Superior Rectal Research Articles

Clinical analysis of percutaneous superselective superior rectal artery embolization for grades Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous superselective superior rectal artery embolization in the treatment of grades Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids. Methods: The clinical data of 22 patients with grades Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids who underwent superselective superior rectal artery embolization in the Department of Interventional and Minimally Invasive Tumor Therapy of the Second Hospital of Shandong University from September 2019 to February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the blood supply artery of hemorrhoids, superselective embolization was performed with embolization materials. The surgical efficacy,postoperative complications,and 12-month follow-up results were analyzed. The clinical score data (French bleeding score,quality of life score,prolapse score) were expressed using the median (Q1, Q3). The clinical scores before and after treatment were compared by the nonparametric rank sum test (Wilcoxon test),and the Z-value was calculated. P-values <0.05 indicate statistically significant differences. Results: The operation was successful in all 22 patients (technical success rate: 100%). The main postoperative side effects and complications included tenesmus (81.8%,18/22),anal bulge (68.2%,15/22),and mild pain in the anus (22.7%,5/22). The above reactions were improved 3-5 days after operation; three patients had congestion and dull pain at the puncture site,which improved spontaneously without treatment. The patients were followed up for 12 months. Compared with those prior to operation, the French bleeding score,quality of life score,and prolapse score were significantly improved (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Superselective superior rectal artery embolization is a relatively safe and low-risk treatment for grades Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids. It is an option for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids,particularly hemorrhagic internal hemorrhoids.

Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty and Lateral sphincterotomy Procedures vs Conservative Treatment for Hemorrhoids and Fissure in Ano: A Trial Comparing Laser and Conservative treatments

Objective: According to the ‘‘vascular’’ theory, arterial overflow in the superior hemorrhoidal arteries would lead to dilatation of the hemorrhoidal venous plexus. Hemorrhoid laser procedure (LHP) is a new laser procedure for outpatient treatment of hemorrhoids in which hemorrhoidal arterial flow feeding the hemorrhoidal plexus is stopped by laser coagulation. Aim: Our aim was to compare the hemorrhoid laser procedure and laser aided lateral sphincterotomy vs conservative treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids and fissure in ano. Material and Method: A comparison trial between hemorrhoid laser procedure, lateral sphincterotomy and conservative treatment for hemorrhoids and fissure in ano was made. This study was conducted at Vels Medical College and Hospital, Manjankaranai, Tamil Nadu. Patients with symptomatic grade III or grade IV hemorrhoids with minimal or complete mucosal prolapse were eligible for the study: 30 patients treated with the laser hemorrhoidoplasty, 30 patients–with laser aided lateral sphincterotomy and 40 patients treated with conservative methods. Operative time, postoperative pain, post-op healing time were evaluated. Results: A total number of 100 patients ( 65 men and 35 women, mean age, 46 years) entered the trial. Significant differences between laser hemorrhoidoplasty, laser sphincterotomy and conservative treatments were observed in operative time and early postoperative pain. The procedure time for LHP was 15.49 min laser aided lateral sphincterotomy was 10.19 min. Conclusion: The laser hemorrhoidoplasty and laser guided sphincterotomy procedures were more effective than conservative methods. Postoperative pain and healing time were drastically less in the early and late post op period.

Rectal Artery Embolization for Acute Uncontrollable Rectal Bleeding: Case Series and Systematic Literature Review

Purpose: The article aims to evaluate the possibilities of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) as a method of hemostasis in inoperable, life-threatening rectal cancer bleeding by embolizing rectal arteries related to the tumor. Materials and Methods: Using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, a systematic literature review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines was performed on October 26, 2023. The search focused exclusively on patients with bleeding rectal cancer controlled by TAE. In addition, in alignment with the PROCESS 2016 guidelines, we describe three patients who underwent transcatheter embolization of the rectal arteries for rectal cancer bleeding from Surgery Department No.2, admitted to the Municipal Saint Trinity Hospital, in Moldova, Chisinau, over the period 2020-2023. Results: Out of 4,958 articles identified, 89 were included for analysis, and only nine were relevant to the topic addressed. In total, 33 cases of rectal cancer bleeding controlled by the rectal artery embolization (RAE) approach were found. Technical success was achieved in 32 out of 33 patients. Technical failure was encountered in one patient due to a practical shortfall in advancing the microcatheter to the source of bleeding. The most frequently embolized artery was the superior rectal artery (in 22 patients). Bleeding control was achieved in 24 patients from the first attempt. Recurrent bleeding was observed in nine patients who successfully responded to repeated RAE. There was no evidence of bowel infarction, and the procedure was well tolerated, in general. Conclusions: The present review and case presentation of patients who underwent endovascular approaches to treat rectal cancer bleeding showed that rectal artery embolization is a safe and feasible procedure, with a high technical success rate.

Anatomy of Inferior Mesenteric artery: A Cadaveric Study

Introduction: A comprehensive knowledge of the varied anatomy of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) can be important in surgeries in the region of the colon and rectum.Methods: We analyzed 50 fresh cadavers in the department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Ragama from 2022 to 2024. Latarjet’s classification was used for the IMA branching pattern. The anatomical relationships of the IMA left colic artery (LCA), sigmoidal artery (SA), and superior rectal artery (SRA) were observed, and the length from the origin of the IMA to the point of branching into the LCA or common trunk of LCA and SA was measured. The relationship between LCA and inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) was also observed. The data was presented as the value / percentage.Results: Majority showed Type A branching pattern 35/50 (70%). The respective lengths from the origin of the IMA to the beginning of LCA were measured and expressed as (mm) (mean ± SD) for each type; Type A 33.4 ± 4.7, Type B 36.5 ± 5.4, Type C 39.2 ± 8.6. The number of LCA under IMV in type A (51%); type B (54%); type C (62%) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among the three types.Conclusion: Our study showed that type A branching pattern of LCA was the commonest. It is also observed that almost similar incidence of LCA traversing above and beneath the IMV.

Preservation of superior rectal artery in laparoscopic colectomy: The best choice for slow transit constipation?

Laparoscopic colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis may be beneficial for patients with slow transit constipation who do not respond to conservative treatment, particularly if the superior rectal artery (SRA) is preserved. Several important concerns have been addressed in this commentary. It is important to first go over the definition of surgical procedure as it is used in this text. Second, the current study lacked a control group that had SRA preservation. Thirdly, it would be best to use a prospective, randomized controlled study. Lastly, a description of the mesenteric defect's state following a laparoscopic colectomy is necessary.

A novel technique for NO.253 lymph node dissection and left colic artery preservation to avoid potential postoperative internal hernia in laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer

BackgroundThe preservation of the left colic artery (LCA) has emerged as a preferred approach in laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer. However, preserving the LCA while simultaneously dissecting the NO.253 lymph node can create a mesenteric defect between the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), the LCA, and the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV). This defect could act as a potential “hernia ring,” increasing the risk of developing an internal hernia after surgery. The objective of this study was to introduce a novel technique designed to mitigate the risk of internal hernia by filling mesenteric defects with autologous tissue.MethodsThis new technique was performed on eighteen patients with rectal cancer between January 2022 and June 2022. First of all, dissected the lymphatic fatty tissue on the main trunk of IMA from its origin until the LCA and sigmoid artery (SA) or superior rectal artery (SRA) were exposed and then NO.253 lymph node was dissected between the IMA, LCA and IMV. Next, the SRA or SRA and IMV were sequentially ligated and cut off at an appropriate location away from the “hernia ring” to preserve the connective tissue between the “hernia ring” and retroperitoneum. Finally, after mobilization of distal sigmoid, on the lateral side of IMV, the descending colon was mobilized cephalad. Patients’preoperative baseline characteristics and intraoperative, postoperative complications were examined.ResultsAll patients’ potential “hernia rings” were closed successfully with our new technique. The median operative time was 195 min, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 55 ml (interquartile range 30–90). The total harvested lymph nodes was 13.0(range12−19). The median times to first flatus and liquid diet intake were both 3.0 days. The median number of postoperative hospital days was 8.0 days. One patient had an injury to marginal arterial arch, and after mobolization of splenic region, tension-free anastomosis was achieved. No other severe postoperative complications such as abdominal infection, anastomotic leakage, or bleeding were observed.ConclusionsThis technique is both safe and effective for filling the mesenteric defect, potentially reducing the risk of internal hernia following laparoscopic NO.253 lymph node dissection and preservation of the left colic artery in rectal cancer surgeries.

Imaging for Hemorrhoidal Disease: Navigating Rectal Artery Embolization from Planning to Follow-up.

Hemorrhoid disease is very common, affecting greater than one-third of adults. Conservative management and several office-based procedures are useful in the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. Patients with refractory hemorrhoid disease have traditionally been treated with surgical hemorrhoidectomy. Rectal artery embolization has emerged as an alternative to surgical hemorrhoidectomy and has been shown to be safe and effective in case series and clinical trials completed over the past decade. Embolization has significantly less postprocedure pain when compared with surgical hemorrhoidectomy with similar outcomes. Pre- and postprocedure imaging are not routinely performed. Intraprocedural imaging consists of selective catheterization of the superior rectal arteries from the inferior mesenteric artery, and the middle rectal arteries from the internal iliac artery. The inferior rectal artery is seldom embolized due to the supply of the levator ani muscle and skin. To date, intermediate and large particles and fibered and nonfibered coils have been used successfully.

Transanal eco-Doppler evaluation after hemorrhoidal artery embolization.

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization (Emborrhoid) is a novel method for the treatment of severe hemorrhoidal bleeding. Despite having a technical success rate of 93%-100%, the clinical success ranges between 63% and 94%, with a rebleeding rate of 13.6%. To evaluate the effectiveness of this procedure in reducing hemorrhoidal flow and hemorrhoidal bleeding. This prospective observational pilot study was conducted at Division of General Surgery 1 and Tertiary Referral Pelvic Floor Center, Treviso Regional Hospital, Italy. In a 2 months period (February-March 2022), consecutive patients with hemorrhoidal bleeding scores (HBSs) ≥ 4, Goligher scores of II or III, failure of non-operative management, and a candidate for Emborrhoid were included. Endoanal ultrasound with eco-Doppler was performed preoperatively and 1 month after the procedure. The primary endpoint was to quantify the changes in arterial hemorrhoidal flow after treatment. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the correlation between the flow changes and the HBS. Eleven patients underwent Emborrhoid. The overall pretreatment mean systolic peak (MSP) was 14.66 cm/s. The highest MSP values were found in the anterior left lateral (17.82 cm/s at 1 o'clock and 15.88 cm/s at 3 o'clock) and in the posterior right lateral (14.62 cm/s at 7 o'clock and 16.71 cm/s at 9 o'clock) quadrants of the anal canal. After treatment, the overall MSP values were significantly reduced (P = 0.008) although the correlation between MSP and HBS changes was weak (P = 0.570). A statistical difference was found between distal embolization compared with proximal embolization (P = 0.047). However, the coil landing zone was not related to symptoms improvement (P = 1.000). A significant difference in MSP changes was also reported between patients with type 1 and type 2 superior rectal artery (SRA) anatomy (P = 0.040). No relationship between hemorrhoidal grades (P = 1.000), SRA anatomy (P = 1.000) and treatment outcomes was found. The preliminary findings of this pilot study confirm that Emborrhoid was effective in reducing the arterial hemorrhoidal flow in hemorrhoidal disease. However, the correlation between the post-operative MSP and HBS changes was weak. Hemorrhoidal grade, SRA anatomy and type of embolization were not related to treatment outcomes.

Arterial Embolization as a Prominent Option in the Treatment of Hemorrhoid Diseases

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is the most common anorectal disease, affecting millions of people worldwide. The most common clinical picture is rectal bleeding, which significantly impairs the quality of life of patients. Treatment of HD varies from diet and lifestyle changes to radical surgery, depending on the degree and severity of symptoms. Endovascular embolization of superior rectal artery (SRA), known as emborrhoid technique, has recently emerged as a promising minimally invasive approach. Because hemorrhoidal plexuses are almost entirely fed through the SRA. They are also fed less by middle rectal artery (MRA) and rarely inferior rectal artery (IRA). Due to some anastomoses and unpredictable variations, vascular structures must be examined before the procedure. So far, there have been reports of studies involving a small number of patients regarding the use of coils and particles as embolization agents. Some of these used particles and coils alone, while others used a combination of particles and/or coils. The studies demonstrated similar clinical efficacy with satisfactory results, and no significant complications such as ischemic necrosis were observed. The use of liquid embolic agents such as N-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) has also recently been suggested to be effective. In conclusion, the current data support the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of rectal artery embolization for hemorrhoidal disease. However, there is no guideline or consensus in the selection of embolic materials. More randomized controlled studies are needed. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of embolization applications in hemorrhoidal diseases.

Superior Rectal Artery Preservation in Laparoscopically Assisted Subtotal Colectomy and Ileorectal Anastomosis for Slow-Transit Constipation.

Our previous retrospective observational study demonstrated the safety of laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and preservation of the superior rectal artery (SRA), without instances of leakage, in patients with slow-transit constipation (STC). Thus, we extended the enrollment period and enlarged the sample size to detect the differences in the postoperative complications and surgical and functional outcomes between patients who underwent laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with and without SRA preservation. We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis of patients with STC who underwent laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy between 2016 and 2020. The diagnosis of STC was based on the colonic transit and anal functional tests and barium enema to exclude secondary causes. Patients were divided into group A, which underwent surgery with SRA preservation, and group B, which underwent ligation of the SRA during surgery. Outcome assessments for both groups included the incidence of anastomotic breakdown, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, time to first flatus, and complications. Propensity score matching allocated 34 patients to groups A and B each. Postoperative bowel function, including time to first flatus, stool, and oral intake, recovered better in group A than in group B. Anastomotic leakage, a significant postoperative complication, was less frequent in patients with SRA preservation. In conclusion, preservation of the SRA in patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for STC is associated with favorable postoperative bowel function recovery and lower anastomotic leakage rates.

Assessing anatomical variations of the inferior mesenteric artery via three-dimensional CT angiography and laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a retrospective observational study

To assess the anatomy of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and its branches by reviewing laparoscopic left-sided colorectal cancer surgery videos and comparing them with preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiography, to verify the accuracy of 3D-CT vascular reconstruction techniques. High-definition surgical videos and preoperative imaging data of 200 patients who underwent laparoscopic left-sided colorectal cancer surgery were analysed, and the alignment of the IMA and its branches in relation to the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) was observed and summarized. The above two methods were used to measure the length of the IMA and its branches. Of 200 patients, 47.0% had the sigmoid arteries (SAs) arise from the common trunk with the superior rectal artery (SRA), and 30.5% had the SAs arise from the common trunk with the left colic artery (LCA). In 3.5% of patients, the SAs arising from both the LCA and SRA. The LCA, SA, and SRA emanated from the same point in 13.5% of patients, and the LCA was absent in 5.5% of patients. The range of D cm (IMA length measured by intraoperative silk thread) and d cm (IMA length measured by 3D-CT vascular reconstruction) in all cases was 1.84–6.62 cm and 1.85–6.52 cm, respectively, and there was a significant difference between them. (p < 0.001). The lengths between the intersection of the LCA and IMV measured intraoperatively were 0.64–4.29 cm, 0.87–4.35 cm, 1.32–4.28 cm and 1.65–3.69 cm in types 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.994). There was only a significant difference in the length of the IMA between the 3D-CT vascular reconstruction and intraoperative observation data, which can provide guidance to surgeons in preoperative preparation.

Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD): A Single Center Experience on 100 Consecutive Cases

Introduction. Surgeons, using all available means for the treatment of the hemorrhoidal disease, must make compromises between the radicality of the potential surgical treatment (to prevent recurrence) and the maintenance of the postoperative functionality of the anorectum (avoiding stricture, anal fissures, incontinence, reduction of postoperative pain etc.). Materials and methods. All patients treated with the THD method using a system manufactured by THD S.p.A., Correggio, Italy, consisting of a proctoscope equipped with a Doppler probe and a light source was used to perform the operation. Results. Out of 100 operated patients, 64 (64%) were men and 36 (36%) were women. 54 patients had third degree hemorrhoidal disease, 32 had fourth degree, 7 patients had fourth degree hemorrhoidal disease with active bleeding and 7 patients had second degree hemorrhoidal disease with active bleeding. In the follow-up period, anal fissure formation in two patients and prolapse of a hemorrhoidal node in a treated patient with fourth-degree hemorrhoidal disease were noted. Discussion. It is estimated that more than 50% of the general population will experience at least one episode of symptomatic hemorrhoids during their lifetime. Morphological and hemodynamic changes that occur in patients with hemorrhoidal disease is the finding of an increased diameter of the terminal branches of the superior rectal artery that supplies the hemorrhoidal nodes. These branches are 10–11 in number, of which ligation of up to six is allowed for effective treatment with the THD method. Conclusion. If the THD technique is used according to the established standards, postoperative complications in patients in the form of fecal incontinence and chronic pain have not been described, which is also confirmed in our series. The absence of serious complications while addressing a hemorrhoidal disease at the level of the cause of its occurrence, makes the THD+mucopexy technique applicable in most cases. Correct manipulation of the instruments, precision in dearterization, mucopexy of the rectal mucosa and submucosa are imperative for achieving excellent results.

Evaluation of the mesenteric arterial vasculature by computed tomography angiography and its implications for colorectal cancer surgery.

To determine the branching patterns of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and to describe the clinical applicability of computed tomography (CT) angiography in the evaluation of these vessels to facilitate the planning of colorectal cancer surgery. We included 100 patients who underwent CT angiography of the abdomen and pelvis. The branching patterns of the IMA were examined and classified as type 1 (bifurcated), including 1A (sigmoid and left colic arteries arising from a common trunk), 1B (sigmoid and superior rectal arteries arising from a common trunk) and 1C (sigmoid arteries arising from both trunks); type 2 (trifurcated); and type 3 (no left colic branch). Among the 100 patients evaluated, we found the variant to be type 1A in 9%, type 1B in 47%, type 1C in 24%, type 2 in 16%, and type 3 in 4%. Preoperative CT angiography for evaluating the IMA branching pattern could inform decisions regarding the surgical approach to colorectal cancer.

Anatomy of the terminal branches of the superior rectal artery during selective doppler controlled dearterialization of the hemorrhoidal nodes (HAL-RAR)

Background: To date, there is no single standard for conducting HAL-RAR operations. The constant discussion raises the question of the number of terminal branches of the superior rectal artery, which must be ligated in the submucosal layer of the rectum in order to provide the adequate dearterialization of hemorrhoids. Aim: To study the anatomy of the branches of the superior rectal artery and to develop recommendations for the optimal ligation of the terminal branches of the superior rectal artery. Methods: 150 protocols of the previous operations have been studied. In order to further objectify our results, the results of radiation diagnostics (CT and MRI) were revised for 100 patients without pathological changes of the rectum and anal canal to study the variant anatomy of the superior rectal artery and its terminal branches in the rectal wall. Results: In 148 patients, 6 terminal branches were identified, in 2 (1.333%) patients, 5 branches were found. 100 cases without pathological changes were also analyzed (60 MRI and 40 CT scans). In all the cases, 6 terminal branches of the superior rectal artery were determined, located at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 o'clock positions of the conventional dial. At the same time, a large number of identified anatomical options for the branching of the VPA and the method for reaching the rectal wall should be noted, which we used as a basis to propose a classification. Conclusion: In the vast majority of cases, there are 6 terminal branches of the superior rectal artery, located in the lower ampulla of the rectum at approximately 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 hours of the conventional dial. A number of variants of the vascular anatomy of the proximal branches are possible, but 6 distal branches are involved in the direct blood supply of the hemorrhoids. When performing selective Doppler-controlled dearterialization of hemorrhoids, it is expedient to ligate 6 arterial vessels.

Study on Smartphone Vision Syndrome in Smartphone Users: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Study

Introduction: Recent International reports on ocular health shared that diplopia and dry eye are the prevalent ocular disorders caused by overuse of smartphone in young adults. Studies on smartphone usage in young adult’s reports that the smartphone use begins at the age group ranges from 12-18 years old, were the minimum duration of smartphone use per day is 4-6 hours. The association between smartphone use and prevalence of ocular manifestations has recommended the need of health education programs on smartphone use and its ocular impacts. Increasing use of smart devices also can cause acute acquired comitant esotropia in adolescents. Aim: To investigate the influence of smartphone reading on the ocular surface and to compare the influences of smartphone use on ocular symptoms, status of tear film stability and volume assessment. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled study on volunteers who continued reading for 2 hours on different smartphone screens. A total of 100 volunteers above 18 years of age without any ocular diseases had participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the details in the present cadaveric case, found that the IMA divided into two terminal branches. The ascending branch emanated the left colic and sigmodal artery whereas the descending branch continued as superior rectal artery. This was similar to type 2 pattern of Yada’s classification. The expert knowledge of normal and variant Anatomy of abdominal aorta is of utmost importance to the interventional Radiologists, laparoscopic Surgeons, and Surgical Oncologist in succeeding surgery with minimal complications. Keywords: Abdominal aorta, Colon, Yada's classification. of smartphone usage and the visual acuity, tear film stability and volume assessment test and Intraocular pressure (IOP) was taken as some of the parameters in the study. Results: The continuous use to smartphone causes various problems, headaches, eye dryness, earache, fatigue, and musculoskeletal manifestations. The visual acuity, tear film stability and tear volume and IOP of both right and left eye was analysed and found to be statistically significant among the control and SPVS group. The ocular manifestations are noted and correlated with the duration of usage. The precautions were recommended further from the results of the study. Conclusion: The prevalence of eye diseases is high in most of the age groups and it is important to educate about the adverse effect of smartphone usage in all categories. The study also suggests about the screen time limitation and usage of smartphones for young adults.

Superior rectal artery preservation to reduce anastomotic leak rates in familial adenomatous polyposis patients treated with total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis.

Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TC/IRA) is one of the prophylactic surgical options in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This study investigated the effectiveness of superior rectal artery (SRA) preservation during TC/IRA in reducing anastomotic leakage (AL). This retrospective study was based on prospectively collected data (01/2000 - 12/2022) at the National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy. FAP patients undergoing TC/IRA were enrolled. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Associations between SRA preservation and complications were investigated using univariate and multivariate analysis. The study population included 211 patients undergoing TC/IRA (Sex: 106 Male, 105 Female; Age: median 30 yrs, IQR: 20-48 yrs), 82 with SRA preservation (SRA group) and 129 without SRA preservation (controls). After PSM, 75 patients were considered for each group. SRA preservation was associated with fewer complications (OR 0.331, 95% CI 0.116; 0.942) in univariate logistic regression analysis. AL events were significantly fewer in the SRA group than in the control group (0 vs 12, p = 0.028). The SRA group had fewer overall surgical complication and pelvic sepsis rates (p = 0.020 and p = 0.028, respectively). Median operative time was significantly longer in the SRA group (340 min vs 240 min, p<0.001), and median hospital stay was significantly shorter (6 vs 7 days, p=0.017). Twenty-seven patients in the SRA group experienced intraoperative anastomotic bleeding, which was controlled endoscopically. Superimposable results were obtained analyzing the whole patient cohort. SRA preservation can be considered an advantage in this patient population, despite adding a further technical step during surgery and thereby prolonging the operative time. Intraoperative endoscopic checking of possible anastomotic bleeding sites is recommended.

Vascular- and nerve-sparing bowel resection for deep endometriosis: A retrospective single-center study.

Surgical management of bowel endometriosis is still controversial. Recently, many authors have pointed out the potential benefits of preserving the superior rectal artery, thus ensuring better perfusion of the anastomosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rate and functional outcomes of a bowel resection technique for deep endometriosis (DE) involving a nerve- and vascular-sparing approach. A single-center retrospective study was conducted by enrolling patients who underwent segmental resection of the rectus sigmoid for DE in our department between September 2019 and April 2022. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded for each woman, and functional outcomes relating to the pelvic organs were assessed using validated questionnaires (Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom [KESS] questionnaire and Gastro-Intestinal Quality of Life Index [GIQLI] for bowel function, Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms [BFLUTS] for urinary function, and Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] for sexual function). These were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively after 6 months from surgery. Sixty-one patients were enrolled. No patients had Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or 4 complications, there were no rectovaginal fistulas or ureteral lesions, and in no cases was it necessary to reoperate. Temporary bladder voiding deficits were reported in 8.2% of patients, which were treated with self-catheterizations, always resolving within 45 days of surgery. Gastrointestinal function evaluated by KESS and GIQLI improved significantly after surgery, whereas sexual function appeared to worsen, although without reaching the level of statistically significant validity. Our vascular- and nerve-sparing segmental bowel resection technique for DE had a low intraoperative and postoperative complication rate and produced an improvement in gastrointestinal function after surgery.

Catheter-directed hemorrhoidal embolization for rectal bleeding due to hemorrhoids (Goligher grade I-III): prospective outcomes from a Spanish emborrhoid registry.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of catheter-directed hemorrhoidal embolization (CDHE) by microcoil embolization for rectal bleeding due to hemorrhoids classified as Goligher grade I-III. Eighty patients (62.5% males) with a mean age of 48 ± 9 years were recruited prospectively. All patients had symptomatic bleeding hemorrhoids. All patients were classified according to Goligher classification: grade I (13.7%), grade II (71.1%), grade III (15%), and no grade IV were recruited in this study. In all cases, microcoils were used to embolize the superior rectal artery(SRA), and microspheres if recurrence of bleeding occurred. Follow-up evaluation (1, 3, 6, and 12 months) included clinical examination and anoscopy. A questionnaire was conducted to determine improvement regarding bleeding, quality of life before, and the degree of patient satisfaction of each participant. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the cases. Fifty-five (68.7%) participants had the absence of rectal bleeding after 12 months of embolization. VAS and QL improved 4 points and 1.5 respectively after embolization. A total of 25/80 (31.3%) had a recurrence in rectal bleeding. Seventeen (21.3%) patients underwent a second embolization, and four patients (5%) were treated with open hemorrhoidectomy. No major complications were observed. Sixteen participants had minor complications. Subjective post-treatment symptom and QL surveys showed significant differences from the baseline survey. Likewise, the degree of satisfaction in the telephone survey at 12 months revealed a high degree of patient satisfaction (8.3±1.1). The present study demonstrates that CDHE is a feasible, well-tolerated, ambulatory, anal sphincter-sparing procedure for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. CDHE is a simple procedure, well tolerated and accepted by patients, that preserves the anal sphincter and presents few complications when metal devices or microspheres are used as embolic agents. • The technical success rate of CDHE, defined as the closure of all the SRA in their distal segment, was achieved 100% of all patients. However, a second embolization treatment was required since 21.25% of the patients experienced rectal bleeding. • Overall, CDHE's safety profile is acceptable. After the procedure and 1 year of follow-up, no significant complications were observed. • Encouraging clinical outcomes have demonstrated CDHE in individuals with hemorrhoids and mild prolapse Goligher grades I-III with persistent rectal bleeding.

Occlusion of rectal arteries in the treatment of recurrent hemorrhoidal disease after transanal surgical interventions

The article presents data on variant X-ray anatomy of the superior rectal artery and types of arterial architectonics of the rectum. The causes of recurrent hemorrhoidal disease after traditional transanal surgical interventions are highlighted. The possibilities of endovascular occlusion of rectal arteries in the treatment of relapses of chronic hemorrhoids are shown. Its technical variants are given depending on the number of hemorrhoidal arteries and types of arterial architectonics of the rectum.Over a 2-year period, clinical results of endovascular occlusion of hemorrhoidal arteries were evaluated in 11 patients with relapse of the disease after various transanal interventions: after latex ligation of internal hemorrhoids – in 5, transanal desarterization of internal hemorrhoids with mucopexia – in 4, hemorrhoidectomy – in 2. The average age of patients was 44.2 ± 12.5 years. Men – 5, women – 6. Superselective occlusion of the target hemorrhoidal branches of the upper rectal artery was performed with EmboGold (Merit Medical) microparticles, 500–700/300–500 mkm in size. Immediate results: cessation of bleeding on the first day – in 4 patients, after 3 days – in 5, after 7 days – in 2. Terms of hospitalization – 1 day, disability – 4.3 ± 0.7 days. Long-term results (from 1 to 2 years) were observed in all 11 patients. The course is relapse-free.As an illustration, a clinical case is presented – successful treatment of a patient with recurrent hemorrhoidal disease by endovascular occlusion of hemorrhoidal arteries after five traditional transanal surgical interventions: sclerosing, ligation, dearterization of internal hemorrhoids, dearterization of internal hemorrhoids with mucopexia, removal of external hemorrhoids. Within 3 months after endovascular occlusion – complete regression of all symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease. According to the questionnaire (after 1 and 2 years) there is no relapse of the disease, the patient is subjectively satisfied with the endovascular treatment.

Oncological Impact of the Level of Inferior Mesenteric Artery Ligation in Low Rectal Cancer Surgery.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of the level of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation in patients with advanced low rectal cancer. All enrolled patients (n=350) underwent curative resection of rectal cancer with D3 lymph node dissection, with either IMA (high-tie) or superior rectal artery (SRA) (low-tie) ligation. There were 27 and 65 patients in the high-tie and low-tie groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the postoperative complication rate. Postoperative anastomotic leakage developed in five patients in the low-tie group and none in the high-tie group. The overall recurrence rates were 37.0% (n=10) and 40.0% (n=26) in the high-tie and low-tie groups, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.748). Local recurrences and lymph node metastases developed in five and no patients in the high-tie group and in 13 and one patient in the low-tie group, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, pathological T4 and pathological N2 and N3 were independent poor prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), whereas left colic artery (LCA) preservation was not significant. No significant difference in oncological outcomes was observed in advanced low rectal cancer surgery with respect to the level of the IMA ligation. Thus, the less complicated high-tie procedure should be adopted as a standard procedure.