Prone Jackknife Research Articles

A case of dumbbell-shaped accessory scrotum with concomitant lipoma

BackgroundAccessory scrotum is a congenital scrotal anomaly that is usually located anterior to the anus and frequently presents with a lipoma in a bead-like shape. Herein, we present an unusual case of an accessory scrotum with a lipoma connected by a narrow stalk and located posterior to the anus.Case presentationA 1-month-old boy was referred to our hospital for a perineal mass present at birth. He was born at 37 weeks and 2 days, with a birth weight of 2962 g. No abnormalities occurred during the perinatal period, and the birth was uneventful. The mass had an unusual shape, comprising two masses connected by a narrow stalk. The base of the mass was posterior to the anus and was connected to the rectal mucosa. The proximal mass was elastic and soft without skinfolds, whereas the distal mass was elastic and soft with a scrotum-like skinfolds. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no spina bifida. High-intensity adipose tissues in both masses and low-intensity vessels or fibrous stroma in cord-like structures between the two masses were found on T2-weighted images. At 3 months of age, the patient underwent resection in the prone jackknife position. No tumorous lesions were connected to the mass on the rectal and coccyx sides, and the mass was completely removed, preserving the anal sphincter. Histologically, the distal mass had characteristics of a scrotum, whereas the proximal mass was exclusively a lipoma. The connecting stalk had normal skin structures and a blood vessel with parallel-running nerve bundles. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 6.ConclusionsThis case of accessory scrotum was unusual in its location and the presence of a stalk connecting the accessory scrotum and lipoma. The mechanism underlying accessory scrotum development remains unclear, and our report may impact the discourse regarding the embryological development of the accessory scrotum.

Prone Jack-Knife Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Safe and Effective Approach for Anterior Low Rectal GI Stromal Tumors.

Subepithelial rectal lesions, including gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), leiomyomas, neuroendocrine tumours, lipomas, and schwannomas, are rare surgical conditions. 1 Surgical management in this region often entails radical surgical excisions with stoma creation. Radical surgical excisions with stoma creation are often required for surgical management in this region. In this video, we demonstrate a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) approach to anterior low rectal GIST. Patient underwent neoadjuvant Imatinib Mesylate after multidisciplinary team discussion, and were evaluated preoperatively with colonoscopy, pelvis MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue biopsy. 2,3 The procedure was performed with the patient in the prone jack-knife position and using the GelPOINT® Path transanal access, providing an excellent surgical platform. 4 The access channel was chosen based on the lesion's location from the anal verge, and ports were placed in a triangular fashion onto the GelSeal Cap, including an apex 10 mm sleeve for the telescope connected to the insufflation stabilization bag, two lower 10 mm working ports, and an additional port if traction was necessary. The RapidVac TM smoke evacuator was used for smooth surgery without fluctuating the surgical field and to achieve optimal vision. Dissection was initiated over the lower margin of the mass into the subepithelial plane and then performed along and around the mass in the desired plane. This approach and positioning in prone jack-knife, allowed dissection under direct vision with excellent surgical ergonomics and avoided radical resection. Our video demonstrates the feasibility and safety of TAMIS for the management of anterior low rectal subepithelial lesion, providing an alternative to more radical surgical approaches. See Video Vignette.

Administration of Spinal Anesthesia in the Jack-knife Prone Position for Anorectal Surgeries

At the institution, anorectal surgeries are often done in prone-jackknife position, under Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) combined with either local infiltration or intrathecal spinal anesthesia. The traditional technique for spinal anesthesia is done with 0.75% hyperbaric Bupivacaine in a sitting position and the patient remains in this position for 10-15 minutes before turning into a prone jackknife position for the surgery. The other approach for spinal anesthesia is done while patient is already in a jackknife prone position and using 0.25% hypobaric Tetracaine, former technique is easier than the latter however demands a longer knife-to-skin time and patients are potentially prone for more hemodynamic instability. In this case series, three male adults who underwent anorectal surgery in the jackknife position with jack-knife position for spinal anesthesia and mild MAC has been described. The operating time was more efficient, the perioperative course and recovery were uneventful. Patient and staff satisfactions were encouraging and promising for the jackknife spinal anesthesia technique. A short acting hyperbaric local anesthetic will further enhance efficiency by shortening recovery and discharge time.

Impact of Prone Jackknife Position on Intraoperative Hypotension During Percutaneous Nephroscopy: A Retrospective Matched Analysis

Impact of Prone Jackknife Position on Intraoperative Hypotension During Percutaneous Nephroscopy: A Retrospective Matched Analysis

How to do a Delorme's sleeve mucosectomy and muscular plication for full-thickness rectal prolapse.

Here, we offer a step-by-step description of the technique for a Delorme's mucosectomy and muscular plication in our favoured prone jack-knife position, which is our preferred approach in patients who are frail, and unable to tolerate the pneumoperitoneum required for minimally invasive surgery. The principles of this technique are to reduce the prolapse, relieve incontinence and prevent obstructive defecation. This article is supplemented by a series of high-quality clinical images.

Extralevator Abdominoperineal Excision (ELAPE) is Not Superior to Abdominoperineal Excision (APE) in the Era of Neoadjuvant Treatment in Rectal Cancer.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of extralevator abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (ELAPE) on the circumferential resection margin (CRM) and overall survival in comparison to standard abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (APE) in patients with advanced rectal cancer. Material and Methods: This retrospective study encompasses patients with advanced rectal cancer operated on with two different methods: prone Jack-Knife position ELAPE and APE. In part of them, neoadjuvant chemoradiation was conducted. Postoperative patient, tumor, and outcome data were analyzed in terms of differences in CRM positivity and overall survival. Results: Of 67 patients treated with either APE (52) or ELAPE (15), 43 were male and 24 were female. Neoadjuvant treatment was conducted on 49 of the total patients. Complete pathological response (T0) was achieved in 3 patients. Positive CRM was reported in 7 patients (11.5 %), 3 in ELAPE and 4 in APE group (p = 0.348). The overall postoperative complication rate was 56.7%. Mean survival period was 42.2 months. Overall survival rate for both groups was 67.2 %. No statistical differences were seen between the ELAPE and APE procedure in terms of overall survival (p = 0.483). Conclusions: Differences between the use of ELAPE and APE in terms of CRM positivity and overall survival were not statistically significant. Therefore, we conclude that ELAPE is not superior to standard APE in the treatment of advanced rectal cancer.

Robotic transanal excision of rectal lesions: expert perspective and literature review

Transanal excision of benign lesions, moderately or well-differentiated rectal T1 adenocarcinomas is typically completed via transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) or laparoscopic transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). Robotic platforms provide ergonomic comfort in an enclosed space, enhanced range of motion, and superior 3D visualization. This study sought to perform a literature review of robotic TAMIS (R-TAMIS) and provide expert commentary on the technique. A Pubmed literature search was performed. Study design, robot type, indication, techniques compared, surgical margins, conversion, complications, operative time, estimated blood loss, patient positioning, and defect closure were collected from included articles. Expert opinion on pre-operative planning, technical details, and possible pitfalls was provided, with an accompanying video. Twelve articles published between 2013 and 2022 were included. Five were case reports, three case series, two prospective cohort studies, one retrospective cohort study, and one Phase II trial. The Da Vinci Si (n = 3), Xi (n = 2), single port (n = 3) and flex robotic system (n = 2) were used. Five studies reported negative surgical margins, one reported positive margins, and six did not comment. Operating room time ranged from 45 to 552 min and EBL ranged from 0 to 100 mL. Patient positioning varied based on lesion location but included supine, prone, modified lithotomy, and prone jackknife positions. 11/12 studies reported defect closure, most commonly with V-Loc absorbable suture. We recommend pre-operative MRI abdomen/pelvis, digital rectal exam, and rigid proctoscopy; prone jackknife patient positioning to avoid collisions with robotic arms; and defect closure of full-thickness excisions with backhanded running V-Loc suture.

Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic Extralevator Abdominoperineal excision with modified position change for low rectal Cancer treatment

BackgroundExtralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) has been recommended for treating low rectal cancer due to its potential advantages in improving surgical safety and oncologic outcomes as compared to conventional abdominoperineal excision (APE). In ELAPE, however, whether the benefits of intraoperative position change to a prone jackknife position outweighs the associated risks remains controversial. This study is to introduce a modified position change in laparoscopic ELAPE and evaluate its feasibility, safety and the long-term therapeutic outcomes.MethodsMedical records of 56 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic ELAPE from November 2013 to September 2016 were retrospectively studied. In the operation, a perineal dissection in prone jackknife position was firstly performed and the laparoscopic procedure was then conducted in supine position. Patient characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, pathologic and 5-year oncologic outcomes were analyzed.ResultsThe mean operation time was 213.5 ± 29.4 min and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 152.7 ± 125.2 ml. All the tumors were totally resected, without intraoperative perforation, conversion to open surgery, postoperative 30-day death, and perioperative complications. All the patients achieved pelvic peritoneum reconstruction without the usage of biological mesh. During the follow-up period, perineal hernia was observed in 1 patient, impaired sexual function in 1 patient, and parastomal hernias in 3 patients. The local recurrence rate was 1.9% and distant metastasis was noted in 12 patients. The 5-year overall survival rate was 76.4% and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 70.9%.ConclusionsLaparoscopic ELAPE with modified position change is a simplified, safe and feasible procedure with favorable outcomes. The pelvic peritoneum can be directly closed by the laparoscopic approach without the application of biological mesh.

Laparoscopic approach for malignant retrorectal tumour: Better vision and lesser morbidity.

The retrorectal tumours are removed by open approaches according to the type, location and size of the lesion. Malignant tumours are mostly operated by open approach owing to the fear of spillage and inability to obtain safe oncological margin. We present our recent experience of laparoscopy for a malignant retrorectal tumour. An 11 cm pre-sacral mass causing erosion of sacrum was operated with a combined approach. Transsacral approach followed laparoscopic mobilisation with the patient in prone jackknife position. Wide excision with sacrectomy was done with adequate margin. Post-operative histopathology showed dedifferentiated chordoma for which adjuvant radiotherapy was given. Laparoscopic approach provides a feasible and oncological safe alternative to the conventional approaches, especially in malignant tumour with advantages of better visualisation, minimal operative morbidity, lesser post-operative pain and shorter hospital stay. However, the surgical approach should be tailored to each patient according to patient factors, tumour characteristics and surgeon's expertise.

Saddle block anesthetic technique for benign outpatient anorectal surgery

BackgroundCurrent American Society of Colorectal Surgery Clinical Practice Guidelines for Ambulatory Anorectal Surgery endorse use of monitored anesthesia care, general anesthesia, or spinal anesthesia based on physician and patient preference. Although several studies support the use of monitored anesthesia care over general anesthesia, the literature regarding spinal anesthesia is limited and heterogenous due to small sample sizes and disparate spinal anesthesia techniques. Saddle block anesthesia is a form of spinal anesthesia that localizes to the lowermost sacral spinal segments allowing for preservation of lower extremity motor function and faster recovery. We accrued one of the largest reported cohort of anorectal procedures using saddle block anesthesia, as such, we sought to evaluate our institutional 12-year experience. MethodsPatients who underwent a benign anorectal procedure at our outpatient surgery center between July 2008−2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, surgical factors, perioperative times, and adverse events were collected from the electronic medical records. Saddle block anesthesia was generally performed in the preoperative area using a spinal needle (25–27 gauge) and a single injection technique of a 1:1 ratio local anesthetic mixed with 10% dextrose solution. Between 2.5–5 mg of hyperbaric anesthetic was injected intrathecally in the sitting position and the patient remained upright for 3–10 minutes. This technique of saddle block anesthesia provides analgesia for approximately 1–3 hours. ResultsIn the study, 859 saddle block anesthesia patients were identified, with a mean age of 44.6 years and American Society of Anesthesia score of 1.9; 609 (70.9%) were male. Surgical indications included lesion removal (27.1%), anal fistula (25.8%), hemorrhoidectomy (24.7%), pilonidal disease (6.3%), anal fissure (5.8%), and a combination of prior (10.2%). Prone jackknife positioning was used in 91.6% of procedures. Saddle block anesthesia most often was performed with bupivacaine (48.9%) or ropivacaine (41.7%). The median procedural saddle block anesthesia time was 11 minutes, surgery time was 17 minutes, anesthesia time was 42 minutes, and recovery time was 91 minutes. Patients spent a median of 3 hours and 53 minutes in the facility. Adverse events included urinary retention (1.9%), conversion to general anesthesia (1.8%), spinal headache (1.5%), hemodynamic instability (0.9%), and injection site reaction (0.3%). ConclusionDemonstrated using the largest known cohort of anorectal patients with saddle block anesthesia, saddle block anesthesia provides an effective method of analgesia to avoid general anesthesia with a low rate of adverse events.

Surgical Outcomes of LigaSure Hemorrhoidectomy in the Elderly Population: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the association between age and outcomes in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.MethodsThis is a population-based cohort study. A retrospectively collected database with consecutive patients whose symptomatic prolapsed hemorrhoids managed by the LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy between Jan. 2015 and May 2017 was reviewed. Among 1238 patients, 1075 were under 65 years old (group 1), and 163 were 65 years old or older (group 2). Both groups were compared regarding baseline characteristics and surgical outcomes.ResultsAll patients tolerated the whole course of the operation in the prone jackknife position without anesthetic-associated complications. There was no significant difference between these two groups regarding sex, hemorrhoids grade, operation time, duration of hospital stays, postoperative pain score, analgesic consumption, total postoperative complications, re-admission rate, reoperation rate and follow-up times. The multivariate logistic regression analysis that may contribute to postoperative complications revealed no significant difference for all complications between both groups.ConclusionThe LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy for elderly patients is safe and effective without significant difference in short-term operative outcomes and all complication rates, compared with younger patients.

Transperineal abdominoperineal resection in the prone jackknife position in male patients with low rectal cancer.

In male patients with low rectal cancer undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR), successful dissection of the anterior anorectum is key to reducing the risk of circumferential resection margin involvement, intraoperative bowel perforation, and local recurrence, but it is challenging. To overcome difficulties dissecting the anterior anorectum, we present a safe and feasible procedure using a transperineal endoscopic approach during APR (TpAPR). The male patient is placed in the prone jackknife position. TpAPR precedes the procedure from an abdominal approach. We use some pelvic tissues as clear anatomical landmarks to dissect the anterior anorectum. The key steps of this procedure are shown in the video. The identification of a clear anatomical dissection plane of the anterior anorectum is difficult because of the complex surgical anatomy of the region. Clear anatomical landmarks for dissection of the anterior anorectum are necessary for safe implementation of this procedure. Therefore, TpAPR in the prone jackknife position can be performed to obtain better visualization of each anatomical landmark at a glance.

The Modified Prone Jack-knife Position for the Excision of Female Urethral Diverticula

BackgroundFemale urethral diverticula (UD) are an uncommon and often overlooked aetiology in women presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms, urethral pain, and recurrent urinary tract infection. With increasing awareness, appropriate imaging is more commonly undertaken with consideration given to surgical management. ObjectiveThe video presented demonstrates the technique for excising large and/or complex UD using a modified prone jack-knife position—a position that offers excellent surgical access and allows the surgeon to operate in a more ergonomic position. Design, setting, and participantsA retrospective review of the data on patients undergoing excision of UD at a tertiary referral unit was performed. Surgical procedureUrethral and suprapubic catheters (±insertion of ureteric stents) were placed in supine position. UD excised in the modified prone jack-knife position (±placement of a Martius flap). MeasurementsSubjective cure rate, recurrence rate, rates of postoperative urinary incontinence, need for secondary incontinence procedure, and postoperative complications were measured. Results and limitationsA total of 121 patients were operated on in the study period. The mean follow-up time was 10 mo (range 3–40). The most frequent presenting symptoms included a vaginal mass (n = 76, 63%), followed by dysuria (n = 72, 60%) and pelvic pain (n = 71, 59%). An identifiable aetiological factor was present in 45 patients, including traumatic vaginal delivery (18, 15%), prior periurethral surgery (17, 14%), and urethral dilatation (10, 8%). All patients underwent postvoiding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and plan surgery. UD ranged in maximum diameter from 8 to 48 mm, with a mean of 43 mm (standard deviation 9.24). The most common anatomical location was midurethral (55, 46%), followed by distal (36, 30%), proximal (25, 21%), and full length (5, 4%). Most UDs were single in configuration (74%), followed by multiloculated (15%), saddle shaped (7%), and circumferential (5%). On preoperative videourodynamics, 17 (14%) had stress urinary incontinence. UD excision was undertaken in the modified prone jack-knife position in all cases. A Martius flap was utilised in 36 (30%). The median postoperative postvoiding residual was 26 ml (interquartile range 0–40). In total, 88 (73%) patients were continent postoperatively and 16 (13%) experienced de novo stress urinary incontinence. Of the 37 with pre-existing stress incontinence symptoms, 20 (54%) were continent after operation. A total of 14 patients had subsequent autologous fascial sling at 6 mo. In total, five symptomatic recurrences occurred (4%); of these patients, three elected to undergo surgical excision, all of whom had symptom resolution and were continent after operation. A total of 11 patients (9%) experienced a Clavien-Dindo grade I–II complication within 90 d after operation. Five patients complained of dyspareunia, which resolved by 6 mo. ConclusionsThe modified prone jack-knife position facilitates excellent access for excision of both simple and complex UDs. This positioning of the patient is not widely recognised amongst urologists. Using this approach, there were low rates of symptomatic recurrence and de novo stress incontinence at medium-term follow-up. Associated urinary incontinence resolves in over half of patients following UD excision; hence, we advocate deferring any incontinence procedure until after the results of surgery are established. Patient summarySurgical removal of urethral outpouching (diverticula) in women is challenging due to its potential to damage the nearby sphincter muscle, which controls continence, or the urethra tube. Placement of patients on their front, rather than on their back, provides excellent access for the surgical removal of urethral diverticula. With this approach, we achieved excellent rates of cure and low rates of urinary incontinence at an average follow-up of 10 mo.

Perineal resection and anorectal amputation with perforator flap reconstruction by a dorsal approach in prone Jackknife position

Some gynecological malignancies, such as vulvar or vaginal cancer, can present a local extension to the anus or rectum due to their close anatomical relationship. The frontline treatment in the...

Transanal total mesorectal excision in the prone jackknife position without being conscious of the size of prostatic enlargement for lower rectal cancer.

In 1982, it was demonstrated that a total mesorectal excision alone could achieve low rectal cancer recurrence rates in the pelvis and high disease-free survival rates. Nowadays, the total mesorectal excision is the gold-standard surgery for rectal cancer. Currently, the transanal total mesorectal excision has attracted attention as a promising alternative to the anterior approach. The transanal approach is superior to the anterior approach, because it facilitates total mesorectal excisions of the lower rectum, improves visualization, and shortens the surgical time. Some factors are particularly favorable for the transanal approach, including lesions in the lower third of the rectum, a narrow pelvis, a large tumor, male sex, and a prostatic enlargement. The transanal total mesorectal excision is commonly performed in the Lloyd-Davies position. However, in the Lloyd-Davies position, the sacral bone prevents the mobilized rectum from moving away from the pelvic base. From the perspective of pelvic morphology, we reasoned that, in the prone jackknife position, the mobilized rectum could spontaneously move toward the head, due to gravity, and this would broaden the pelvic surgical field. Consequently, this position could facilitate the transanal total mesorectal excision. Here, we described a transanal total mesorectal excision performed in the prone jackknife position for treating lower rectal cancer with a prostatic enlargement.

Extralevator abdominoperineal excision

Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) has been introduced to alleviate the disappointing results of conventional abdominoperineal excision (APE) with respect to inadvertent bowel perforation, positive circumferential resection margins (CRM), and local recurrence rates. The main principle of this operation is to shift the resection plane away from the anorectal junction, which is the area at highest risk of perforation and CRM positivity. This is accomplished by resection of the levator ani muscle, which is followed at its outer surface close to its origin at the pelvic side wall. The anterior region is also addressed with comfortable access to the dissection area by placement of the patient in prone jackknife position. All measures aim to avoid a waist at the anorectal junction. This article describes the procedure in detail, including strategies to close the perineal defect. In a brief review of the literature, the favorable results of ELAPE are discussed. Conclusion. It can be concluded that the perineal phase of ELAPE is highly standardized and can be taught in a step-by-step fashion. There is evidence that ELAPE results in lower rates of inadvertent bowel perforations, lower rates of positive CRM, and lower rates of local recurrence.

Abdominoperineal resection in the prone position: early outcomes at a tertiary institution in the Western Cape, South Africa

Background Extra-levator abdominoperineal resection (ELAPE) performed in the prone jack-knife position is a new technique in the developing world. Literature on the outcomes of ELAPE in a developing country context is scarce. The objective was to assess early outcomes after ELAPE in the prone jack-knife position, and to compare outcomes of patients who underwent the abdominal part of the procedure performed laparoscopically with an open group, at a tertiary institution in Cape Town. Methods Records of patients who underwent ELAPE for rectal adenocarcinoma from February 2011 to February 2017 at Tygerberg Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Variables of interest included staging, rate of circumferential resection margin involvement (CRMI), intraoperative tumour perforation (IOP), perineal wound complications, early postoperative morbidity, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of postoperative hospital stay and 30-day mortality rate. Results 52 patients (median age: 59 years) were included in the analysis. CRMI was evident in 16% (8/49) of patients and IOP in 6% (3/52). Perineal wound complications occurred in 32% (16/50) of patients. Median length of ICU and postoperative hospital stay was 3 days and 7 days, respectively. Overall morbidity was 47% (24/51) and the 30-day mortality rate was 3% (2/52). A significant difference in length of hospital stay was evident between the open and laparoscopic groups (11.5 days vs 6 days). Conclusion Prone abdominoperineal resection (APR), ELAPE, and laparoscopic ELAPE are acceptable and feasible procedures for patients with rectal cancer in the developing world, with outcomes being comparable to those determined in the developed world.

Application of KeyPort access to transanal endoscopic mircrosurgery

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of KeyPort access in transanal endoscopic mircrosurgery (TEM). Methods: A descriptive case series study was performed. Clinicopathological data of 20 patients undergoing KeyPort access TEM in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University from December 2016 to April 2018 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Procedure of KeyPort access TEM: general anesthesia or combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA); lithotomy or prone jack-knife position; anal dilation; placement of the KeyPortaccess; connection of TEM pneumoperitoneum device, light source and imaging equipment; placement of 5 mm dedicated endoscope; insufflation of CO2 with pressure of 1.6-2.0 kPa (12-15 mmHg); after rinsing the intestinal lumen, circular resection marginlabeled by the needle-shaped electrocautery;electric coagulation or ultrasonic knife used to perform a full-thickness resection with a 0.5 cm-1 cm margin along the marking line. Indications of KeyPort access TEM: (1) benign large sessile polyps which were difficult to resect under colonoscopy; (2) submucosal lesions with diameter <2 cm; (3) Tis and T1 stage rectal carcinoma without lymph node metastasis; (4) palliative resection of T2 stage rectal carcinoma without lymph node metastasis. Contraindications: (1) accompanying serious diseases without the tolerance of anesthesia and operation; (2) distance from lesion to anal verge >20 cm. Results: There were 10 males and 10 females with age of (63±15) years old and BMI of (24.5±3.3) kg/m(2). The diameter of the lesions was (2.0±1.3) cm, and the distance from lesion to anal verge was (6.2±2.2) cm. One patient had 3 lesions at different positions in rectum with diameters of 0.5 cm, 0.5 cm, and 1 cm, respectively. All operations were accomplished through the KeyPort access TEM and no case was transferred to other methods. The duration of surgery was 75 (30-220) minutes; intraoperative blood loss was 10 (0-30) ml. Two patients with rectal anterior wall lesions underwent full-thickness resection of the intestine wall reaching the peritoneal reflex with penetration into the peritonealcavity, and received suture closure immediately. For the patient with 3 rectal lesions, the 1.0 cm lesion received a full-thickness resection and the other 2 lesions received submucosal resection. No postoperative complication occurred. Postoperative pathology showed that there were 1 case of chronic inflammatory lesion, 4 cases of benign tumor, 3 cases of carcinoma in situ, 4 cases of neuroendocrine tumor, 6 cases of pT1 rectal cancer, 2 cases of pT2 rectal cancer (both invading the superficial muscle layer). The median hospital stay was 6 (3-7) days. The postoperative follow-up was (7.2±3.8) months. No postoperative complication or recurrence was observed. Conclusion: TEM with KeyPort access is safe, rapid and effective in the treatment of rectal tumors.

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TaTME): Experience in Klaipėda University Hospital

Introduction. Colorectal cancer ranks third on the list of the most common cancers. In 1979 R. J. Heald described total mesorectam excision (TME) which became a gold standard for rectal cancer treatment. This operation is performed all over the world open, laparoscopic and robotic. Operating on low and very low rectal cancer, distal bowel mobilisation if often the most difficult part of the operation. Aa a solution to this problem transanal abdominotransanal rectal resection (TATA) and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) were proposed. This article reviews the experience and short-term postoperative outcomes of TaTME performed in Klaipėda University Hospital.Methods. The first stage of surgery was performed with patient placed in the prone jackknife (Kraske) position. Using electrocauthery circular mobilisation of the rectum was performed starting at least 1 cm from the lower edge of the tumour. Up to 10 cm of the rectum was mobilised from below. The second stage was performed with patient in lithotomy position. Laparoscopic TME was performed. For 11 (78.57%) patients hand sown anastomosis was performed and for 1 (7.17%) patient stapler was used. 2 (14.28%) patients underwent the Hartmann’s procedure.Results. In period 2018.03–2019.10 TaTME was performed for 14 patients. The medium tumour high counting from dentate line was 2.54 (±1.28). 13 out of 14 patients were operated from 8 to 12 weeks after chemoradiotherapy. All (100%) rectal resections were radical (R0). On average 11.43 (±3.78) lymphnodes were harvested. 5 (35.71%) patients had complications after surgery.Conclusions. TaTME performed at Klaipėda University Hospital is effective operation for rectal cancer treatment.

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy for pediatric adrenal tumors

Background/aimsPosterior retroperitoneoscoic adrenalectomy has been reported as an option for adrenal tumor resection but is not commonly performed in children owing to the extreme semikneeling position advocated to flatten the lumbar lordosis in order to achieve adequate retroperitoneal space. As children have smaller lordosis angles, flattening of the lordosis and creation of optimal retroperitoneal space may be achieved with less hip flexion. We used pediatric lumbar lordosis measurements to develop a modified prone jackknife position and report our experiences with this setup for posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumors. MethodsLordosis angles were measured on sagittal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of patients with adrenal tumors and compared to normal references. The data were used to develop our modified prone jackknife position. Selected patients with adrenal tumors underwent posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in this position. Patient demographics, diagnoses, operative times, complications, postop analgesia requirements, and length of hospitalization were analyzed. ResultsCT and MRI studies were analyzed for 20 patients with adrenal tumors diagnosed in our institution from 2012 to 2017; median lordosis angle was 27.84° (range: 15.50°–36.48°) — less than reference lordosis angles of respective age groups, and flexion angles of common operating tables. Five patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy between June 2016 and June 2018. Histological diagnoses were neuroblastoma, adrenal hyperplasia, pheochromocytoma, and adrenal angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma. Median age was 4 years [range: 1–11]. Median operating time was 137 min [range 111–181 min]. No conversions to open surgery were required. One patient had intraoperative bleeding from the adrenal vein. Only 1 patient required postoperative opioids for analgesia. Median length of hospitalization after surgery was 2 days (range: 2–3 days). ConclusionsPediatric patients can achieve flattening of lumbar lordosis with less extreme positioning. Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in a modified prone jackknife position is a feasible operation for pediatric patients with small adrenal masses. Type of studyClinical research paper. Level of evidenceLevel III.