Intersphincteric Dissection Research Articles

Construction of a nomogram model to predict technical difficulty in performing laparoscopic sphincter-preserving radical resection for rectal cancer.

Colorectal surgeons are well aware that performing surgery for rectal cancer becomes more challenging in obese patients with narrow and deep pelvic cavities. Therefore, it is essential for colorectal surgeons to have a comprehensive understanding of pelvic structure prior to surgery and anticipate potential surgical difficulties. To evaluate predictive parameters for technical challenges encountered during laparoscopic radical sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. We retrospectively gathered data from 162 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. Three-dimensional reconstruction of pelvic bone and soft tissue parameters was conducted using computed tomography (CT) scans. Operative difficulty was categorized as either high or low, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of operative difficulty, ultimately creating a nomogram. Out of 162 patients, 21 (13.0%) were classified in the high surgical difficulty group, while 141 (87.0%) were in the low surgical difficulty group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the surgical approach using laparoscopic intersphincteric dissection, intraoperative preventive ostomy, and the sacrococcygeal distance were independent risk factors for highly difficult laparoscopic radical sphincter-sparing surgery for rectal cancer (P < 0.05). Conversely, the anterior-posterior diameter of pelvic inlet/sacrococcygeal distance was identified as a protective factor (P < 0.05). A nomogram was subsequently constructed, demonstrating good predictive accuracy (C-index = 0.834). The surgical approach, intraoperative preventive ostomy, the sacrococcygeal distance, and the anterior-posterior diameter of pelvic inlet/sacrococcygeal distance could help to predict the difficulty of laparoscopic radical sphincter-preserving surgery.

International standardization and optimization group for intersphincteric resection (ISOG-ISR): modified Delphi consensus on anatomy, definition, indication, surgical technique, specimen description and functional outcome.

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) is an oncologically complex operation for very low-lying rectal cancers. Yet, definition, anatomical description, operative indications and operative approaches to ISR are not standardized. The aim of this study was to standardize the definition of ISR by reaching international consensus from the experts in the field. This standardization will allow meaningful comparison in the literature in the future. A modified Delphi approach with three rounds of questionnaire was adopted. A total of 29 international experts from 11 countries were recruited for this study. Six domains with a total of 37 statements were examined, including anatomical definition; definition of intersphincteric dissection, intersphincteric resection (ISR) and ultra-low anterior resection (uLAR); indication for ISR; surgical technique of ISR; specimen description of ISR; and functional outcome assessment protocol. Three rounds of questionnaire were performed (response rate 100%, 89.6%, 89.6%). Agreement (≥80%) reached standardization on 36 statements. This study provides an international expert consensus-based definition and standardization of ISR. This is the first study standardizing terminology and definition of deep pelvis/anal canal anatomy from a surgical point of view. Intersphincteric dissection, ISR and uLAR were specifically defined for precise surgical description. Indication for ISR was determined by the rectal tumour's maximal radial infiltration (T stage) below the levator ani. A new surgical definition of T3isp was reached by consensus to define T3 low rectal tumours infiltrating the intersphincteric plane. A practical flowchart for surgical indication for uLAR/ISR/abdominoperineal resection was developed. A standardized ISR surgical technique and functional outcome assessment protocol was defined.

Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells into Smooth Muscle Cells in an Internal Anal Sphincter-Targeting Anal Incontinence Rat Model.

Studies on development of an anal incontinence (AI) model targeting smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) have not been reported. The differentiation of implanted human adipose-derived stem cells (hADScs) into SMCs in an IAS-targeting AI model has also not been demonstrated. We aimed to develop an IAS-targeting AI animal model and to determine the differentiation of hADScs into SMCs in an established model. The IAS-targeting AI model was developed by inducing cryoinjury at the inner side of the muscular layer via posterior intersphincteric dissection in Sprague-Dawley rats. Dil-stained hADScs were implanted at the IAS injury site. Multiple markers for SMCs were used to confirm molecular changes before and after cell implantation. Analyses were performed using H&E, immunofluorescence, Masson's trichrome staining, and quantitative RT-PCR. Impaired smooth muscle layers accompanying other intact layers were identified in the cryoinjury group. Specific SMC markers, including SM22α, calponin, caldesmon, SMMHC, smoothelin, and SDF-1 were significantly decreased in the cryoinjured group compared with levels in the control group. However, CoL1A1 was increased significantly in the cryoinjured group. In the hADSc-treated group, higher levels of SMMHC, smoothelin, SM22α, and α-SMA were observed at two weeks after implantation than at one week after implantation. Cell tracking revealed that Dil-stained cells were located at the site of augmented SMCs. This study first demonstrated that implanted hADSc restored impaired SMCs at the injury site, showing stem cell fate corresponding to the established IAS-specific AI model.

Reassessment of intersphincteric resection in the sphincter-preserving operation for ultra-low rectal cancer

Intersphincteric resection (ISR), as an ultra-low sphincter-preserving operation, is widely used in clinical practice at present. ISR can allow some patients with very low rectal cancer to avoid the pain of anal resection while ensuring oncological efficacy. However, the procedure of ISR requires wider intersphincteric dissection which may cause nerve damage, and the removal of partial or total internal anal sphincter as an "inherent defect" of ISR can result in poor anal function postoperatively. Based on the in-depth understanding of regional anatomy and physiological function, the author proposed a new functional sphincter preservation operation for very low rectal cancer-conformal sphincter preservation operation (CSPO) which has achieved good outcome in clinical practice. This article will revisit the brief history of rectal cancer surgery and discuss the main mechanisms underlining the poor anal function after ISR. Based on the anatomical study of the pelvic floor and anal canal, CSPO can improve the postoperative anal function of very low rectal cancer patients by reducing the damage of the autonomic nerves, receptor corpuscles and muscle fibers in the intersphincteric space, retaining more dentate line and internal sphincter with the design of resection line of tumor lower border under direct vision, and elevating the anastomosis height. At the same time, the future treatment prospect of low rectal cancer is envisioned.

Locally advanced rectal cancer receiving total neoadjuvant therapy combined with nivolumab: a case report and literature review

BackgroundThe standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. However, it has been suggested that intensification of neoadjuvant treatment with polychemotherapy in addition to CRT instead of as an adjuvant chemotherapy is better tolerated and associated with a higher pathological complete response (pCR) rate. This concept is known as total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT).Recently, the addition of immunotherapy to preoperative CRT has been reported to be useful in LARC patients with mismatch-repair-deficiency and high levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-H), but there are no reports showing the therapeutic effect of nivolumab in combination with TNT.Case presentationA 23-year-old man had frequent diarrhea. Preoperative examination revealed two adenocarcinomas in the rectum. His maternal grandmother had a rectal cancer patient who developed the disease at age 70s. The larger tumor was located at the peritoneal reflection, and its anterior border close to the prostate (<1 mm); there were eight enlarged pararectal lymph nodes. Considering the size and depth of the tumor, it was judged that radical resection with sufficient margins would be difficult. Therefore, it was decided that TNT would be performed. At first, CAPOX (capecitabine and L-OHP) was administered, followed by preoperative CRT (RT:50.4 Gy and capecitabine). During this period, genetic testing diagnosed this patient as MSI-H, so additional nivolumab was administered after CRT. Colonoscopy revealed that the larger tumor was no longer detectable, so robot-assisted intersphincteric resection and bilateral lateral lymph node dissection was performed. The diagnosis of pCR was made for the larger tumor and partial response was achieved for the smaller tumor, and no lymph node metastasis was found. Major complications were not observed and the patient was discharged on the 14th day after surgery. He was followed up without adjuvant chemotherapy and is alive and recurrence-free after 9 months.ConclusionA case of LARC with MSI-H was treated with TNT with nivolumab, resulting in pCR and complete radical resection. This result suggests that nivolumab in addition to TNT can be an option as a preoperative strategy for LARC with MSI-H.

Functional outcomes and local control are acceptable following hand-sewn colo-anal anastomoses for rectal cancer: Results of long-term follow-up.

Rectal cancer that grows so close to the anal canal that an adequate distal margin cannot be achieved with a double-stapled anastomosis (DSA) has been managed with abdominoperineal resection. Inter-sphincteric dissection and hand-sewn colo-anal anastomoses (HSCAA) allows anastomosis in some cases where DSA is impossible. There are concerns that HSCAA may lead to complications, local recurrence and poor continence. Our aim was to assess our experience with HSCAA in terms of recurrence, complications, continence and quality of life. Consecutive patients at two metropolitan hospitals who underwent an ultra-low anterior resection with hand-sewn colo-anal anastomoses for low rectal cancer during a 10-year period were asked to complete a questionnaire which allowed continence and quality-of-life scores to be calculated. Recurrence and complication rates were obtained from a retrospective medical record review. A total of 26 patients underwent HSCAA. Six patients were not sent a questionnaire (3 deaths, 1 with ileostomy, 1 with ileostomy reversal within 3months and one who had transferred care to another hospital). Fifteen patients returned questionnaires. Local recurrence occurred in zero cases. Two developed systemic recurrence. Four patients developed anastomotic stricture and three had anastomotic leak. Median Faecal Incontinence Severity Index score was 28 and median FIQoL scores were 3.00, 2.78, 3.86 and 3.00. One patient wished that they had had a permanent stoma rather than anastomosis. HSCAA delivered good local control of rectal cancer and high avoidance of permanent stoma. Faecal continence is impaired; however, the results are acceptable to the majority of patients.

P310 Is ileoanal pouch excision a destination therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Data from a quaternary pouch referral center

Abstract Background Although ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical procedure of choice of many patients with ulcerative colitis and other conditions, some patients may require pouch excision (PEx). We aimed to describe our experience with pouch excisions and associated outcomes with an emphasis on late medical, endoscopic, and surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods We performed a retrospective review of a prospective colorectal surgery database. All pouch excisions performed at our quaternary pouch center from 2006 – 2019 were included; pelvic exenteration, PEx with neo-IPAA or Kock-pouch were excluded. Early complications occurred &amp;lt;30 days, late complications &amp;gt;30 days. Medications taken prior to PEx were included if taken within 12 weeks of pouch excision. Data are reported in frequency (proportion) or median (interquartile range). Results A total of 197 cases met inclusion criteria, and were performed by 23 surgeons, median 6 excision (IQR 2 - 14) cases over a 14-year period: of these, 105 had their index pouch created at our quaternary pouch referral center (overall PE rate 2.7%). Indications for PEx are shown in Table 1. Median time to PEx was 7 years and 94 (48%) patients had re-diversion prior to PEx. Medications prior to PEx: 34 (17%) steroids, 27 (14%) biologics, and 22 (11%) immune-modulators. The median duration of surgery was 4 hours (3.2-5). The median estimated blood loss was 263 ml (150-500) with 24 patients (12%) requiring at least one unit of packed red blood cells intra-operatively. Most pouch excisions were done through laparotomy; 2 cases (1%) were started robotically and 11 cases (10%) laparoscopically with a 26% conversion rate. Intersphincteric dissection was used in 172 cases (87%) while 26 cases (13%) required abdomino-perineal resection, of which 58% had a neoplastic indication. Intra-operative, early and late complications are shown in Table 2; 40 patients (20%) had perineal wound complications in less than 30 days, while 26 patients (13%) had long-term perineal wound complications, of which 15 patients required return to the operating room. After PEx, 23 patients out of 167 patients (14%) required continuation of IBD medications, 6 patients (3.6%) required surgery, and 4 patients (2.4%) required endoscopic intervention for their IBD. Conclusion In this large series of ileoanal pouch excisions, we found that perineal wound complications are common, but infrequently require operative intervention. For most IBD patients in this series, pouch excision did appear to be a destination therapy for IBD with a small minority requiring ongoing medical therapy for IBD.

Subtotal colectomy in ulcerative colitis-long term considerations for the rectal stump.

BACKGROUNDThe initial operation of choice in many patients presenting as an emergency with ulcerative colitis is a subtotal colectomy with end ileostomy. A percentage of patients do not proceed to completion proctectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis.AIMTo review the existing literature in relation to the significant long-term complic-ations associated with the rectal stump, to provide an overview of options for the surgical management of remnant rectum and anal canal and to form a consolidated guideline on endoscopic screening recommendations in this cohort.METHODSA systematic review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for papers containing recommendations for endoscopy surveillance in rectal remnants in ulcerative colitis. A secondary narrative review was carried out exploring the medical and surgical management options for the retained rectum.RESULTSFor rectal stump surveillance guidelines, 20% recommended an interval of 6 mo to a year, 50% recommended yearly surveillance 10% recommended 2 yearly surveillance and the remaining 30% recommended risk stratification of patients and different screening intervals based on this. All studies agreed surveillance should be carried out via endoscopy and biopsy. Increased vigilance is needed in endoscopy in these patients. Literature review revealed a number of options for surgical management of the remnant rectum.CONCLUSIONThe retained rectal stump needs to be surveyed endoscopically according to risk stratification. Great care must be taken to avoid rectal perforation and pelvic sepsis at time of endoscopy. If completion proctectomy is indicated the authors favour removal of the anal canal using an intersphincteric dissection technique.

IS ILEOANAL POUCH EXCISION A DESTINATION THERAPY FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE? DATA FROM A QUATERNARY POUCH REFERRAL CENTER

Abstract Background Although ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical procedure of choice of many patients with ulcerative colitis and other conditions, some patients may require pouch excision (PE). We aimed to describe our experience with pouch excisions and associated outcomes with an emphasis on late medical, endoscopic, and surgical interventions for IBD. Methods We performed a retrospective review of a prospective colorectal surgery database. All PEs performed at our quaternary pouch center from 2006 – 2019 were included; pelvic exenteration, PE with neo-IPAA or Kock-pouch were excluded. Early complications occurred &amp;lt;30 days, late complications &amp;gt;30 days. Medications taken prior to PE were included if taken within 12 weeks of pouch excision. Data are reported in frequency (proportion) or median (interquartile range). Results A total of 197 cases met inclusion criteria, and were performed by 23 surgeons, median 6 excision (IQR 2 - 14) cases over a 14-year period: of these, 105 had their index pouch created at our quaternary pouch referral center (overall PE rate 2.7%). Indications for PE are shown in Table 1. Median time to PE was 7 years and 94 (48%) patients had re-diversion prior to PE. Medications prior to PE: 34 (17%) steroids, 27 (14%) biologics, and 22 (11%) immune-modulators. The median duration of surgery was 4 hours (3.2–5). The median estimated blood loss was 263 ml (150–500) with 24 patients (12%) requiring at least one unit of packed red blood cells intra-operatively. Most pouch excisions were done through laparotomy; 2 cases (1%) were started robotically and 11 cases (10%) laparoscopically with a 26% conversion rate. Intersphincteric dissection was used in 172 cases (87%) while 26 cases (13%) required abdomino-perineal resection, of which 58% had a neoplastic indication. Intra-operative, early and late complications are shown in Table 2; 40 patients (20%) had perineal wound complications in less than 30 days, while 26 patients (13%) had long-term perineal wound complications, of which 15 patients required return to the operating room. After PE, 23 patients (12%) required continuation of IBD medications, 6 patients (3.1%) required surgery, and 4 patients (2%) required endoscopic intervention for their IBD. Conclusions In this large series of ileoanal pouch excisions, we found that perineal wound complications are common, but infrequently require operative intervention. For most IBD patients in this series, pouch excision did appear to be a destination therapy for IBD with a small minority requiring ongoing medical therapy for IBD.

Laparoscopic anterior resection: Analysis of technique over 1000 cases.

Purpose:Laparoscopic rectal surgery has moved from being experimental to getting established as a mainstream procedure. We aimed at analysing how rectal cancer surgery has evolved at our institute.Methods:A retrospective review of 1000 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal adenocarcinoma over a period of 15 years (January 2005 to December 2019) was performed. Technical modifications were made with splenic flexure mobilisation, intersphincteric dissection and anastomotic technique. The data collected included type of surgery, duration of surgery, conversion to open, anastomotic leak, defunctioning stoma and duration of hospital stay. The first 500 and the next 500 cases were compared.Results:The study patients were predominantly males comprising 68% (n = 680). The mean age of the patients was 58.3 years (range: 28–92 years). Majority of the procedures performed were high anterior resection (n = 402) and low anterior resection (LAR) (n = 341) followed by ultra-LAR (ULAR) (n = 208) and ULAR + colo-anal anastomosis (n = 49). A total of 42 patients who were planned for laparoscopic surgery needed conversion to open procedure. Forty-one patients (4.1%) had an anastomotic leak. The mean duration of stay was 5.3 + 2.8 days. The rate of conversion to open procedure had reduced from 5.4% to 3.0%. The rate of defunctioning stoma had reduced by >50% in the recent group. The anastomotic leak rate had reduced from 5.0% to 3.2%. The average duration of stay had reduced from 5.8 days to 4.9 days.Conclusion:This is one of the largest single-centre experiences of laparoscopic anterior resection. We have shown the progressive benefits of an evolving approach to laparoscopic anterior resection.

Rectal neuroendocrine tumor developing lateral lymph node metastasis after curative resection: a case report

BackgroundAmong gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), rectal NETs account for about one-third of all tumors. Despite the occasional observation of lateral lymph node metastasis in patients with rectal NETs, lateral lymph node recurrence is rare. We present a rare case of lateral lymph node recurrence after curative resection of a rectal NET.Case presentationA 55-year-old man presented with fecal occult blood and colonoscopy revealed a mass in the distal rectum. Systematic computed tomography scan showed no evidence of regional lymph node or distant metastasis. The patient underwent laparoscopic intersphincteric resection and D2 lymph node dissection with diverting stoma. Diverting stoma closure was performed 6 months after the initial operation. Pathological diagnosis was NET of the rectum, grade 2, T1b, N0, Stage I without lymphovascular invasion. At 54 months after the surgery, recurrence in a left lateral lymph node was suspected and lymph node dissection was performed. The pathological diagnosis of the specimen was consistent with lateral lymph node metastasis of a recurrent rectal NET. To our best knowledge, there are no case reports in English of lateral lymph node recurrence after curative resection of a rectal NET, grade 2, T1b, N0, Stage I without lymphovascular invasion.ConclusionConsidering that patients with lateral lymph node metastasis have worse survival than those without metastasis in rectal cancer, if complete resection of the tumor can be achieved for lateral lymph node recurrence, surgery may be an important option in the strategy to treat this condition.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Modified Intersphincter Resection for Ultralow Rectal Cancer.

Intersphincter resection (ISR) is considered to be a superior technique offering sphincter preservation in patients with ultralow rectal cancer.1 Because high-definition laparoscopy offers wider and clearer vision into the narrow pelvic cavity and intersphincteric space, ISR has been further refined.2 However, functional outcome after ISR has not been optimal. More than half of patients receiving ISR suffer partial or even complete anal incontinence.3 We therefore propose a laparoscopic-assisted modified ISR, with the aim of improving sphincter function following ISR. The video describes the technique for performing such laparoscopic-assisted modified ISR in a 62-year-old woman with ultralow rectal cancer (3cm from anal verge). Preoperative staging by endorectal ultrasound and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed stage I rectal cancer (cT2N0M0). The operation consisted of an abdominal and a perineal phase. The abdominal phase routinely involved colonic mobilization with high ligation of inferior mesenteric vessels, total mesorectal excision (TME), as well as transabdominal intersphincteric dissection. The procedure for laparoscopic TME was performed according to our published method.4 Along the TME dissection plane, the puborectalis could be reached and the intersphincteric space was entered posterolaterally. The hiatal ligament at the posterior side of the rectum was transected afterwards. The dissection of the intersphincteric space was continued caudally at the anterior side of the rectum. The distal bowel wall was mobilized for 2cm from the lower edge of the tumor to obtain adequate distal margin. At this point, circular dissection of the intersphincteric space was completed. After the abdominal phase, perineal dissection was performed with wide exposure by use of a hooked self-retaining retractor. The lower margin of the tumor was identified under direct vision. We developed a modified ISR technique. Resection of the mucosa and internal sphincter was initiated 2cm distal to the lower edge of the tumor at the tumor side to obtain the necessary distal margin. Meanwhile, at the opposite side of the tumor, the resection line was just above the dentate line so that partial dentate line could be preserved. After removal of the specimen en bloc per anus, the pelvic cavity was generously irrigated with diluted povidone iodine solutions. The distal margin of the specimen was then examined by frozen section for presence of cancer. If clear, coloanal anastomosis was performed using a handsewn technique. The colon was rotated 90° and anastomosed to the anal canal with interrupted absorbable 3-0 sutures. Finally, a pelvic suction drain was placed, and a temporary diverting stoma made in the terminal ileum. There were no intraoperative complications. The operating time was 180min. Blood loss was 50mL. The distal margin was clear, and the final pathology was pT2N0M0. The patient underwent an uneventful recovery. She began sphincter-strengthening exercises 2weeks after surgery. The stoma was closed after examinations 3months later. No local recurrence or distant metastasis was found. At 12-month follow-up, in terms of sphincteric function, the patient was continent to solids, liquids, and flatus. Laparoscopic-assisted modified intersphincter resection for ultralow rectal cancer is safe and feasible. This technique should be considered whenever possible as a means to offer sphincter preservation and improve sphincter function in patients with ultralow rectal cancer.

Sphincter-saving extrasphincteric rectal dissection and proximal segmental sphincteric excision techniques by using combined abdominal and transvaginal anterior perineal access in female patients who have lower rectal cancer (Transvaginal low anterior rectal resection)

BackgroundCombined abdominal and transvaginal anterior perineal approaches have been used as an alternative surgical method for the surgical treatment of the lower rectal cancer. The main aim of this paper is to describe the surgical stages of the combined abdominal and transvaginal approaches performed for lower rectal cancer, especially in transvaginal anterior perineal stage. MethodWe have performed sphincter-saving surgical operations by using transvaginal anterior perineal access by combining with the abdominal access in four female patients who had lower rectal cancer. ResultsSphincter-saving extrasphincteric dissection and proximal segmental sphincteric excision techniques were performed in four female patients operated with combined abdominal and transvaginal anterior perineal approach. All patients were found to have continence. Postoperatively, one patient was converted to abdominoperineal rectal amputation due to the detected distal resection margin positivity. ConclusionTransvaginal anterior perineal access provides the extrasphincteric rectal dissection possibility in the ischioanal fossa. Therefore, the combined abdominal and transvaginal anterior perineal approaches have been based on the different anatomical and surgical features when compared to intersphincteric dissection technique which is the most common used surgical procedure in lower rectal cancer surgery.

Hartmann’s procedure vs abdominoperineal resection with intersphincteric dissection in patients with rectal cancer: a randomized multicentre trial (HAPIrect)

BackgroundThe use of Hartmann’s procedure in the old and frail and/or in patients with fecal incontinence is increasing, even though some data have reported high postoperative rates of pelvic abscesses. Abdominoperineal excision with intersphincteric dissection has been proposed as a better alternative and is performed increasingly both nationally and internationally. However, no studies have been performed to support this. The aim of this study is to randomize patients between Hartmann’s procedure and abdominoperineal excision with intersphincteric dissection and compare post-operative surgical morbidity and quality of life. The hypothesis is that intersphincteric abdominoperineal excision provides less pelvic and perineal morbidity.Methods/designIn this multicentre randomized controlled study, Hartmann’s procedure will be compared with intersphincteric abdominoperineal excision in patients with rectal cancer unsuitable for an anterior resection. The patients are operated in different ways around the ano-rectum, otherwise the same procedure is performed with total mesorectal excision and all will receive a colostomy. The one-month postoperative control will focus on post-operative surgical complications, especially the perineal-pelvic, reoperations and other interventions. After one year, late complications such as pain in the perineal or pelvic area or disorders such as secretion or bleeding from the anorectal stump will be recorded and a follow-up of quality of life performed. Histological and oncological data will also be recorded, the latter up to 5 years post-operatively.DiscussionThe HAPIrect trial is the first randomized controlled trial comparing standard low Hartmann’s procedure with intersphincteric abdominoperineal excision in patients with rectal cancer with the aim of categorizing the post-operative surgical morbidity.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01995396. Date of registration November 25, 2013.

A simple transanal technique to complete perineal dissection of a proctectomy when the limits are not visible from above or below.

BACKGROUND An intersphincteric dissection is often used in a proctectomy for benign pathology such as ulcerative colitis, thereby avoiding a large perineal defect. The narrow confines of this approach can make the dissection technically challenging, especially when compounded by body habitus or a narrow pelvis. Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has been developed for both local and extensive resections involving the low and midrectum, usually requiring a single incision laparoscopic surgery port and development of skills to perform extensive transanal resection. A transanal approach using simple theatre equipment to create a single glove port has been reported but is seldom used as an option in difficult cases.

Robotic transanal total mesorectal excision with intersphincteric dissection for extreme distal rectal cancer: a video demonstration

Robotic transanal total mesorectal excision with intersphincteric dissection for extreme distal rectal cancer: a video demonstration

IPAA-related sepsis significantly increases morbidity of ileoanal pouch excision.

Perineal wound complications after ileoanal pouch excision remain a significant cause of morbidity. The purpose of this work was to describe the incidence, outcomes, and predictors of perineal wound complications after pouch excision. This was a retrospective medical chart review. The study was conducted in a single clinical institution. Patients who underwent pouch excision at our institution from July 1992 through July 2012 were identified. Patient and perioperative variables were reviewed. Multivariate and univariate analyses were undertaken. Perineal wound (including perineal wound infection and persistent perineal sinus [nonhealing by 6 months]) and perineal hernia were measured. A total of 47 patients (mean age, 46 years; 42.6% men) with familial adenomatous polyposis (10.6%), mucosal ulcerative colitis (61.7%), or Crohn's disease (27.7%) underwent pouch excision, including 36.2% for IPAA-related sepsis (presacral abscess; perineal-, sacral-, or pouch-vaginal fistula; and anastomotic defect), 44.7% for pouch dysfunction, 10.6% for refractory pouchitis, and 8.5% for neoplasia. Fourteen (29.8%) developed perineal wound complications, including 100% perineal wound infection, 28.6% persistent perineal sinus, and 7.1% perineal hernia. Perineal wound infection was associated with delayed healing (>6 weeks; 71.4% vs 24.2%; p = 0.002) and IPAA-related sepsis (28.6% vs 0%; p = 0.001). Patients with and without perineal wound complications were similar in age, diagnoses, fecal diversion, immunosuppression, comorbid conditions, nutrition, and surgical variables. Most patients underwent intersphincteric dissection (87.2%) with primary perineal closure (97.0%). Perineal wound complications were significantly associated with IPAA-related sepsis as an indication for pouch excision (57.1% vs 27.2%; p = 0.05), intraoperative pouch perforation (35.7% vs 9.1%, p =0.03), and smoking (21.4% vs 3.0%; p = 0.04). IPAA-related sepsis and a current smoking status (OR, 19.3 [95% CI, 1.8 -488.1]) are significant independent predictors on multivariate logistic regression (OR, 6.4 [95% CI, 1.4-30.2]) of perineal wound complications. All of the patients with persistent perineal sinus achieved successful healing at a median of 734 days (range, 363-2182 days), requiring a median of 1.5 procedures. This was a single-center retrospective review with a small sample size. Preoperative IPAA-related sepsis and current smoking are significant risk factors for perineal wound complications after pouch excision.

Dynamic Article

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision can be difficult in a narrow pelvis. Transanal minimally invasive surgery allows the surgeon to mobilize the most distal part of the rectum by using a single port positioned in the anal canal. We aim to assess the safety and feasibility of transanal rectal excision. This pilot study was conducted in a university hospital and tertiary colorectal referral center in Belgium. Over a 12-month period, all consecutive patients with benign disease and ASA grade 3 patients with a rectal carcinoma who required either intersphincteric proctectomy or coloanal anastomosis were included. After intersphincteric dissection or sleeve mucosectomy, a single-access multichannel port was inserted into the anal canal. A transanal rectal excision was performed by using conventional laparoscopic instruments. The planes were developed as cephalad as possible, until the pouch of Douglas was opened. A laparoscopically assisted approach was used to gain bowel length and was used in patients who required proctectomy. In the case of a reconstruction, a handsewn coloanal anastomosis was made. Intraoperative challenges, conversion rate, operating time, blood loss, morbidity, and length of stay were assessed. Fourteen patients underwent a transanal rectal excision for both benign (9) and malignant (5) disease. In 11 patients (79%), laparoscopically assisted transanal minimally invasive rectal excision was performed. The median (range) transanal operating time was 55 (35-95) minutes. Intraoperative difficulties hindering dissection occurred in 5 patients and were due to inadequate exposure, rectal perforation, or fibrosis secondary to radiotherapy for prostate cancer. There was minimal postoperative morbidity, with a median follow-up of 6.3 (1.5-13.8) months. All patients were discharged within 14 days postoperatively, and there were no readmissions. The study was limited by the small number of patients. Transanal rectal excision is safe and feasible and could be a promising technique to facilitate distal rectal mobilization (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A125).

Laparoscopic intersphincteric resection using needlescopic instruments.

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) is a procedure designed to preserve anal function in cases with very low rectal cancer. We report our clinical experience with laparoscopic ISR (Lap ISR) performed using needlescopic instruments. First, a camera port is created at the umbilicus. Two 5-mm ports are then inserted at the right upper and lower quadrants. Two needlescopic forceps (Endo-Relief™ Hope Denshi Co., Chiba, Japan) are inserted at the left upper and lower quadrants. We then perform the following procedures; ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery and vein, total mesorectal excision and dissection of the intersphincteric space. After the transanal intersphincteric dissection, the specimen is extracted through the anus and a hand —sewn coloanal anastomosis is performed. The covering ileostomy is finally created at the right upper port. We performed Lap ISR using needlescopic forceps in two patients with very low rectal cancer. In both cases, we were able to perform this procedure without insertion of an additional port or to change the needlescopic forceps to conventional 5-mm forceps. Lap ISR with needlescopic instruments is a feasible procedure for minimally invasive surgery.

Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision for Ultralow Rectal Cancer with Transanal Intersphincteric Dissection as a First Step: A Single-surgeon Experience

Laparoscopic intersphincteric resection (ISR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation is helpful in the management of patients with low rectal cancer. With the advent of this technique, the need for performance of abdominoperineal resection seems to have decreased in patients with very low rectal tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic ISR preceded by transanal rectal dissection low rectal cancer. Between December 2009 and June 2011, we performed laparoscopic ISR for 30 patients with very low rectal cancer. Patients received preoperative concurrent chemoradiation (5 days a week for 5 weeks). The surgical procedure was performed 6 weeks after radiotherapy and included total mesorectal excision, ISR, transanal coloanal anastomosis with coloplasty and loop ileostomy. Clinical data of 30 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Thirty patients (21 men, nine women) had a median age of 65 years (range, 37 to 75 years), a median body weight of 67 kg (range, 43 to 96 kg), and body mass index of 24 kg/m(2) (range, 19 to 33 kg/m(2)). The distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 5 cm (range, 2 to 11 cm). The operative time was from 240 to 360 minutes, and estimated blood loss was 100 to 520 mL. There were no conversions and no postoperative mortality. This procedure is feasible and has favorable short-term results for radical treatment of very low rectal disease while preserving anal function.