Double Stapling Research Articles

New Anastomosis Technique to Prevent Anastomotic Leakage in Laparoscopic Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer, Especially Upper Rectal Cancer.

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a major problem in rectal cancer surgery. To prevent AL, we developed a side-to-side anastomosis technique using a circular stapler and termed it the circular side stapling technique (CST). We herein report the method and outcome of the CST. In this study, we analyzed 154 patients with stage 0 to III rectal cancer who underwent curative laparoscopic low anterior resection. Perioperative factors and complications were compared between the CST and usual double stapling technique (DST). The CST was performed in 110 of the 154 patients. When comparing the outcomes of patients with upper rectal cancer. AL occurred in no patients in the CST group and in three patients in the DST group (p=0.011). The CST prevented AL in all patients with upper rectal cancer. The CST is a safe and useful procedure in laparoscopic anterior resection. This technique can prevent AL, especially in patients with upper rectal cancer.

Analysis on the technical characteristics and clinical efficacy of robotic-assisted intersphincteric resection for patients with low rectal cancer

Objective: To explore the technical characteristics and short-term clinical efficacy of robotic-assisted intersphincteric resection (ISR) for patients with low rectal cancer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was used. Inclusion criteria: (1) rigid colonoscopy showed lower margin of the tumor ≤5 cm from the anal verge; (2) preoperative rectal MRI or endorectal ultrasound revealed staging T1-2, or T3 patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy; (3) patients less than 70 years old with good function of anal sphincter before surgery; (4) no synchronous multiple primary carcinoma, and no distant metastasis; (5) the method of operation was agreed by the patient. Exclusion criteria: (1) T4 stage tumors; (2) sphincter dysfunction before operation; (3) recurrent tumors; (4) lower edge of tumors beyond the dentate line; (5) death due to non-rectal cancer during follow-up and unsatisfactory follow-up data. The clinical data of 21 patients with low rectal cancer meeting inclusion criteria undergoing robotic-assisted ISR at our department from January 2015 to June 2018 were collected. Parameters during and after operation were observed. Anorectal manometry was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation, and anal function was evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after the closure of the stoma by Kirwan classification and Wexner fecal incontinence score. The key steps of the operation are as follows: according to the principle of total mesorectal excision, the robot continued to enter into the levator ani hiatusdistally, and dissectin the sphincter space; according to the scope of sphincter resection, ISRwas divided into partial ISR, subtotal ISR, and total ISR; subtotal and total ISR usually needed to be combined with transanal pathway. The reconstruction of digestive tract was performed by double stapler anastomosis under laparoscope orhand-sewnanastomosis under direct vision, and preventive ileostomy was completed in the right lower abdomen. Results: Of 21 patients, 13 were male and 8 were female with mean age of (57.5±16.3) years. All the patients successfully completed the operation without conversion to laparotomy. Fourteen cases (66.7%) adopted partial ISR through complete transabdominal approach, 6 cases (28.6%) adopted the subtotal ISR through combined transabdominal and transanal approachs, and 1 case (4.8%) adopted the total ISR through the combined transabdominal and transanal approachs. The total operation time was (213.1±56.3) minutes, including (27.3±5.4) minutes for mechanical arm installation and (175.7±51.6) minutes for robotic operation. The amount of intraoperative hemorrhage was (62.8±23.2) ml, and no blood transfusion was performed in any patient. All patients underwent prophylactic ileostomy, and the stoma was closed 3-6 months after the operation. Except one case of anastomotic leakage, all other stomas were closed successfully. The postoperative hospitalization time was (7.6±2.2) days, and time to fluid intake was (3.3±0.9) days. One case of anastomotic leakage, one case of anastomotic stenosis, one case of inflammatory external hemorrhoids and one case of urinary retention occurred after surgery,and all of them were cured by conservative treatment. The mean diameter of tumors was (2.9±1.2) cm, and the number of harvested lymph node was 12.8 ± 3.3. In the whole group, the circumcision margin was negative, the proximal margin was (12.2 ± 2.1) cm, the distal margin was (1.1 ± 0.4) with all negative, and the R0 resection rate was 100%. The results of anorectal manometry showed that the preoperative rest pressure, rectal maximum squeeze pressure, initial sensory volume and maximum tolerated volume were (45.19±8.46) mmHg, (128.18±18.80) mmHg, (44.33±10.11) ml and (119.00±19.28) ml, respectively;these parameters reduced significantly 3 months after operation and they were (23.44±5.54) mmHg, (93.72±12.15) mmHg, (17.72±5.32) ml and (70.44±10.9) ml, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). The resting pressure and the rectal maximum squeeze pressure returned to preoperative levels 12 months after operation, which were (39.33±6.64) mmHg and (120.58±16.47) mmHg, respectively (both P>0.05), while the initial sensory volume and the maximum tolerated volume failed to reach the preoperative state, which were (30.67±7.45) ml and (92.25±10.32) ml, respectively (both P<0.05). The patients were followed up for (22.1±10.6) months without local recurrence and distant metastasis. Eighteen patients were evaluated for anal function: Kirwan classification was grade I for 6 cases, grade II for 7 cases, grade III for 4 cases, and grade IV for 1 case; Wexner incontinence score was 8.6±0.8; 14 cases had good defecation control. Conclusion: The clinical efficacy of ISR with Da Vinci robot in the treatment of low rectal cancer is satisfactory.

Intestinal Contents Stayed After Discharge as Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

Background: The lower anastomosis after low anterior resection (LAR) is associated with the development of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). However, pathophysiology of fragmentation of defecation which is one of LARS remains unknown. Patients and Methods: Between January 2015 and December 2017, eight patients with temporary ileostomy who underwent LAR with double stapling technique (DST) for rectal cancer at our hospital were studied. As the control group, nine patients with temporary ileostomy who underwent proctocolectomy (PC) with DST for ulcerative colitis in the same period were recruited. Defecography was performed two weeks after closure of the ileostomy. The defecation of all patients was evaluated by defecography. Results: In all patients, the descent of the perineum and linearization of the anorectal angle were observed. In patients after PC, all barium could be discharged by some abdominal pressures. On the other hand, in all patients after LAR, barium located anal to the anastomosis could be discharged through the anus, while barium located oral to the anastomosis stayed after discharge, which could not be expelled by maximal abdominal pressures more than 5 minutes after starting evaluation. Conclusion: Remnant intestinal contents after defecation seems to be one of disturbance for defecation after LAR.

Renal Hilus Ligation With Single Stapler in Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy

BackgroundLigation of renal hilus is the most important stage of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Laparoscopic staplers are securely used for renal pedicle control. We present our donor nephrectomy cases in which we used 1 stapler for renal artery and vein ligation. MethodsDemographic data, number of arteries and veins, ligation types, operation time, and complication rates are recorded. ResultsOne hundred twenty laparoscopic donor nephrectomy cases who were operated between December 2017 and August 2018 in İstinye University Hospital and İstanbul Aydın University Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. All of the operations were done by 2 surgeons with a fully laparoscopic method. None of the cases were converted to open nephrectomy. There was 1 renal artery in 110 (91.7%) cases, 2 renal arteries in 9 (7.5%) cases, and 3 arteries in 1 (0.8%) case. Renal artery and vein were ligated with single stapler in 115 (95.8%) cases. Double stapler was used in 5 (4.2%) patients. There were no major complications for donors and no implantation problems for grafts. DiscussionLaparoscopic donor nephrectomy is the most used technique for living donor operations. Vascular stapler is securely used for renal artery and vein ligation with high costs. Two or, due to the number of vessels, sometimes 3 staplers are used in the standard technique. In our study, the operation was finished securely in 95.8% of the patients with single stapler use. Single stapler use for ligating renal hilus is safe in kidneys even with suitable multiple arteries and veins in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

Intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy increases the incidence of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of rectal tumors.

BACKGROUNDIntraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy is an emerging treatment modality for locally advanced rectal neoplasms. However, its impacts on postoperative complications remain unknown. Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most common and serious complications associated with the anterior resection of rectal tumors. Therefore, we designed this study to determine the effects of intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy on AL.AIMTo investigate whether intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy increases the incidence of AL after the anterior resection of rectal neoplasms.METHODSThis retrospective cohort study collected information from 477 consecutive patients who underwent an anterior resection of rectal carcinoma using the double stapling technique at our institution from September 2016 to September 2017. Based on the administration of intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy or not, the patients were divided into a chemotherapy group (171 cases with intraperitoneal implantation of chemotherapy agents during the operation) or a control group (306 cases without intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy). Clinicopathologic features, intraoperative treatment, and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed to determine the effects of intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy on the incidence of AL. The clinical outcomes of the two groups were also compared through survival analysis.RESULTSThe univariate analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of AL in the patients who received intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy, with 13 (7.6%) cases in the chemotherapy group and 5 (1.6%) cases in the control group (P = 0.001). As for the severity of AL, the AL patients who underwent intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy tended to be more severe cases, and 12 (92.3%) out of 13 AL patients in the chemotherapy group and 2 (40.0%) out of 5 AL patients in the control group required a secondary operation (P = 0.044). A multivariate analysis was subsequently performed to adjust for the confounding factors and also showed that intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy increased the incidence of AL (odds ratio = 5.386; 95%CI: 1.808-16.042; P = 0.002). However, the survival analysis demonstrated that intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy could also improve the disease-free survival rates for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.CONCLUSIONIntraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy can improve the prognosis of patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma, but it also increases the risk of AL following the anterior resection of rectal neoplasms.

Postoperative functional outcomes and complications of partially intraanal canal anastomosis in stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.

For ulcerative colitis (UC), stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) reportedly results in better bowel function than does IPAA with mucosectomy. However, a potential cancer risk in the remnant mucosa has been observed. The clinical results of IPAA by double stapling technique (DS-IPAA) in which the anastomotic line was on the dentate line at posterior wall and the top of anal canal at anterior wall ("Partially intraanal canal anastomosis": PICA) to reduce the remnant mucosa were evaluated. Clinical results of PICA were retrospectively compared with those by DS-IPAA with anastomosis at above the anal canal on 1year after open surgery. Of 211 UC cases that underwent DS-IPAA, 146 cases (69%) with PICA who were confirmed by the squamous epithelium on the posterior part of the distal donuts were included. Sixty-five cases with anastomosis above the anal canal were evaluated as the control. One stage surgery underwent in 95% of PICA and 93% of control. One year after surgery, each group had six bowel movements daily. Nighttime evacuation was found in 16% of PICA and in 20% of control. Soiling was found in 1% of PICA and 4.8% of control. After one stage operation, anastomotic leakage that needed ileostomy was observed in 0.7% of PICA and 3% of control. Partially intraanal canal anastomosis (PICA) can reduce anal canal mucosa with the same postoperative bowel function and complication rate as DS-IPAA above the anal canal. This procedure may be feasible for UC patients who can tolerate this procedure in terms of decreasing postoperative cancer risk.

Impact of double-flap technique for reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy.

134 Background: Proximal gastrectomy (PG) has been performed for proximal early gastric cancer as a minimally invasive procedure. In PG, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) becomes problem, thus several techniques have been reported to reduce GERD. So far, we have mainly performed the method of anastomosis based on double stapling technique (DST) using a trans-oral anvil delivery system for reconstruction after PG. For preventing GERD, we recently introduced double-flap technique (DFT) reported to be more physiological anti-reflux reconstruction which can prevent GERD. So, this study shows superiority of DFT compared to DST. Methods: Patients who have undergone PG for proximal gastric cancer during Jan. 2012 to Jul. 2017 in our hospital were reviewed as candidates. Operation time, blood loss, postoperative anastomotic complication, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative reflux symptom or endoscopic findings, intake of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) at 1 year after the operation, and postoperative nutritional status were retrospectively investigated. Results: DFT was performed in 26 patients whereas DST was performed in 38 patients. Average operation time and postoperative hospital stay was not significant in both groups (DFT group; 275.8±41.4 minutes, 13.6±8.9 days, DST group; 252.2±82.9 minutes, 15.2±7.2 days, respectively). As for postoperative complications higher than Clavien-Dindo Grade III, one case of suture failure was observed in DFT group. Postoperative reflux symptoms and endoscopic findings of gastroesophageal reflux were significantly frequent in DST group compared to DFT group (Reflux symptoms, DFT group : DST group = 0 : 7(p = 0.03), Endoscopic findings, DFT group : DST group = 1 : 11(p &lt; 0.01) , respectively). There were significantly more cases of PPI taking one year after the operation in DST group(DFT group : DST group = 8 : 28 (p &lt; 0.01) ). Average weight loss at one year after the operation and serum level of albumin of in DFT group were 6.0±4.7kg and 4.11±0.29 g/dL, respectively and DST group were 7.6±5.3kg and 3.95±0.39 g/dL, respectively and there were no significance between two groups. Conclusions: DFT is superior to DST as a reconstruction method after PG in terms of suppressing GERD.

Efficacy and Safety of Transanal Tube Drainage for Prevention of Anastomotic Leakage Following Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancers

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery is widely used for the treatment of colorectal cancer. But anastomotic leakage is one of the most serious complications following laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether transanal drainage tube placement can reduce anastomotic leakage and avoid re-operation after laparoscopic LAR. Methods: Retrospective assessment was performed on 143 patients with rectal cancers who underwent laparoscopic LAR between April 2009 and March 2016. A diverting stoma was not created in all 143 patients. A transanal drainage tube was placed after anastomosis using a double stapling technique, in 90 patients (group TT). In group TT, a 24 Fr. Silicon catheter was inserted into the anus and was placed approximately 20 - 25 cm in the descending colon. Another 53 patients were operated on without a transanal drainage tube (group NTT). Clinicopathological and operative variables, the frequencies of anastomotic leakage and re-operation after leakage were investigated. Results: Between the two groups (Group TT and NTT), age, gender, body mass index, tumor size, Dukes’ stage, the number of Liniar stapler firings for rectal transaction, and the rate of left colic artery preservation were comparable. Intra-operative blood loss and operation time decreased group TT from group NTT (p < 0.05). The frequency of leakage was 2.8% (2/69) in group TT and was 13.2% (7/53) in group NTT. The rate of leakage was significantly lower in group TT (p = 0.03). Furthermore, the re-operation rate for symptomatic anastomotic leakage was 0% (0/2) in group TT, while in contrast it was 28.5% (2/7) in group NTT. The rate of re-operation was lower in group TT than group NTT (p = 0.07) and all cases with symptomatic leakage in group TT were cured by conservative treatment. There was no side effect of transanal drainage tube (perforation or bleeding of the colon, or deviation of the tube) in Group TT. Conclusions: Transanal drainage tube placement prevents anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic LAR. We regard the transnanal drainage tube to be safe and effective without side effect.

Técnicas quirúrgicas para la preservación de esfínter en cáncer de recto bajo: revisión histórica y estado actual

After multiple attempts to achieve appropriate results in the surgical resection for rectal cancer, Sir William Ernest Miles develops the technique that would carry his name, and is, without modifications, currently referred as abdominoperineal resection. This technique, considered gold standard for rectal tumors for many years, has been gradually replaced by sphincter preserving surgery. Low anterior resection allowed sphincter-preservation in patients with low rectal tumors within 5 cm from the anal verge. Technical developments (double stapling technique), better understanding of oncological principles (total mesorectal excision) and the introduction of neoadyuvant treatment with chemoradiotherapy, allowed further lowering of the adequate distal resection margin and to carry out ultralow colorectal and coloanal anastomoses. Ultralow intersphincteric resection removes the internal anal sphincter (partial, subtotal or total resection) avoiding permanent colostomy in a subset of patients. This technique has been broadly studied with published oncological outcomes that are better or similar to those of abdominoperineal resection. Currently, evaluation of response after neoadyuvant therapy has led some working groups to propose organ preservation; either by strict follow up for complete clinical response, or by local excision techniques for incomplete clinical response.

Preventive effect of diverting stoma on anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic low anterior resection with double stapling technique reconstruction applied based on risk stratification.

During laparoscopic low anterior resection with double stapling technique reconstruction, it is necessary to securely implement rectal transection and anastomosis to prevent anastomotic leakage (AL). However, risk factors and preventive measures for AL are not known sufficiently. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate risk factors associated with AL and to clarify strategies to prevent it. We analyzed a total of 296 cases with rectal cancer who had undergone laparoscopic low anterior resection with double stapling technique reconstruction at the National Cancer Center Hospital East. The relationship between AL and patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were retrospectively investigated. There were 186 male and 110 female patients with a median age of 62. Overall, AL occurred in 24 cases (8.1%). Being a man, having an anal verge distance ≤7 cm, and undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with an elevated risk for AL (P = 0.0005, 0.0034, and 0.0222, respectively). Neither an anal drainage tube nor diverting stoma creation correlated with incidence of AL. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that being a man (odds ratio = 18.0; 95% confidence interval: 2.4-138) and having an anal verge distance ≤7 cm (odds ratio = 3.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.5-9.4) were significant risk factors. These two factors were present in 61 cases, including 14 who developed AL (23.0%). In this high-risk group, diverting stoma creation significantly reduced the occurrence of AL (P = 0.0363), but an anal drainage tube had no effect on incidence of AL (P = 0.3399). We identified the high-risk population for AL after laparoscopic low anterior resection with double stapling technique reconstruction based on two factors. This will enable surgeons to appropriately recommend diverting stoma creation.

The Relationship Between the Number of Intersections of Staple Lines and Anastomotic Leakage After the Use of a Double Stapling Technique in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery.

Purpose:Laparoscopic intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis with double stapling technique is difficult because of unsuitable cutting angle in narrow pelvic cavity. For reasons of tilted and long linear staple line of rectal stump, circular anastomotic plane can make multiple intersections. The present study was designed to assess whether multiple intersections after double stapling technique is the risk factor of anastomotic complication in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.Materials and Methods:In total, 128 consecutive left colon and rectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal resection with double stapling technique were enrolled in this study. In all cases, operator tried to reduce intersections by inversion and invagination techniques. They were subdivided into 3 groups: 58 patients with no intersection of staple lines (group A), 62 patients with 1 point of intersection (group B) and 8 patients with 2 points of intersection (group C). Intraoperative air leakage, incomplete cut ring, postoperative bleeding, anastomotic stenosis, and leakage were compared between the 3 groups.Results:Clinical anastomotic leakage was identified in 1 (group C) of 128 patients (0.7%). Overall anastomotic leakage rate was 0% (0/58) in group A, 0% (0/62) in group B, and 12.5% (1/8) in group C (P=0.001). In univariate analysis, intersections of staple lines were associated with anastomotic complications. There were no statistically significant differences between the 3 groups in multivariate analysis.Conclusions:The number of intersections of staple lines is associated with anastomotic leakage, and the inversion technique is a useful method for avoiding anastomotic leakage. Using an appropriate technique by skilled operator, double stapling technique for laparoscopic anterior resection is safe and feasible.

PH value of pelvic drainage as an early predictive factor for anastomotic leak after surgery for patients with rectal cancer

Objective To investigate the pH value of pelvic drainage via sequential determination in the identification of increased risk of anastomotic leak (AL) after anterior resection for rectal cancer with a double stapling technique. Methods The daily postoperative pH values (determined at 25 ℃) of pelvic drainage in 753 consecutive patients with rectal cancer who initially underwent anterior resection with a double stapling technique were reviewed. All patients experienced a total mesorectal excision. Patients with AL (AL group, n=57) were compared to those without AL (nAL group, n=696). Mean postoperative values of drainage pH were compared. Results The diagnosis of AL was made between the 6th and 12th postoperative day (POD; mean 8th POD). There was no significant difference in the daily mean values of pH on POD 1 & 2 in group AL while a significantly sharp decline of mean pH value reached its diagnostic point of AL (P=0.000) on POD3. The cut-off value of 6.978 on the 3rd POD maximized the sensitivity (98.7%) and specificity (94.7%) of draining pH value in assessing the risk of leak. Conclusion An early and persistent decline of pH value of pelvic drainage after rectal surgery with anastomosis may be a marker of AL, which is much earlier than the regular ways. Key words: Colorectal cancer; Anastomotic leak; pH value

Thoracoscopic Esophagojejunostomy in the Upper Mediastinum After Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy with Total Gastrectomy

Abstract Background: Esophagectomy and esophageal reconstruction with organs other than the gastric tube are complicated and difficult surgical procedures. We developed a new method of thoracoscopic esophagectomy with intrathoracic esophagojejunostomy in the upper mediastinum when the gastric tube cannot be used as an esophageal substitute for reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Total gastrectomy, preparation of pedicled jejunal conduit, and transhiatal lower mediastinal dissection were done under laparotomy. Upper and middle mediastinal dissection was performed thoracoscopically. After esophageal transection with a linear stapler above the arch of the azygos vein, an anvil was inserted transorally. A circular stapler–inserted jejunal conduit was introduced to the upper mediastinum via the transhiatal route with relaparotomy. Esophagojejunostomy was completed by double stapling technique. Results: We completed this procedure for 10 consecutive cases without conversion to thoracotomy. The median operati...

Stapling an extracorporeal Billroth-I anastomosis by the complete double stapling technique after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.

Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy is one of the major treatments for early stage gastric cancer, particularly in the East Asia. In this method, extracorporeal anastomosis is performed via a small laparotomy wound, but excessive tissue traction may be encountered during the anastomotic procedure. Therefore, we developed an original procedure for extracorporeal Billroth-I reconstruction: end-to-end stapling gastroduodenostomy with complete double stapling technique. This procedure aims to reduce the problems related to maneuvers through a small laparotomy. An end-to-end anastomosis is constructed on the transection line using a circular stapler inserted from the distal end of the greater curvature of the remnant stomach. Short-term outcomes were reviewed in 218 consecutive patients who underwent complete double stapling technique reconstruction after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy between 2002 and 2012. Findings from GI endoscopy were reviewed in 110 patients. The mean operative time was 216min, and mean blood loss was 163mL. There was no conversion to the open surgery and no operative death. Eight patients (3.6%) had anastomosis-related postoperative complications. In follow-up endoscopic examinations 1year after surgery, grade 3 or higher residual food was seen in 17.2% of patients. Gastritis extending to the entire remnant stomach was observed in 8.2% of patients, and grade 3 gastritis was seen in 2.7%. Los Angeles classification grade A or higher reflux esophagitis was found in 10.9%. Billroth-I reconstruction by the complete double stapling technique is a safe and feasible procedure. This method provides satisfactory short-term outcomes, including the incidence of reflex remnant gastritis and esophagitis.

Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction With Single Stapling Colorectal Anastomosis for Laparoscopic Anterior Resection: Feasibility, Outcomes, and Technical Considerations.

Double and triple stapling techniques to close the rectal stump in laparoscopic anterior resection are fraught with technical drawbacks that could possibly be avoided with the use of the single stapling technique. However, little is known of its safety in laparoscopic surgery or outcomes when combined with natural orifice specimen extraction. This study aims to analyze the feasibility and the operative and immediate postoperative outcomes of single-stapled anastomosis and natural orifice specimen extraction with conventional techniques. It intends to evaluate technical variations related to colon, mesentery, and pelvic anatomy characteristics. A consecutive series of 188 patients underwent elective surgery for benign or malignant lesions between 10 and 40 cm from the anal verge, 5 cm or less in diameter on radiological examination, stage T1 to T3, Nx, M0, with 2 different methods of rectal stump closure (pursestring vs linear-stapled closure) associated with single or double stapling and per anus vs conventional specimen extraction. This study was conducted at China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, a tertiary referral center, between January 2012 and April 2015. The main outcomes measured are feasibility and operative and immediate postoperative outcomes. Single-stapled resection with natural orifice specimen extraction was feasible in 94% patients with an 11% perioperative morbidity rate. The patients required statistically significantly less analgesia, had earlier return of bowel movements, and shorter hospital stay, whereas there was no statistically significant difference in the overall readmission rate and overall morbidity, including anastomotic leakage. This was a single-center, retrospective case-matched study. Anatomic variations (short colon and short mesentery) can be managed adequately with intracorporeal anvil head fixation. The single stapling technique is feasible and as safe as conventional double stapling techniques, although it is technically more demanding. The transanal endoscopic operation platform can be useful when the rectal stump is long.

Safety and efficacy of a novel linear staple device with bioabsorbable polyglicolic acid felt in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery is widely used for the treatment of colorectal cancer, but it is often associated with postoperative anastomotic complications. Generally, gastrointestinal anastomosis for colorectal surgery is performed using mechanical anastomosis with a double stapling technique. Using the automatic suture device with bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) felt is expected to adequately reinforce staple lines on fragile tissue, helping to prevent anastomotic complications, including leakage. This study included 17 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The rectosigmoidal colon was resected toward the dentate line with a novel automatic PGA-felt suture device. None of the patients had any postoperative bleeding, and none developed grade III or higher postoperative complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. When the sigmoid colon, rectosigmoid, or rectum was anastomosed, holding the excess portion of the PGA felt, stapled with the automatic PGA-felt suture device, allowed us to adequately maneuver the part of the colon or rectum to be anastomosed. With this technique, we could easily and safely insert and remove the automatic anastomotic device. When the lower rectum was resected in a planned, two-step operation, the orientation of the PGA felt helped to determine the direction in which the automatic suture device was to be inserted in the second step. Thus, the resected rectum could easily be stapled in a straight line. The automatic PGA-felt suture device is safe and effective for colorectal resections and anastomoses.

Outcome after ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis patients: experience during a 27‐year period

No previous study describes the postoperative outcome and functional results after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), performed in ulcerative colitis by the same surgical team with the different anastomotic techniques adopted in a 27-year period. Prospectively, consecutive 333 ulcerative colitis patients operated adopting different IPAA techniques during the open surgery period 1984-2011 were enrolled. IPAA was performed using single stapling (SS) technique in 38 patients, double stapling (DS) technique in 235 patients (TIA stapler 42 patients, Endo-GIA 131 patients, Contour 62 patients) and handsewn IPAA in 60 patients. Statistically different early and late complications were recorded among the different IPAA techniques. A lower frequency of daily and nocturnal defecations and a higher level of continence were observed in the DS-IPAA compared to handsewn IPAA. The distance between the anastomotic line and the anal verge was significantly lower in DS Endo-GIA or DS Contour groups than in the DS TIA and SS. In SS IPAA group, 31.6% developed cuffitis compared to 14.4% belonging to DS group, at a mean follow-up of 140.4 months. Technical improvements changed the IPAA technique. Stapled IPAA is characterized by better functional outcome than handsewn IPAA. DS Endo-GIA and Contour IPAA are followed by lower risk of cuffitis.

The intentional oblique transection double stapling technique in anterior resection for rectal cancer

The double stapling technique (DST) is an intestinal reconstruction technique that has been widely adopted in anterior resection (AR) for rectal cancer. However, anastomotic leakage (AL) after the operation remains a major concern for colorectal surgeons. The sharp-angled corner of the remnant rectum that is often created by the ordinary DST can be a risk factor for AL. We have developed a new method of performing intentional oblique transection DST (IOT-DST). Using this technique, the anal side of the rectum is intentionally obliquely transected with linear staplers, and the area of the sharp-angled edge is totally punched out with a circular stapler. Between September 2015 and March 2016, we used the IOT-DST technique in the treatment of 15 consecutive rectal cancer patients and experienced no anastomosis-related complications, including leakage and stenosis. IOT-DST is easy to use and less stressful to perform than other techniques. IOT-DST has the potential to become the standard technique for AR in rectal cancer surgery.

Evaluation of intestinal perfusion by ICG fluorescence imaging in laparoscopic colorectal surgery with DST anastomosis.

Decreased blood perfusion is an important risk factor for postoperative anastomotic leakage (AL). Fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) provides a real-time assessment of intestinal perfusion. This study evaluated the utility of ICG fluorescence imaging in determining the transection line of the proximal colon during laparoscopic colorectal surgery with double stapling technique (DST) anastomosis. This was a prospective single-institution study of 68 patients with left-sided colorectal cancers who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery between August 2013 and December 2014. After distal transection of the bowel, the specimen was extracted extracorporeally and then the mesentery was divided along the planned transection line determined by the surgeons' judgement under normal q. After ICG was injected intravenously, intestinal perfusion of the proximal colon was assessed in the fluorescent imaging mode. Intestinal perfusion was examined in relation to the patient-, tumor- and surgery-related variables using univariate and multivariate analyses. ICG fluorescence imaging showed that intestinal perfusion was present at 3mm (median) distal to the initially planned transection line. ICG fluorescence imaging resulted in a proximal change of the transection line by more than 5mm in 18 patients (26.5%) and, particularly, by more than 50mm in 3 patients (4.4%), compared with the initially planned transection line. Univariate analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus, anticoagulation therapy, preoperative chemotherapy and operative time were significantly associated with poor intestinal perfusion. Multivariate analysis identified anticoagulation therapy (P=0.021) and preoperative chemotherapy (P=0.019) as independent risk factors for poor intestinal perfusion. Three patients (4.5%) with a change of transection line developed AL. ICG fluorescence imaging is useful for determining the transection line in laparoscopic colorectal surgery with DST anastomosis. Anticoagulation therapy and preoperative chemotherapy are important risk factors for poor intestinal perfusion.

Functional Outcomes of Patients Treated with Intensive Medications for Bowel and Pain Control for Low-Lying Rectal Cancer Who Received Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of patients treated with intensive medications for bowel and pain control for low-lying rectal cancer who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: The inclusion criterion was sphincter-preserving surgery following CRT for T3 middle and low rectal cancer. Postoperative defecation control was conducted using calcium polycarbophil and loperamide, and anal pain control was conducted using oxycodone hydrochloride hydrate. The functional outcomes were determined by an annual questionnaire after stoma closure. Results: Of 64 patients evaluated, 33 were reconstructed using the double stapling technique (DST) and 31 were reconstructed using the intersphincteric resection (ISR) technique. The median Visual Analogue Scale at ISR was improved from 7 to 1.5 at 1 year after surgery. The median Wexner scores were 6.0, 6.0, 5.0 and 5.0 for DST and 14.5, 12.0, 10.0 and 8.0 for ISR for the first 4 years, respectively. The only independent predictor of a poor bowel function (Wexner score >10) according to a multivariate analyses was pelvic infection (OR 3.994, 95% CI 1.235-13.52, p = 0.021), while ISR was not a predictor. Conclusions: Anal pain following ISR can be controlled with oxycodone hydrochloride hydrate therapy. ISR is feasible following CRT for low-lying rectal cancer.