all cases. Postoperative complications were observed in 6 patients (42.9%), and their contents varied. However, they all improved conservatively. Regarding anastomotic complications, anastomotic leakage of Clavien-Dindo-II was observed in one case, but it improved conservatively. Our new atraumatic anastomosis technique could abolish problems such as tear of esophagus wall due to introduce a larger-sized anvil, trauma of esophageal wall by grasping with forceps such as Alice or Babcock. Consequently, the atraumatic and innovative technique might make the esophagojejunostomy safe. This method might prevent anastomotic leakage and other complications effectively.

There is no correlation between a delayed gastric conduit emptying and the occurrence of an anastomotic leakage after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy

IntroductionEsophagectomy is the gold standard in the surgical therapy of esophageal cancer. It is either performed thoracoabdominal with a intrathoracic anastomosis or in proximal cancers with a three-incision esophagectomy and cervical reconstruction. Delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) is the most common functional postoperative disorder after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (IL). Pneumonia is significantly more often in patients with DGCE. It remains unclear if DGCE anastomotic leakage (AL) is associated. Aim of our study is to analyze, if AL is more likely to happen in patients with a DGCE.Patients and methods816 patients were included. All patients have had an IL due to esophageal/esophagogastric-junction cancer between 2013 and 2018 in our center. Intrathoracic esophagogastric end-to-side anastomosis was performed with a circular stapling device. The collective has been divided in two groups depending on the occurrence of DGCE. The diagnosis DGCE was determined by clinical and radiologic criteria in accordance with current international expert consensus.Results27.7% of all patients suffered from DGCE postoperatively. Female patients had a significantly higher chance to suffer from DGCE than male patients (34.4% vs. 26.2% vs., p = 0.040). Pneumonia was more common in patients with DGCE (13.7% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.025), furthermore hospitalization was longer in DGCE patients (median 17 days vs. 14d, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of type II anastomotic leakage, (5.8% in both groups DGCE). All patients with ECCG type II AL (n = 47; 5.8%) were treated successfully by endoluminal/endoscopic therapy. The subgroup analysis showed that ASA ≥ III (7.6% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.05) and the histology squamous cell carcinoma (9.8% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of an AL.ConclusionOur study confirms that DGCE after IL is a common finding in a standardized collective of patients in a high-volume center. This functional disorder is associated with a higher rate of pneumonia and a prolonged hospital stay. Still, there is no association between DGCE and the occurrence of an AL after esophagectomy. The hypothesis, that an DGCE results in a higher pressure on the anastomosis and therefore to an AL in consequence, can be refuted. DGCE is not a pathogenetic factor for an AL.

188 Right Hemicolectomy with End-To-Side Circular Stapled Ileo-Colic Anastomosis: Evaluation of Outcomes in A Series Of 55 Consecutive Patients

Abstract Background Stapled ileo-colic anastomosis is a well-established alternative to hand-sewn anastomosis after right hemicolectomy. A side-to-side configuration (SSA) is the option commonly practiced. This study describes our experience using a less well described technique, using an end-to-side circular stapled ileo-colic anastomosis (ESSA). Method Consecutive adult patients undergoing a right or extended- right hemicolectomy with ESSA for colonic cancer between July 2013 and March 2020 were included. Perioperative outcomes including anastomotic leak and anastomotic bleeding were extracted from a prospectively maintained institutional database. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to stratify post-operative complications. Data are presented in medians and IQR. Results Right hemicolectomy with circular stapled ESSA ileo-colic anastomosis was performed in 55 consecutive patients (M:F 26:29) by a single surgeon at a tertiary referral centre. Over half of patients (54.5%, 30/55) were in the 8th and 9th decades of age with a median BMI of 26.5 (IQR:24-30.7). Median postoperative length of stay was 6 days (IQR:4-8) and the overall morbidity rate was 34.5% (19/55). Anastomotic leak and anastomotic bleeding were seen in 5.45% (3/55) and 3.64% (2/55), respectively. None of the patients with leak or bleeding needed a re-operation. Conclusions In comparison to the widely used SSA type of ileo-colic anastomosis, the ESSA configuration using a circular stapling device is a viable option for restoring bowel continuity after right colonic resections with comparable results. Potential advantages of this approach include avoidance of cross stapling and improved ileo-colic anatomical fidelity.

Obsidian ASG® Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix and Colorectal Anastomotic Healing: A Preliminary Study

Introduction: Anastomotic leakage (AL) following colorectal resection is a devastating complication affecting morbidity, mortality, and quality of life of patients in the long term. Different tissue sealants and biologic glues were tested showing conflicting results regarding their influence on anastomotic healing and leak prevention. Application of autologous platelet-rich fibrin (Vivostat A/S, Alleroed, Denmark), which acts as a source of angiogenic growth factors and cytokines, showed promising results in an in-vivo porcine model. Herein, we present the first human study of stapled colorectal anastomoses supplemented with an autologous-derived platelet-rich fibrin matrix (Obsidian ASG®, Rivolution GmbH, Rosenheim, Germany and Vivostat A/S, Alleroed, Denmark). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively accumulated data was performed in two colorectal centers (Linz, Vienna) on patients undergoing left-sided colorectal or coloanal stapled anastomosis between October 2018 and December 2019. The Obsidian ASG® Matrix was applied to the rectal stump, and after closure with the circular stapling device, at the circumference of anastomosis in every single case. Anastomoses were supplemented with intra- and extra-anastomotic application (IAA—intra-anastomotic application developed by Rivolution GmbH, Rosenheim, Germany) of Obsidian ASG® Matrix. The primary endpoints were incidence of perioperative complications and anastomotic leak rate. Results: Two-hundred-sixty-one (138 female) patients underwent left-sided colonic (n=177) or rectal resection (n=84). In 253 (96.9%) cases, a laparoscopic or robotic-assisted approach was used. There were no complications attributable to the intraoperative application of the Obsidian ASG® Matrix. All intraoperative leak tests were negative. Overall, anastomotic leak rate accounted for 2.3% (6/261). AL following colonic and rectal resection was seen in 2.3% (4/177) and 2.4% (2/84), respectively. Complication and leak rate was similar in the two participating centers. Postoperative fever and elevated CRP levels were significantly correlated to AL. There was no significant risk factor for AL on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Application of an autologous-derived platelet-rich fibrin matrix (Obsidian ASG®) at anastomotic site following colorectal resection is safe and associated with a low rate of anastomotic leakage.

Robotic natural-orifice IntraCorporeal anastomosis with Extraction (NICE procedure) for complicated diverticulitis

BackgroundTotally intracorporeal surgery for left-sided resection carries numerous potential advantages by avoiding crossing staple lines and eliminating the need for an abdominal incision. For those with complicated diverticulitis, minimally invasive surgery is known to be technically challenging due to inflamed tissue, distorted pelvic anatomy, and obliterated tissue planes, resulting in high conversion rates. We aim to illustrate the stepwise approach and modifications required to successful complete the robotic Natural-orifice IntraCorporeal anastomosis with transrectal specimen Extraction (NICE) procedure in this cohort.MethodsConsecutive, elective, unselected patients presenting with complicated diverticulitis defined as fistula, abscess and stricture underwent the NICE procedure over a 24-month period. Demographic and intraoperative data were collected, and video recordings were reviewed and edited on encrypted server.ResultsA total of 60 patients (50% female) underwent the NICE procedure for complicated diverticulitis with a mean age of 58.9 years and mean BMI of 30.7 kg/m2. The mean operative time was 231.6 min. All cases (100%) were achieved with intracorporeal anastomosis using a circular stapling device. All but one patient (98.3%) had successful transrectal extraction of the specimen. Forty-four (73%) of the specimens required a specimen-thinning maneuver to successfully extract the specimen and there were no conversions. We identified seven key technical modifications and considerations to facilitate successful completion of the procedure which are illustrated, including early release of the disease, mesentery-sparing dissection, dual instrument control of the mesenteric vasculature, release of the rectal reflection, use of NICE back table, specimen-thinning maneuver, and closure of the rectal cuff.ConclusionWe present a stepwise approach with key modifications to successfully achieve totally robotic intracorporeal resection for those presenting with complicated diverticulitis. This approach may help overcome the technical challenges and provide a foundation for reproducible results.

A safe and feasible technique: laparoscopic manual binding technique for intracorporeal anastomosis in totally laparoscopic anterior resection of high-mid rectal cancer.

Totally laparoscopic anterior resection (TLAC) is difficult even for experienced surgeons because of difficulties in fixating the anvil of circular stapling device with laparoscopy. We herein report a novel technique of laparoscopic manual binding technique (MBT) to conduct intracorporeal anastomosis by the double-stapling technique (DST) for high-mid rectal cancer. Since April 2019, MBT for intracorporeal anastomosis in TLAC were performed for 12 patients. After the total mesorectal excision, the anvil of a circular stapling device is put in the abdominal cavity through the anus and inserted into the proximal colonic stump. At the pre-anastomotic site, the intestinal wall of colon is fully fixated on the central rod of the anvil with surgical suture No. 0 by manual binding with laparoscopic instruments as laparoscopic grasping forceps, in addition, double binding if necessary. Then, the end of the colon and rectum is anastomosised by the double-stapling technique (DST). A total of 12 patients completed the operation successfully. Only one patient experienced fever (T < 38.5°C) after operation. No patients experienced surgical complications greater than Clavien-Dindo grade I. We introduced the usefulness of the MBT to improve TLAC. MBT for intracorporeal anastomosis in TLAC for high-mid rectal cancer is safe and feasible.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Obesity. How We Do It.

In 1994, Wittgrove and Clark first described the laparoscopic technique for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Many techniques have been used over the years, mostly based on the use of linear and circular stapling devices for the two anastomoses-the jejeunojejunostomy and the gastrojejunostomy. In 2000, Dr. Kelvin Higa from Fresno described a different technique, with the performance of a hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy. In this article we do review our technique, which is based on Dr. Higa's initial description. The steps of the operation will be illustrated by intraoperative pictures.

The Role of Lymphadissection and Circular Stapling Devices in Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer

The Role of Lymphadissection and Circular Stapling Devices in Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer

Incidence of anastomotic stricture after Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy using a circular stapling device.

BACKGROUNDBenign oesophageal strictures carry a significant level of morbidity, causing burdensome symptoms impacting on quality of life. Post-oesophagectomy anastomotic stricture rates as high as 41% have been reported in the literature. These can require endoscopic dilatation, often multiple times to relieve dysphagia. The aim of the present study was to determine a single surgeons stricture rate in a series of 2-stage Ivor-Lewis procedures, and to identify any independent risk factors in their development.AIMTo determine a single surgeons stricture rate in a series of 2-stage Ivor-Lewis procedures, and to identify any independent risk factors in their development.METHODSWe performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy performed from 2004-2018 to determine the stricture rate. The database comprised a single-surgeon series of open, two-stage oesophagectomies with a circular stapled intra-thoracic anastomosis. Tumour location, histology, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, stapler size, T-stage and R-status were analysed to see if they could predict stricture formation. Stricture was defined as dysphagia requiring endoscopic dilatation. Patients with anastomotic leaks were excluded on the basis they would develop an anastomotic stricture.RESULTSOne hundred and seventy patients were collected in the database. Nineteen were excluded on the basis of anastomotic leak, perioperative death and early recurrence. One hundred and fifty-four patients (119 males, 35 females) with a mean age of 64 ± 10 years were eligible for analysis. A total of 15 patients developed strictures a median of 99 d (interquartile range: 84-133) after surgery, giving a Kaplan-Meier estimated stricture rate of 10% at one year. None of the factors considered were found to be significantly associated with strictures.CONCLUSIONIn this study the stricture rate was 10%, with the majority occurring in the first 100 d after surgery. No significant independent factors were found in the development of strictures.

Implementation of a New High-Volume Circular Stapler in Stapled Anopexy for Hemorrhoidal Disease: Is Patient’s Short-Term Outcome Affected by a Higher Volume of Resected Tissue?

Background: Stapled anopexy is a safe technique for the treatment of hemorrhoids but carries a higher risk of recurrence, which might be caused due to the limited volume of resected tissue. In this study, we investigated the introduction of a high-volume circular stapling device; in particular whether an increased amount of resected tissue could affect patients’ short-term postoperative outcome. Methods: Between 2011 and 2015, stapled anopexy was performed for hemorrhoids and/or anal prolapse in 141 patients (n = 25 conventional PPH-3^©-stapler versus n = 116 high-volume CHEX^©-stapler). In this prospectively collected dataset, operation details and short-term postoperative outcome were compared. Results: With the high-volume stapler, a significantly higher amount of tissue was resected: 9.8 g (range 6.2–11.4) vs. 6.4 g (range 4.9–8.8) with the conventional stapler, p < 0.01. Postoperative short-term outcome did not differ in terms of readmission and complication rates. In all 5 patients who underwent a redo operation for residual hemorrhoids or prolapse, the high-volume stapler was used in the primary operation. Conclusion: A high-volume stapling device for stapled anopexy was introduced safely with a significantly higher amount of resected tissue without a worse short-term outcome. However, it remains unclear whether higher stapling volumes may lead to improved long-term outcome with less reinterventions.

Outcomes after aortic graft-to-graft anastomosis with an automated circular stapler: A novel approach

ObjectivePatients with complex aortic disease often require multistaged repairs with numerous anastomoses. Manual suturing can be time consuming. To reduce ischemic time, a circular stapling device has been used to facilitate prosthetic graft-to-graft anastomoses. Objectives are to describe this technique and assess outcomes. MethodsFrom February 2009 to May 2014, 44 patients underwent complex aortic repair with a circular end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapler at Cleveland Clinic. All patients had extensive aneurysms: 17 after ascending dissection repair, 10 chronic type B dissections, and 17 degenerative aneurysms. Stapler was used during total arch repair as an end-to-side anastomosis (n = 36; including first stage elephant trunk [ET] in 32, frozen ET in 3) and an end-to-end anastomosis during redo thoracoabdominal repair (n = 11). Three patients had the stapler used during both stages of repair. Patients underwent early and annual follow-ups with computed tomography analysis. ResultsThere were no bleeds, ruptures, or leaks at the stapled site, but 2 patients died. Complications included 7 reoperations not related to the site of stapled anastomosis and 6 tracheostomies, but there was no paralysis or renal failure. Mean circulatory arrest time was 16 ± 5 minutes. Mean follow-up was 26 ± 17 months and consisted of imaging before discharge, at 3 to 6 months, and at 1 year. Planned reinterventions included 21 second-stage ET completion: Endovascular (n = 18) and open (n = 3). There were 4 late deaths. ConclusionsUse of an end-to-end anastomotic automated circular stapler is safe, effective, and durable in performing graft-to-graft anastomoses during complex thoracic aortic surgery. Further evaluation and refinement of this technique are warranted.

Stapler Haemorroidopexy - our experience in a tertiary care hospital of central India

Background: Symptomatic haemorroids poses a very big issue on the public health. Treatment options for haemorroids is surgery for 2nd, 3rd , 4th degree haemorroids, but due to fear of surgery due to pain patients usually tries to avoid it and later on comes with complications which in turn adds for increased morbidity and mortality. Since stapler haemorroidopexy is claimed to be superior than other available procedures for heamorroids the study is undertaken to evaluate the efficacy in terms of operation time, post-operative pain, hospital stay, return to normal activity and return to work, relapse of symptoms, recurrence and patient satisfaction. Material and Methods: The Study was done using a circular stapling device for the treatment of Symptomatic haemorrhoids grade 2, 3 and 4 over a period from November 2011 to December 2014 for age group between 22 to 78 yrs of age. Observations: Total 88 patientswith symptomatic haemorroids who agreed for treatment with stapler surgery for haemorroids were operated. Operative time ranged between 55- 20 min.with mean operative time 36.44 min. Post-op pain measured using Visual analogue scale after aprox. 24 hrs and is in the range of mild pain(0-2) in 82 (93.18%) patients. Post-operative pain: In 4 (4.54%) patients were having VAS between 2-4 and required injection diclofenac sodium analgesic to be added for pain in the regime. 2 patients (2.27%) complaints of unbearable pain and opioid analgesic has to be added in such cases but for 2 days. Mean hospital stay ranges between 23 hrs -80hrs. All the 82 patients (93.18%) patients returned to normal activity within 4-5 days and joined their respective field of work within 7-8 days. Conclusion: Stapler haemorroidopexy is a good alternative to the open surgery for the treatment of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degrees haemorrhoids in terms of less pain, early return to normal activities, faster return to work, but high cost of instrument puts the procedure to back foot.

Diagnosis, management and outcome of early anastomotic leakage following colorectal anastomosis using a compression device: is it different?

Compression anastomosis has proved to be safe for rectal reconstruction with leak rates comparable to those observed using circular stapling devices. However, there are no data on whether the metallic compression ring alters the ease of diagnosis or the treatment in cases of leakage. In this study, we present our experience with early leakage following compression anastomosis. A prospective registry was used for data review. Patients with anastomotic leakage following compression anastomosis between November 2008 and September 2013 were included. In all, 197 (92 female) patients were operated using a novel compression device. Early leakage was found in 10 (5.1%) patients after a median of 5 (3-14) days. The radiologist was able to detect leakage using CT in nine out of 10 cases unequivocally. Removal of the ring was necessary in eight of the 10 cases, and salvage of the anastomosis was feasible on six occasions. In all diverted cases with a low anastomosis, a transanal repair of the defect was feasible in three cases, including a single patient with complete separation of the anastomosis. Artefacts on the CT scan caused by the compression ring did not hamper the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage. Removal of the ring in the early postoperative period is not associated with complete separation of the bowel ends. Salvage of anastomosis is feasible in most cases.

Current views on clinical complete response in patients with rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiation

following neoadjuvant treatment was documented in patients treated with external beam radiation (without chemotherapy) who could not have a rectal cancer operation because the operative risk was prohibitive, the tumor was unresectable or because patients simply opted out of surgical treatment. In this cohort, cCR was 30%, and local relapse occurred in 78% of patients at 18 months. In total, 29% of patients underwent salvage surgery and the 5-year survival of these patients was 43%. The 5-year overall survival (OS) in this cohort was 27% [5]. In 2004, Habr-Gama’s group published their observations in rectal cancer patients who achieved a cCR following CRT [6]. In this study, only patients with rectal tumors within 0–7 cm from the anal verge were observed. They all received preoperative radiotherapy (50.4 Gy) and chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil [425 mg/m 2 /d] + folinic acid [20 mg/m 2 /d]). Pretreatment staging was not clearly characterized and not all patients underwent EUS. MRI was not utilized for “The introduction of circular stapling devices, total mesorectal excision and neoadjuvant chemoradiation have made substantial advances in the management of adenocarcinoma of the rectum.”

Low Anastomotic Stricture Rate After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Using a 21-mm Circular Stapling Device

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been established as a safe and effective procedure for morbid obesity management. Amongst some of the postoperative complications are gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomotic strictures, with an incidence of 3 to 27 % in some series. This study evaluates the incidence of GJ strictures using a 21-mm circular stapling device and its response to treatment with endoscopic balloon dilation. A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who underwent LRYGB between January 2007 and September 2010. We used our previously published technique of retrocolic, retrogastric Roux-en-Y bypass, using a 21-mm circular stapler to construct the gastrojejunostomy. Postoperatively, patients with persistent food intolerance underwent an endoscopy. Those found to have a GJ stricture (defined as inability to pass the endoscope beyond he anastomotic site) underwent pneumatic dilation with a 12-mm balloon. A total of 338 patients underwent LRYGB. Median follow-up was 57.6 weeks (8-137). Twenty-two patients underwent an endoscopy due to food intolerance. Sixteen patients (4.7 %, 16/338) were identified with GJ stricture and received at least one endoscopic dilation. The other six patients had a normal endoscopic evaluation. GJ strictures presented at an average of 35 days (13 to 90 days) postoperatively. Four patients underwent two endoscopic interventions, and one underwent three endoscopic interventions. We hereby demonstrate that the construction of GJ anastomosis with a 21-mm circular stapler is associated with a low stricture rate using our standardized technique. Strictures are amenable to balloon dilatation with subsequent long-term resolution of symptoms.

Pure NOTES sigmoid resection in an animal survival model

The potential to use single-site transluminal access to perform major surgical procedures is limited. In the current study, a pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) technique was developed for sigmoid resection, with combined transgastric and transvaginal access to the abdominal cavity and assisted by colonoscopy. This experimental study was conducted on a porcine model. Transgastric access was achieved by needle-knife incision and balloon dilation. Colonoscopy was used to maneuver the colon and expose the colic mesentery. Mesocolic dissection close to the bowel was carried out gastroscopically using a coagulating forceps. To prepare the anastomosis, a circular stapler anvil was introduced endoluminally. Subsequently, sigmoid resection was performed using a roticulating linear stapler inserted transvaginally. Bowel extraction was performed by invagination transrectally. After extracorporeal distal linear stapling of the sigmoid, colorectal anastomosis was completed by application of a circular stapling device transrectally. Gastric access closure was achieved using the over-the-scope clipping system (OTSC). The procedure was successful in all animals, with the operation time ranging from 150 to 270 minutes. The first animal died at postoperative day 5 from peritonitis due to an infected hematoma following spleen injury by an observation trocar. All other animals gained weight postoperatively. Animals were sacrificed after postoperative day 35. The work-up showed complete anastomotic healing and healed gastric closure. The OTSC clip was still in situ in all animals. The presented study shows that pure NOTES resection and anastomosis of the large bowel are feasible. Intraluminal organ manipulation provided excellent organ exposition and rendered one additional access site unnecessary. Transgastric preparation was shown to be safe and effective.