Tension-free Anastomosis Research Articles

Spectrophotometric assessment of bowel perfusion during low anterior resection: a prospective study

Good perfusion of the bowel and a tension-free anastomosis are the two main prerequisites for an uneventful anastomotic healing in rectal surgery. This prospective cohort study investigates the noninvasive intraoperative spectrophotometric assessment of the bowel perfusion using a device called “Oxygen to See” (O2C®). Forty patients, planned for low anterior resection, were prospectively enrolled in this study to undergo an intraoperative spectrophotometric assessment of the bowel. Three different O2C® parameters were collected from the colonic and the rectal stumps before fashioning the anastomosis: SO2 (capillary venous oxygen saturation), rHb (relative hemoglobin amount), and flow (blood flow velocity). Bowel perfusion was also assessed with the cold-steel-test (CST), which involves severing the colic marginal artery of Drummond at the tip of the colon stump. The data collected from the spectrophotometric measurement and the CST were analyzed for correlation of both methods with respect to each other and to the outcome of the anastomosis. Nine patients were excluded due to different reasons, thus leaving 31 patients for statistical analysis. Three flow parameters collected at the colonic stump significantly predicted an anastomotic leak (p: 0.0057; p: 0.0250; p: 0.0404). One rHb parameter collected at the rectal stump correlated weakly with the anastomotic outcome (p: 0.0768). The CST did not correlate significantly with anastomotic leak (p: 0.1195), but showed significant correlations to some rHb values. Intraoperative noninvasive spectrophotometric measurement is feasible and could be a useful method in assessing bowel perfusion before fashioning a colorectal anastomosis.

IBS10.01 Surgerical Treatment of Tracheal Tumours

IBS10.01 Surgerical Treatment of Tracheal Tumours

Splenic flexure mobilization for sigmoid and low anterior resections in the minimally invasive era: How often and at what cost?

BackgroundSplenic flexure mobilization (SFM) increases left colonic reach for a better vascularized and tension-free anastomosis. Open SFM is challenging due to anatomic position. Minimally invasive SFM improves visualization and minimizes splenic traction. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all sigmoid and low anterior resections (LAR) by a colorectal surgical group over 10-year period. We analyzed indications, surgical methods and perioperative outcomes of open and MIS SFM cohorts. Results793 patients were included; 122 (15.5%) open, 671 (84.5%) MIS (60% laparoscopic-assisted (LA), 40% hand-assisted (HA)). Overall, indications were cancer (56%), diverticulitis (31%), and other benign diseases (13%). Compared to MIS, open cases had more complex disease (45% vs. 18%, p < 0.01), with fewer SFM performed (40% vs. 86%, p < 0.01), required more frequent diversion (30% vs. 21%, p = 0.02) and were complicated by higher leak/abscess (7% vs. 3%, p = 0.06) and reoperation rates (10% vs. 6%, p = 0.11). 1% of SFM required conversion (LA to HA 0.5%, MIS to open 0.5%). There were no open SFM complications. There were 26 (5%) MIS SFM complications; bleeding (18; 12 splenic capsular tears (0 splenectomy/splenorraphy), 6 mesenteric) and organ injury (bowel (3), pancreatic (4), renal (1)). ConclusionsOur SFM rate was high in the MIS group, with a low overall complication rate. Of note, the anastomotic leak/abscess rate was 3%, and may be related to the high SFM rate. It is the authors’ opinion that a major advantage of MIS is to facilitate SFM, hence SFM is more likely to be performed with these methods compared to open procedures.

Retroileal anastomosis in hand-assisted laparoscopic left colectomy: experience at a single institution

Left hemicolectomy and complicated sigmoid colectomy require an anastomosis between the transverse colon and rectum. Generous mobilization will typically allow the colon to reach to the rectum. However, despite full mobilization of the splenic flexure and extensive work on the mesentery, there are cases in which reach to the pelvis is still an issue. Retroileal routing of the colon is one technique for overcoming such a reach problem and achieving a tension-free anastomosis. Performing retroileal routing using laparoscopic techniques has been reported rarely, and to date, there are no data on this technique when performed in a hand-assisted laparoscopic fashion. This study aimed to describe the feasibility of doing a retroileal routing using a hand-assisted laparoscopic technique. This was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent a colon or rectal resection, either open or laparoscopic, with a pelvic anastomosis, by a single colorectal surgeon at an academic institution between 2008 and 2015 with a focus on the immediate and long-term postoperative complications, estimated blood loss, and operating room time for patients having an operation that included retroileal routing for construction of a colorectal anastomosis. A total of 340 patients fit inclusion criteria and of these, 13 underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic procedures with retroileal routing of the proximal colon to the colorectal anastomosis. Postoperative morbidity included intubation for CO2 retention in one patient and a RLL effusion in another patient; there were no anastomotic leaks. Long-term morbidities included two ventral hernias at 2years postoperatively. Mean operating room time was 208min. There were no 30- or 90-day mortalities. Hand-assisted laparoscopic retroileal routing is a feasible and safe technique in accomplishing a tension-free colorectal anastomosis when proximal colon length makes standard routing of the colon to the rectum an issue.

A Tailored Strategy for Recipient Hepatectomy: Left Portal Flow Preserving High Hilar Dissection

BackgroundLee et al. (Liver Transpl 10(9):1158–1162, 2004) reported high hilar dissection (HHD) technique as a novel method for recipient hepatectomy to overcome limitations of conventional hilar dissection (CHD). HHD allowed performing multiple tension-free biliary anastomoses and easy reconstruction of double portal vein orifices. However, longer anhepatic phase is its main drawback. We describe a new modification of original HHD, called left portal vein flow preserving HHD (LFP-HHD). The new technique aims to gain the balance between CHD and original HHD. MethodsThe detailed technique of recipient hepatectomy by LFP-HHD is shown in the electronic video file. It involves high intrahepatic division of hilar structures while maintaining portal drainage through maintained left portal vein (LPV). Control of right hemi-liver inflow allows for division of right hepatic vein, and safe dissection of inferior vena cava (IVC) and hilar structures. According to coordination with donor surgery, the liver could be easily explanted. DiscussionLFP-HHD has the same principle of original HHD allowing for multiple tension-free well-vascularized biliary anastomoses. LFP-HHD allows for shortening of anhepatic phase duration as portal venous drainage is continued through maintained LPV avoiding prolonged total portal clamping with bowel edema or the need for temporary porto-caval shunt. On the other hand, the number and the length of the hilar structures can be decreased compared with the original HHD technique. However, the level of division of the hilar structures is acceptable in most of the cases. ConclusionLFP-HHD is a novel simple technique for recipient hepatectomy that can be tailored for certain clinical conditions.

Multicenter analysis of posterior urethroplasty complexity and outcomes following pelvic fracture urethral injury.

To analyze outcomes of posterior urethroplasty following pelvic fracture urethral injuries (PFUI) and to determine risk factors for surgical complexity and success. Patients who underwent posterior urethroplasty following PFUI were identified in the Trauma and Urologic Reconstructive Network of Surgeons (TURNS) database. Demographics, injury patterns, management strategies, and prior interventions were evaluated. Risk factors for surgical failure and the impact of ancillary urethral lengthening maneuvers (corporal splitting, pubectomy and supracrural rerouting) were evaluated. Of the 436 posterior urethroplasties identified, 122 were following PFUI. 83 (68%) patients were acutely managed with suprapubic tubes, while 39 (32%) underwent early endoscopic realignment. 16 (13%) patients underwent pelvic artery embolization in the acute setting. 116 cases (95%) were completed via a perineal approach, while 6 (5%) were performed via an abdominoperineal approach. The need for one or more ancillary maneuvers to gain urethral length occurred in 4 (36%) patients. Of these, 44 (36%) received corporal splitting, 16 (13%) partial or complete pubectomy, and 2 (2%) supracrural rerouting. Younger patients, those with longer distraction defects, and those with a history of angioembolization were more likely to require ancillary maneuvers. 111 patients (91%) did not require repeat intervention during follow-up. Angioembolization (p = 0.03) and longer distraction defects (p = 0.01) were associated with failure. Posterior urethroplasty provides excellent success rates for patients following PFUI. Pelvic angioembolization and increased defect length are associated with increased surgical complexity and risk of failure. Surgeons should be prepared to implement ancillary maneuvers when indicated to achieve a tension-free anastomosis.

Spectrum of management options for pediatric pelvic fracture urethral injury and outcome analysis: 12-year tertiary center experience

IntroductionPediatric pelvic fracture–associated urethral injuries (PFUIs) are relatively rare injuries that occur in secondary to high impact pelvic trauma. There is no consensus yet on the optimal management approach. ObjectivesIn this study, the authors reviewed their experience of pediatric PFUIs and discussed the current spectrum of potential management options. Study designThe authors retrospectively evaluated a cohort of 33 children (≤14 years) treated for PFUI between January 2005 and December 2017. ResultsThe mean age of presentation was 11.2 ± 2.1 years (range 6–14). All the subjects were male. Average stricture length was 2.5 + 1.4 cm. Transperineal anastomotic repair (TPAR) was done in 27 patients; Mitrofanoff procedure was done in three patients; Badenoch's procedure, preputial flap, and transpubic urethroplasty (TPU) was done in 1 patient each. Overall success rate for TPAR was 85%. Minor complications (Clavien grade I and II) were seen in eight cases (24.2%). Average hospital stay was 11.3 days (range 6–15). The mean follow-up duration was 13.8 months (range 9–18). DiscussionAs not many large overview studies were known, this retrospective study is small step for developing a protocol for patients with a pediatric PFUI that needs treatment. The goal of surgery in pediatric PFUI–associated posterior urethral strictures is to achieve a tension-free bulboprostatic anastomosis after excision of the distraction segment. Transperineal anastomotic repair is the best and most commonly performed surgery for pediatric PFUI with 85–98% success rates. The success rates for TPAR may be lower in children because of smaller pelvic cavity, small caliber urethra, and poorly formed elastic spongiosa. Hence, a TPAR should be attempted in every case of posterior urethral stricture post-PFUI. If a tension-free anastomosis is not possible, then procedures depending on local stricture characteristics such as TPU may be required. ConclusionMost pediatric posterior urethral strictures post-PFUI (≤2 cm) can be managed by delayed TPAR with reasonable success rates. Few selected patients may require procedures such as TPU based on local stricture characteristics.TableFactors affecting choice of surgery and outcomeTableSurgery groupNo.Previous interventionDefect siteMean defect length (cm)SuccessFailureTPAR274BMU-25BU-022234Badenoch procedure11BMU-01410Mitrofanoff30BMU extending upto BN-03630Preputial flap urethroplasty11BMU-01401TPU11BMU + Long BU segment-01510TPAR, transperineal anastomotic repair; TPU, transpubic urethroplasty; BMU, bulbomembranous; BU, bulbar urethra; BN, bladder neck.

Short-interval staged thoracoscopic surgery for long-gap esophageal atresia

Long-gap esophageal atresia is defined by the impossibility to perform a primary anastomosis after birth. We propose a progressive traction surgery by thoracoscopy performed at intervals of 5–7 days. We describe the traction technique of the esophageal pouches through the thoracoscopic approach and without performing a gastrostomy. We use sliding sutures and clips to prevent esophageal tearing and preservation of the azygos vein. In a series of three patients, we have being able to reconstruct the esophagus in a period of 1–3 weeks after birth without complications. Repetitive thoracoscopy at shorts intervals in the neonatal period allows a tension-free anastomosis of the esophagus in long-gap type esophageal atresia.

Laparoscopic anterior resection for cancer: a step-by-step technique

These videos show our step-by-step technique for laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer with total mesorectal excision (TME). The procedure starts in the usual fashion with a high central ligation of the inferior mesenteric vessels, complete excision of the mesorectum, fluorescence angiography for perfusion control and end-to-end anastomosis. The splenic flexure is not mobilized routinely, but just when it is necessary to perform a tension free anastomosis.

Effects of free mini-flap on tibial side of third toe on repairing skin and soft tissue defect of finger pulp at the end of finger

Objective: To investigate the effects of free mini-flap on tibial side of third toe on repairing skin and soft tissue defect of finger pulp at the end of finger. Methods: From August 2013 to May 2017, 18 patients with skin and soft tissue defect of finger pulp at the end of finger were admitted to our unit, with 12 men and 6 women aged 16 to 54 years. As the skin and soft tissue defect sites, there were 3 cases of thumb, 8 cases of index finger, 4 cases of middle finger, and 3 cases of ring finger. The area of defects ranged from 2.0 cm×1.4 cm to 3.5 cm×2.4 cm. Free mini-flaps on tibial side of third toes were designed according to area and shape of defects, and the length and width of flaps were 0.1 to 0.2 cm longer than the length and width of the defects, respectively. The area of flaps ranged from 2.1 cm×1.5 cm to 3.7 cm×2.6 cm. The end-to-end anastomosis of subcutaneous veins of flaps and superficial veins of the finger-palm side or superficial dorsal digital vein, the end-to-end tension-free anastomosis of the base metatarsal arteries on tibial side of third toe and proper digital arteries of recipient finger were performed. Besides, anastomosis of base metatarsal nerve on tibial side of third toe and proper digital nerve of recipient finger was performed. The donor sites on feet were sutured directly or repaired with full-thickness skin grafts on medial upper leg of the same side. The survival of flaps after operation and the follow-up of patients were observed. Results: All flaps survived well, with good blood supply. Among the 18 patients, 2 patients lost to follow-up, and 16 patients were followed up for 4 to 36 months. The shape and texture of flaps were good. After reconstruction, finger pulps at the end of finger were plump, with fingerprint. Function of the finger restored well, and the two-point discriminatory distances of flaps were 5 to 10 mm. The donor sites on feet of 14 patients healed after the operation, the other 2 patients had necrosis on edge and central area of skin grafts, and the necrotic area healed after dressing change. The skin graft areas on feet were wear-resistant, with slight damage to donor sites and did not influence shoes wearing and walking. Besides, patients did not feel uncomfortable. Conclusions: Skin and soft tissue defects of finger pulp at the end of finger repaired by free mini-flaps on tibial side of third toe are with good shape and slight damage to donor sites, and the operation is simple. It is worthy of popularization and application in clinic.

Traumatic Posterior Urethral Strictures in Children and Adolescents.

Background: Management of partial or complete traumatic urethral disruptions of the posterior urethra in children and adolescents, secondary to pelvic fracture poses a challenge. Controversy exists as to the correct acute treatment of posterior urethral injuries and delayed management of PFPUDDs. We reviewed the urological literature related to the treatment of traumatic posterior urethral injuries and delayed repair of these distraction defects in children and adolescents.Material and Methods: There are few long-term outcomes studies of patients who underwent PFPUDDs repairs in childhood; most reports included few cases with short follow up. We excluded studies in which the cohort of patients was heterogeneous in terms of stricture disease, etiology and location.Results: Primary cystostomy and delayed urethroplasty is the traditional management for PFPUIs. Immediate repair is rarely possible to perform. Realignment of posterior urethral rupture in children is indicated in special situations: (a) concomitant bladder neck tears, (b) associated rectal lacerations, (c) long disruptions of the urethral ends. Before delayed reconstruction ascending urethrography and micturating cystourethrogram along with retrograde and antegrade urethroscopy define site and length of the urethral gap. However, the most accurate evaluation of the characteristics of the distraction defect is made when surgical exposure reveals the complexity of the ruptured urethra. Partial ruptures may be managed with urethral stenting or suprapubic cystostomy, which may result in a patent urethra or a short stricture treated by optical urethrotomy. The gold standard treatment for PFPUDDs in children is deferred excision of pelvic fibrosis and bulbo-prostatic tension-free anastomosis, provided a healthy anterior urethra is present. Timing of delayed repair is at 3 to 4 months after trauma. Some urologists prefer either the perineal access or the transpubic approach to restore urethral continuity in children with PFPUDDs. Substitution urethroplasties are used in children with PFPUDDs, when anastomotic repair can't be achieved due to severe damage of the bulbar urethra.Conclusion: As evidenced in this review the progressive perineo-abdominal partial transpubic anastomotic repair has advantages over the isolated perineal anastomotic approach in patients with “complex” PFPUDD. This approach provides wider exposure and facilitates reconstruction of long or complicated posterior urethral distraction defects

Diaphragmatic sling sutures for tension free esophageal anastomosis. Experienced technique at Misr cancer center

Diaphragmatic sling sutures for tension free esophageal anastomosis. Experienced technique at Misr cancer center

The protective effect of non-transecting urethroplasty on erectile function in patients with posterior urethral stricture

Objective To explore the erectile function preservational mechanism of Non-transecting urethroplasty(NTU)for posterior urethral stricture. Methods From May 2012 to September 2016, 62 patients with posterior urethral stricture, who were treated with NTU, were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 37.5 years old, ranging 18-48 years old. The causes were pelvic fracture urethral injury in 53 cases and iatrogenic injury in 9 cases. Preoperative urethrography and urethroscopy revealed the strictures located in posterior urethra, which was at the distal of verumontanum. The mean length of stricture was 2.1 cm, ranging 0.5-2.5 cm. The average period between trauma and surgery was 6.4 months, ranging 3 months-2 years. All patients had no previous history of urethroplasty. Their sexual hormones were in normal level. Among those patients, the IIEF-5 scores were more than 12 and number of events during NPT test were more than twice. Finally, 43 cases were underwent NTU and 19 cases accepted inferior pubectomy (IP)+NTU. All patients had a general anesthesia. The bulbar urethra was mobilized dorsally from the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa and then extended proximally up toward the perineal membrane. Scar tissue surrounding the urethra was excised and inferior pubectomy (IP) was performed as a supplemental technique to keep the suturing position without tension. The ventral hemi-circumference was then sutured with interrupted 4-0 polyglycolic sutures with tension-free anastomosis. The 18-Fr indwelling catheter was inserted. Result Average follow-up was 20.2 months, ranged from 12 to 36 months. In NTU group, NPT test revealed no significant difference in number of events(2.7±0.7 vs. 3.0±1.0, P>0.05), duration of best episode [(16.4±3.5)min vs. (16.4±3.8)min, P>0.05)] or tip rigidity[(31.2±4.7)% vs. (30.8±3.5)%, P>0.05)] between pre- and post-operation, respectively. The IIEF-5 score(19.7±1.9 vs.20.4±2.1, P<0.05 )and Qmax [(8.7±4.0)ml/s vs. (25.5±4.7)ml/s, P<0.05)] increased significant pre- and post-operation, respectively. In IP+NTU group, Qmax [(8.4±4.4)ml/s vs. (23.1±3.5)ml/s, P<0.05)] increased significant pre and post operation. The NPT test revealed slight decrease in number of events(2.3±0.6 vs. 1.6±1.0, P<0.05), duration of best episode [(15.6±2.4)min vs. (14.5±2.4)min, P<0.05)] or tip rigidity [(29.8±3.0)% vs. (25.6±7.1)%, P<0.05)] between pre- and post-operation, respectively. However, the IIEF-5 scores(17.3±1.6 vs.16.5±2.1, P<0.05) didn't show significant difference pre- and post-operation. Stricture recurrence occurred in 3 patients, the success rate was 95.2%(59/62) during 12 months following. Conclusion NTU is not only a safe and promising procedure for posterior urethral stricture less than 2.5cm, but also a new minimally invasive approach to preserve erectile function. Key words: Posterior urethral stricture; Non-transecting corpus spongiosum; Erectile function

The Microbiome-Host Interaction as a Potential Driver of Anastomotic Leak.

The goal of this paper is to review current literature on the gut microbiome within the context of host response to surgery and subsequent risk of developing complications, particularly anastomotic leak. We provide background on the relationship between host and gut microbiota with description of the role of the intestinal mucus layer as an important regulator of host health. Despite improvements in surgical technique and adherence to the tenets of creating a tension-free anastomosis with adequate blood flow, the surgical community has been unable to decrease rates of anastomotic leak using the current paradigm. Rather than adhere to empirical strategies of decontamination, it is imperative to focus on the interaction between the human host and the gut microbiota that live within us. The gut microbiome has been found to play a potential role in development of post-operative complications, including but not limited to anastomotic leak. Evidence suggests that peri-operative interventions may have a role in instigating or mitigating the impact of the gut microbiota via disruption of the protective mucus layer, use of multiple medications, and activation of virulence factors. The microbiome plays a potential role in the development of surgical complications and can be modulated by peri-operative interventions. As such, further research into this relationship is urgently needed.

Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure: A single-center experience.

Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure (LHR) is considered a technically complex major surgical procedure. We present a retrospective analysis of a single-institution experience that assesses the treatment patterns and outcomes of patients who underwent LHR. The study involved patients who underwent LHR between January 2004 and December 2017. All patients had previously undergone a conventional Hartmann's procedure for acute complicated diverticulitis or cancer. Patients were placed in a supine position with their legs spread apart and their left arm out to the side. Access into the abdomen was obtained through open laparoscopy, with a 12-mm trocar for a 30° laparascope inserted at the periumbilical site. We placed between three and five trocars depending on the level of operative difficulty encountered. The first surgical step was to dissect any existing adhesions, and then rectal mobilization was systematically performed to ensure the feasibility of the end-to-end anastomosis and to avoid bladder injury. The stoma was mobilized on the level of the abdominal wall and then freed from the fascia. We used a circular stapler to reestablish a tension-free anastomosis. Over 13 years, 20 patients underwent LHR. No patient required a temporary colostomy or ileostomy. Reversal of Hartmann's procedure involves high operative morbidity and mortality, and usually only relatively young and healthy patients are eligible for reversal. Our results are consistent with previously published literature regarding the advantages of LHR compared to the conventional technique. However, high-level evidence is still needed.

Routine splenic flexure mobilization may increase compliance with pathological quality metrics in patients undergoing low anterior resection.

Mandatory splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) has been debated for rectal cancers. Proponents argue that additional mobilization facilitates a tension-free anastomosis; however, this must be weighed against heightened morbidity. Little is known about the impact of specific techniques on pathology quality metrics. We aim to determine the impact of SFM on pathology quality metrics for patients undergoing rectal resections for colorectal adenocarcinoma. Patients were selected by querying the University of Kansas electronic medical records and the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database based on Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients were categorized as SFM or non-SFM. Primary outcomes were node yield less than 12 and margin length. There were 146 patients who met the inclusion criteria for chart review and 7369 included from the national database. Splenic flexure mobilization was associated with wider margins (3.52 vs 2.51cm in low anterior resection, P<0.01) and a decreased rate of inadequate nodal staging in patients undergoing low anterior resection (3.7% vs 19.3% P<0.01). SFM may affect surgical quality metrics in patients undergoing resection for distal colon and rectal adenocarcinoma. Further study is warranted to determine whether these differences in quality and pathology translate into differences in oncological outcomes.

Bridging the Gap: A 20-Year Experience with Vein Grafts for Free Flap Reconstruction. The Odds for Success

Successful free tissue transfer requires tension-free microvascular anastomosis. Vein grafts are used when this cannot be obtained, which increases microsurgical complexity and the chance of vessel thrombosis. Previous studies on vein grafts are limited to low numbers and selected techniques, making it difficult to draw conclusions. A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent vein grafts in free flap reconstruction from 1995 to 2015. Information on patient and flap characteristics, returns to the operating room, and flap loss was analyzed. Seventy-two free flap reconstructions requiring 122 vein grafts were performed in the genitourinary/perineal (49 percent) and head and neck (38 percent) regions. The majority were performed in the initial operation (82 percent) and, of those, the majority were planned (71 percent). The most common vein graft types used were transposition arteriovenous loops (57 percent) and interpositions (26 percent). Of the initial cases, 22 percent returned to the operating room, resulting in a 7 percent total flap loss rate and a 7 percent partial flap loss rate. On univariate analysis, graft timing/planning, gap type, vein graft type, and reconstruction location were significantly associated with take-backs and flap loss. However, gap type and location seem to be strongly associated with graft timing/planning and vein graft type. Graft type and planning/timing do not have as strong a relationship and seem to independently relate to flap loss. Vein grafts are more successful when planned and when performing transpositions and arteriovenous loops over interpositions. These graft types should be considered over interpositions when possible. Therapeutic, IV.

Prevention and management of pure-NOTES transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer with postoperative anastomotic complications

Objective To investigate the the preventive and management methods of pure-NOTES transanal total mesorectal excision (pure-NOTES TaTME) with postoperative anastomotic complications. Methods Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 59 cases with low and middle rectal cancer who were underment pure-NOTES TaTME in Linzi District People′s Hospital, and discussed the situction of the complications. Results Postoperative anastomotic complications were occurred in 3 cases, anastomotic leakage in 1 case, anastomotic stenosis in 1 case, anastomotic stenosis and leakage in 1 case, accounting for 5.1%. Conclusions For suitable rectal neoplasms patients, pure-NOTES TaTME operation doesn′t increase the incidence of anastomotic complication, and it′s is safe and feasible. Preoperative preparation, good blood supply, tension-free anastomosis, and correct choice and using of stapler and anastomotic drainage tube are the key to reduce anastomotic complications. Key words: Rectal neoplasms; Postoperative complications; Surgical stomas; Anastomotic leak; Anastomotic stenosis; Anastomotic bleeing

Technical details to achieve perfect early continence after radical prostatectomy.

Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (RP) is still an issue and may compromise patient quality of life and psychosocial behavior, regardless of oncologic outcomes. As this condition usually resolves by the end of the first postoperative year, many surgeons focused their attention on "early" return of urinary continence (UC). The aim of this non-systematic review is to present an overview of the current knowledge on the anatomy and the surgical techniques addressed to early functional recovery of continence after RP. The available literature data suggest that the preservation of bladder neck, pubo-prostatic ligaments, endopelvic fascia and vesico-urethral complex may play a role in recovery of early UC. Similarly, bladder neck reconstruction, anterior and/or posterior myo-fascio-ligamentous support to the anastomosis and tension-free watertight vesico-urethral anastomosis can improve early UC recovery post RP. More recently surgical approaches (i.e. Retzius-sparing technique) seem to add a piece in the jigsaw in the scenario of the early recovery of UC. Notwithstanding the efforts of the surgeons, more evidence from randomized studies is required to prove benefits of the different approaches and the "ideal" RP is far to be standardized.

Carinal resection: technical tips

Carinal resection (CR) is defined as the resection of the trachea-bronchial bifurcation with or without lung resection. It is an uncommon challenging surgery performed in case of NSCLC, primitive airway tumors or benign lesions invading the carina. A well-organized team is essential to manage patients undergoing CR and it must involve several specialists experienced in diagnosis, operative treatment and postoperative care. Before and during surgery a strict cooperation between surgeon and anesthesiologist is essential; cross-field ventilation is generally used to maintain the adequate gas exchange during surgical airway reconstruction, but also high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) could be valid alternative options when cross-field ventilation is not feasible. Right-sided lesions requiring a CR with pulmonary resection are better approached through an ipsilateral thoracotomy (IV intercostal space), whereas tumor involving the carina as well as the left main bronchus and requiring a left carinal pneumonectomy could be treated using a left thoracotomy with subaortic dissection (only for very limited tracheal resection due to a bad exposure of the trachea after moving the aortic arch). Instead, CR without pulmonary resection and left carinal pneumonectomy are better approached through a median sternotomy. Reconstruction of the airway could be performed in different ways according to the extension of the resection and to the surgeon experience with the sole purpose to obtain a tension-free anastomosis to reduce as much as possible the possible post-operative complications due to impairment healing of the suture. Based on tumor histology and the pathological staging the patient should be referred to the oncologist and/or radiotherapist for the further medical treatments. Improved patient selection, anesthetic management, surgical technique and better postoperative management are essential in such a challenging surgery to have the lowest possible rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality.