Transanal Approach Research Articles

Surgical Management of Functional Constipation: Preliminary Report of a New Approach Using a Laparoscopic Sigmoid Resection Combined with a Malone Appendicostomy.

Introduction Functional constipation is a common problem in children. It usually can be managed with laxatives but a small subset of patients develop intolerable cramps and need to be temporarily treated with enemas. The senior author has previously reported: 1) open sigmoid resection as a surgical option, but this did not sufficiently reduce the laxative need, then 2) a transanal approach (with resection of rectosigmoid), but this led to a high rate of soiling due to extensive stretching of the anal canal and loss of the rectal reservoir. The understanding of these procedures' results has led us to use a laparoscopic sigmoid ± left colonic resection with a Malone appendicostomy for these patients, to decrease the laxative requirements, temporarily treat with antegrade flushes, and to reduce postoperative soiling. Methods A single-institution retrospective review (3/2014-9/2015) included patients who failed our laxative protocol, and therefore were considered surgical candidates. Patients with anorectal malformation (ARM), Hirschsprung disease, spina bifida, tethered cord, trisomy 21, cerebral palsy, mitochondrial disease, prior colon resection at other facilities, or those that did not participate in our laxative program were excluded. Demographics, duration of symptoms, prior treatments, postoperative complications, and postoperative bowel regimens were evaluated. Results A total of 6 patients (3 males; median age of 12.5 years) presented with soiling related to constipation and intolerance to laxatives. Four patients failed preoperative cecostomy (done prior to referral to us). An average of 4.7 medication treatments were previously tried. In all, 4 patients had required in-patient disimpactions. Duration of symptoms was 7.5 years (median). The median senna dose was 30 mg (range, 15-150 mg), and all patients had intolerable symptoms or failed to empty their colon, which we considered a failed laxative trial. All had contrast enemas that demonstrated a dilated and/or redundant sigmoid colon, and colonic manometry was abnormal in 4. All patients underwent laparoscopic sigmoid and left colon resection, or only sigmoid resection (a low anterior resection). Two patients had postoperative colitis treated with oral antibiotics. The median follow-up was 52 days (range, 8-304 days). Five patients are on antegrade enemas with plans to convert to laxatives at 6 months, 1 is taking laxatives alone at a 33% lower dosage. Five of six are completely clean, 1 soils occasionally and their daily flush is being adjusted. Conclusion Only a minority of patients with functional constipation are medically unmanageable. This preliminary report shows that laparoscopic colon resection combined with antegrade flushes is an effective surgical technique to treat that group. A laparoscopic approach, guided by contrast enema and colonic manometry, allows for a defined resection of the abnormal segment of colon with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery including allowing for an extensive rectal resection (an improvement over open sigmoid resection) and avoidance of overstretching of the anal canal and removal of the rectal reservoir (an improvement over the transanal approach). Having antegrade access is useful to manage soiling and avoiding cramping from laxatives in the early postoperative period. Although our series is small, we believe that long-term most patients can avoid antegrade flushes and be on no, or a dramatically reduced, laxative dose.

Colonic prolapse after intersphincteric resection for very low rectal cancer: a report of 12 cases.

There are no published data concerning management of patients with exteriorized colonic prolapse (CP) after intersphincteric rectal resection (ISR) and side-to-end coloanal manual anastomosis (CAA) for very low rectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to report our experience in 12 consecutive cases of CP following ISR with CAA. From 2006 to 2014, all patients with very low rectal cancer who developed CP after ISR and CAA were reviewed. Demographic and surgical data, prolapse symptoms and treatment were recorded. Postoperative morbidity, functional outcomes and results after prolapse surgery were recorded. Twelve out of 143 patients (8%) who underwent ISR with side-to-end CAA for low rectal cancer presented CP: 7/107 ISR (7%) with partial resection of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and 5/36 ISR (14%) with subtotal or total resection of the IAS (NS). CP was diagnosed after a median of 6months (range 2-72months) after ISR. All patients with CP suffered from pain and fecal incontinence. Median Wexner fecal incontinence score before surgery was 16.5 (range 12-20). Three patients refused reoperation. Nine patients underwent transanal surgery with prolapse resection (including colonic stump and side-to-end anastomosis) and new end-to-end CAA (with posterior myorraphy in 4 cases). After a median follow-up of 30months (range 8-87months), 3/9 patients (33%) had CP recurrence: One with very poor function was treated by abdominoperineal resection and definitive stoma. The 2 others were successfully reoperated on transanally. Median Wexner fecal incontinence score after CP surgery was 9 (range 0-20). No CP recurrence was noted for the 6 other patients, and function improved in all cases. Thus, at the end of follow-up, 8/9 patients (89%) had no recurrence after surgery. We believe surgery must be attempted in these patients who develop CP after ISR with CAA for very low rectal cancer in order to improve function and symptoms. A transanal approach with CP resection and new end-to-end anastomosis appeared to be safe and effective. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results.

One stage transanal full thickness pull-through operation for rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease

The surgical management of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) has changed from the original staged operations to the latest introduced minimally invasive one stage techniques. One stage transanal full thickness Swenson-like procedure is a new concept of single stage procedure for HD. We reviewed the early outcome of one stage transanal Swenson-like pull-through operation for rectosigmoid HD. By using the transanal concept we choose to apply Swenson's principle in transanal dissection for the primary treatment of HD and describe technical aspects and impact on fecal and urinary function. We reviewed our series of HD patient who underwent one-stage transanal full thickness, Swenson-like rectosigmoid dissection, assessing for postoperative stricture or stenosis, anastomotic leak, enterocolitis, obstruction and long-term results for bowel and urinary function. Of 15 patients all had the transanal resection, the age of the patients ranged from 6 months to 5 years. The average length of resection was 20 ± 5 cm. Mean follow-up was 24 months. 10 patients were at least three years old at follow-up and were assessed for urinary and fecal continence. All had the voluntary bowel movement and urinary continence. Three patients had episodes of postoperative enterocolitis and two patients developed stenosis at the anastomotic site. Postoperative frequent bowel movement was present in all patients and continued for 2-8 weeks. In conclusion, our data support the fact that a modification of Swenson's original transabdominal dissection concept using the recently describe transanal approach is an excellent technique for HD and produces excellent long-term outcome for fecal and urinary function.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Pelvic Fistulae in Women.

Pelvic fistulae are an abnormal communication among the genitourinary tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the vagina or perineum. Genital tract fistulae have been described in the medical literature for the past several thousand years. Advancements in both the diagnosis and treatment of vaginal fistulae have been obtained over the past century as surgical interventions have become safer and surgical techniques have improved. The most common cause of fistulae worldwide is obstructed labor. In developed countries, fistulae most commonly occur after benign gynecologic surgery, but obstructed labor, malignancy, radiation exposure, and inflammatory bowel disease can also cause fistulae. Fistulae significantly affect quality of life. Diagnostic studies and radiologic imaging can help aid the diagnosis, but a thorough physical examination is the most important component in the evaluation and diagnosis of a fistula. Temporizing treatments are available to help ease patient suffering until surgical management can be performed. Surgical repairs can be performed using an abdominal, vaginal, or transanal approach. Although technically challenging, surgical repair is usually successful, but closure of the fistula tract does not guarantee continence of urine or feces, because there is often underlying damage to the bowel and bladder.

Resección total del mesorrecto por vía transanal en cáncer de recto. Análisis de resultados de una serie preliminar en un hospital universitario

IntroductionTransanal total mesorectal excision is a hybrid approach that combines the use of a conventional laparoscopic and a transanal platform. ObjectivesTo conduct an analysis of selected cases with medium and lower rectal cancer, were a combined transanal approach was used and description of the surgical technique. Materials and methodsProspective series of patients diagnosed with middle and lower third rectal cancer with mesorectal resection assisted by endoanal single port, between October 2012 and December 2015 at University of Chile Clinical Hospital. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. ResultsA total of 29 patients underwent surgery for middle and lower rectal cancer using a transanal single port. Gender distribution was 22 male and 7 female patients, with a mean age of 55.5 years and a mean BMI of 26.4. The mean distance from the anal margin was 4.8cm. All patients received neoadjuvant therapy. The surgeries performed were 17 Ta-TME (58.6%) and 12 Ta-TME with intersphincteric approach (41.4%). The colo-anal anastomosis was hand sewn in 15 patients (51.7%), and stapled in 14 (48.3%). The laparoscopic approach was used in 26 patients and the open approach in 3, with 4 conversions (15.4%). The mean operative time was 282min. The mean hospital stay was 9 days. ConclusionThe endoanal single port appears as a useful tool in total mesorectal dissection for its safety and feasibility. We believe we need randomized prospective studies, where comparison of oncological and functional long-term results is relevant.

Traitement par voie basse des colpocèles postérieures : recommandations pour la pratique clinique

The aim was to review the safety and efficacy of surgery for posterior vaginal wall prolapse by vaginal route, in order to identify a therapeutic algorithm based on benefit/risk evaluation of each surgical procedure. We performed a review of the litterature published up to september 2015 (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane library, Cochrane database of systemactic reviews) according to the HAS methodology. Level evidence (1 to 4) was determined for each study as well as evidence based recommendations (A, B, C or professional agreement). Posterior vaginal wall prolapse include mid and low rectoceles and high, beyond levator ani, defects (vaginal vault prolapse, enterocele). Patients with these prolapses frequently complain of bowel symptoms. Due to their high incidence in women, these symptoms require a careful evaluation before surgery in order to correlate them to the prolapse. Repair of the rectovaginal fascia without levatorplasty is recommended in mid rectoceles by vaginal route. The transvaginal approach is superior to the transanal approach for repair of posterior wall prolapse. Biological grafts are not recommended. Due to the lack of evaluation and to the morbidity of polypropylene meshes, there is no indication for their use in the first line surgical procedure of posterior compartment prolapse in the transvaginal approach. Superficial colpoperineorraphy must be proposed only in the symptomatic low rectoceles. Sacrocolpopexy is the procedure of choice for vaginal vault prolapse, but there is still a place for non-prothetic vault suspension by vaginal route according to the age of patients, comorbidities and associated surgical procedures. Surgical option by vaginal route must be proposed only in symptomatic posterior vaginal wall prolapse. An anorectal evaluation can be required before surgery to avoid worsening of preoperative symptoms or a de novo fecal incontinence, which can lead to a dramatic impairment of patients' quality of life in this functional surgery. © 2016 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Surgeons’ assessment of internal anal sphincter nerve supply during TaTME - inbetween expectations and reality

Background: Intraoperative identification of nerve fibers heading from the inferior rectal plexus (IRP) to the internal anal sphincter (IAS) is challenging. The transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is said to better preserve pelvic autonomic nerves. The aim of this study was to investigate the nerve identification rates during TaTME by transanal visual and electrophysiological assessment.Material and methods: A total of 52 patients underwent TaTME for malignant conditions. The IRP with its posterior branches to the IAS and the pelvic splanchnic nerves (PSN) were visually assessed in 20 patients (v-TaTME). Electrophysiological nerve identification was performed in 32 patients using electric stimulation under processed electromyography of IAS (e-TaTME).Results: The indication profile for TaTME was comparable between the v-TaTME and the e-TaTME group. The identification of IRP was more meaningful under electrophysiological assessment than under visual assessment for the left pelvic side (81% vs. 45%, p = 0.008) as well as the right pelvic side (78% vs. 45%, p = 0.016). The identification rates for PSN did not significantly differ between both groups, respectively (81% vs. 75%, p = 0.420 and 84% vs. 70%, p = 0.187).Conclusions: The transanal approach facilitated visual identification of IAS nerve supply. In combination with electrophysiological nerve assessment the identification rate almost doubled. For further insights functional data are needed.

Robotic-Assisted Transanal Repair of a Rectovaginal Fistula

BackgroundVarious methods exist for the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas, with the choice of repair largely dependent on the fistula location. Options include local repair with mucosal advancement flaps, the use of agents like fibrin glue, and an abdominal approach with resection and colo-anal reconstruction. Traditionally, local repair with mucosal advancement flaps is reserved for simple, low rectovaginal fistulas, while high rectal fistulas require a transabdominal approach.1,2 MethodsHere, we demonstrate an innovative approach for the treatment of a complex, high rectovaginal fistula in a patient with a hostile pelvis via a transanal approach with robotic assistance. The video demonstrates the basic steps of a repair of a rectovaginal fistula: debridement of the fistula tract, mobilization of the mucosal advancement flap, primary closure of the fistula tract, suturing of the mucosal advancement flap, and flexible sigmoidoscopy to confirm lumen patency and visualization of the closure. ResultsBy utilizing robotic assistance, we were provided with improved dexterity, precision, and scalability to accomplish the complex task of dissection, suturing, and knot tying in the confines of the rectum. ConclusionsWe suggest that this approach can be used on selected patients with high rectovaginal fistula or other rectal pathology who are otherwise not candidates for a transanal approach.

Critical concepts and important anatomic landmarks encountered during transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME): toward the mastery of a new operation for rectal cancer surgery.

Over the past 3years, colorectal surgeons have begun to adapt the technique of transanal total mesorectal excision. As international experience has been quickly forged, an improved recognition of the pitfalls and the practical details of this disruptive technique have been realized. The purpose of this technical note was to express the various nuances of transanal total mesorectal excision as learned during the course of its clinical application and international teaching, so as to rapidly communicate and share important insights with other surgeons who are in the early adoption phase of this approach. The technical points specific to transanal total mesorectal excision are addressed herein. When correctly applied, these will likely improve the quality of surgery and decrease morbidity attributable to inexperience with the transanal approach to total mesorectal excision.

Single-port endoscopic mesocolic and mesorectal excision using an extraperitoneal approach.

The extraperitoneal rectal dissection via a transanal approach facilitates the mesorectal dissection. The retroperitoneal approach for mesocolic excision may also offer some similar advantages. To complete the lymphadenectomy of extraperitoneal mesorectal resection, we developed an innovative approach for upper rectal and mesocolic excision via an exclusive retroperitoneal dissection using a single-port access at the site of the future stomy. This study was a prospective pilot study and was conducted between 2013 and 2015 at two oncologic centers. Five consecutive patients, with ano-rectal cancer requiring permanent stoma, underwent this procedure. The bowel was never touched or mobilized to perform the lymphadenectomy, and no Trendelenburg was required. The median operative duration was 300min (range 205-310). The quality of the surgical plane was classified as good (mesorectal) in the five patients. The median circumferential and distal margins were, respectively, 5mm (range 1-20) and 20mm (range 5-25). The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 11 (range 5-18). No laparotomy or multiport laparoscopy was required. There was no death. Two patients had perineal wound dehiscence (one minor and one major). The mesocolic excision via a retroperitoneal approach is feasible, completes naturally the transanal mesorectal excision and may confer several advantages including no morbidity of small bowel manipulation or Trendelenburg position. Further studies are required to analyze this approach.

Transanal completion proctectomy after total colectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: a modified single stapled technique.

Minimally invasive surgery has proved its efficacy for the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The recent evolution in single port (SP) surgery together with transanal rectal surgery could further facilitate minimally invasive surgery in UC patients. This technical note describes a technical modification for single stapled anastomoses in patients undergoing transanal completion proctectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (ta-IPAA) for UC. A step-by-step approach of the ta-IPAA in UC is described, including pictures and a video illustration. We describe a ta-IPAA with SP laparoscopy at the ileostomy site. All patients underwent a total colectomy with end-ileostomy for therapy refractory UC in a first step. Colectomy was done by multiport laparoscopy in six patients, while the ileostomy site was used as single port access in five patients. In all 11 patients the stoma site was used for SP mobilization of the mesenteric root and fashioning of the J-pouch. Completion proctectomy was done using a transanal approach. A single stapled anastomosis was performed in all patients. An 18 French catheter was used to approximate the pouch to the rectal cuff. A technical modification of the single stapled anastomosis facilitates the formation of the ta-IPAA, further reducing invasiveness in UC patients.

Potential sexual function improvement by using transanal mesorectal approach for laparoscopic low rectal cancer excision.

Preliminary results of the transanal approach for low rectal cancer suggest better oncological outcomes than the conventional laparoscopic approach. We currently report the functional results. From 2008 to 2012, 100 patients with low rectal cancer and suitable for sphincter-saving resection were randomized between transanal and laparoscopic low rectal dissection. Patients derived from this randomized trial were enrolled for functional assessment. End points were bowel function (LARS bowel and Wexner continence scores) and urogenital function (IPSS, IIEF-5 and FSFI-6 scores) obtained by questionnaires sent to patients with a follow-up more than 12months. Overall, 76 patients were eligible and 72 responded to the questionnaire: 38 in the transanal group and 34 in the laparoscopic group. The bowel function did not differ between the transanal and the laparoscopic groups: LARS 36 versus 37 (p=0.941) and Wexner 9 versus 10 (p=0.786). The urologic function was also similar between the two groups: IPSS 5.5 versus 3.5 (p=0.821). Among sexually active patients before surgery, 20 of 28 (71%) patients in the transanal group and 9 of 23 (39%) in the laparoscopic group maintained an activity after surgery (p=0.02). Erectile function was also better in men after transanal compared to laparoscopic low rectal dissection: IIEF 17 versus 7 (p=0.119). Transanal approach for low rectal cancer did not change bowel and urologic functions compared to the conventional laparoscopic approach. However, there was a trend to a better erectile function with a significantly higher rate of sexual activity in the transanal group.

Transabdominal-transanal total mesorectal excision combined with liver metastasis resection for synchronous low rectal liver metastasis

Objective To investigate the application value of transabdominal-tansanal total mesorectal excision combined with liver metastasis resection for synchronous low rectal liver metastasis. Methods The retrospective descriptive study was adopted. The clinical data of a male patient with synchronous low rectal liver metastasis who was admitted to the Peking University Third Hospital in November 2015 was collected. Transabdominal-transanal total mesorectal excision combined with liver metastasis resection was performed after multidisciplinary team conference. The liver metastasis resection, vascular disconnection, lymph node dissection and upper and middle mesorectal disconnection were done by transabdominal approach. Then complete mesorectal excision and specimen removal of rectum and liver were done by transanal approach. The intraoperative status (operation method, operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion), occurrence of postoperative complications, results of pathological examination and follow-up were observed. The patient was followed up by outpatient examination till January 2016. Results The operation was performed successfully without severe perioperative complications. The operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss were 360 minutes and 170 mL, respectively. The patient did not receive intraoperative blood transfusion, without urinary retention and presacral abscesses. The patient was discharged at postoperative day 9. The postoperative pathological results showed high-differentiated rectal protruded adenoma and high-middle differentiated adenocarcinoma metastasis in the liver tissue with the negative resection margins. The tumor sizes of rectum and liver metastasis were 5.0 cm×5.0 cm×1.5 cm and 1.5 cm×1.0 cm×1.5 cm, respectively. The tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage was stage Ⅳ (pT3N0M1). The patient had a good life quality during the follow-up of 1 month. Conclusion Transabdominal-transanal approach might provide an alternative operative approach and resection method for synchronous low rectal liver metastasis, with a good short-term outcome. Key words: Rectal neoplasms; Liver metastases; Transabdominal-transanal; Total mesorectal excision

Transanal Approach to Rectal Polyps and Cancer.

A transanal approach to rectal polyp and cancer excision is often an appropriate alternative to conventional rectal resection, and has a lower associated morbidity. There has been a steady evolution in the techniques of transanal surgery over the past 30 years. It started with traditional transanal excision and was revolutionized by introduction of transanal endoscopic microsurgery in early 1980s. Introduction of transanal minimally invasive surgery made it more accessible to surgeons around the world. Now robotic platforms are being tried in certain institutions. Concerns have been raised about recurrence rates of cancers with transanal approach and success of subsequent salvage operations.

The Laparoscopic and Transanal Repair for Rectal Atresia

Abstract Introduction: Rectal atresia is rare, comprising only 1% of all anorectal malformations. Initial evaluation reveals a normal appearing anus located within the sphincter mechanism. A blind ending pouch is 3 cm from the anal verge. The anal canal and internal and external sphincters are well developed and there is no associated fistula. No technique has been frequently reproduced for this rare anomaly, and only one laparoscopic report exists. We present a laparoscopic and transanal approach for rectal atresia repair that provides minimal disturbance of the anal anatomy and achieves postoperative continence. Materials and Methods: A term, 3.5 kg male presented with failure to pass meconium and progressive abdominal distension. On physical examination, the external rectum appeared normal; however, rectal examination revealed a palpable, blind ending, web at 3 cm from the anal verge. The physical examination was otherwise normal. A contrast enema revealed a complete transverse web across the rectum. S...

Transanal approach for rectal tumors: recent updates and future perspectives

Local excision of rectal tumors has long been performed. With the development of new technologies for endoluminal operation, there have been significant advances in the transanal approach in the last 30 years. It started with conventional transanal excision (TAE) and was developed by introduction of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME). Appropriate patient selection for transanal approaches is the key for good outcomes. TAE of rectal tumors has been advocated for premalignant lesions and used as definitive treatment for early rectal cancers in select groups without adverse prognostic features. Regardless of procedures, the morbidity and mortality of tansanal technique are lower than for radical surgery. According to the experience in the last decades, transanal endoscopic surgery has been accepted as effective treatments in selected patients with early rectal cancer, with similar oncologic outcomes to and better functional effects than those of radical surgery. The latest development in transanal approaches is taTME. Although taTME is another new technique with great promise, the supporting data are preliminary, and further studies with larger cohorts of patients are needed to evaluate long term functional and oncological outcomes. Transanal approaches have enabled mid and upper rectal lesion and sphincter salvage, leading to a better quality of life. transanal approaches including taTME should be considered as good options for the treatment of rectal cancer because these techniques are definitely useful in selected patients.

Management of patients with rectocele

The main objective of this article is to review the management of patients with posterior vaginal wall prolapse. The posterior vaginal wall is inconsistent both in terms of correlating patient symptoms to objective findings and correlating correction of anatomic defects to symptom relief. Therefore, the management of patients with pelvic organ prolapse is challenging and emphasizes the need for surgeons to clearly communicate expectations of surgical repair. Despite these limitations, surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse in properly selected patients can provide symptomatic relief and improvement in their quality of life and functional status. Review of the literature suggests that traditional posterior colporrhaphy without levatorplasty has superior objective outcomes compared with site-specific posterior repair (grade B), there is a higher dyspareunia rate reported when levatorplasty is employed (grade C), the transvaginal approach is superior to the transanal approach (grade A), there is no benefit of mesh overlay or augmentation of a suture repair (grade B), and while modified abdominal sacrocolpopexy results have been reported, data on how these results would compare with traditional transvaginal repair are lacking. Further studies are needed to optimize the care of patients with posterior vaginal wall prolapse.

An experimental study in six fresh human cadavers using a novel approach to avoid abdominal wall incisions in total colectomy: totally transanal laparoendoscopic single-site pull-through colectomy with J-pouch creation.

The use of transanal laparoscopic access to completely avoid abdominal wall incisions represents the most current evolution in minimally invasive surgery. The combination of single-site surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES™) can be used for totally transanal laparoendoscopic pull-through colectomy with J-pouch creation (TLPC-J). The aim of the present study was to provide evidence for the feasibility of TLPC-J in adult human cadavers. TLPC-J was performed in six fresh adult human cadavers. The procedure involved endorectal submucosal dissection from 1cm above the dentate line to a point above the peritoneal reflection, where the rectal muscle was divided circumferentially. The edge of the mucosal cuff was closed distally in order to prevent fecal contamination and the endorectal tube was placed back into the abdomen. A Triport+™ or QuadPort+™ system was introduced transanally, and it served as a multiport device (MD). Resection of the entire colon, mobilization of the distal ileal segment, and extracorporeal suture of the ileal J-loop were performed via the transanal approach. The J-pouch was created using Endo GIA™. After removal of the MD, the J-pouch was sutured to the rectal wall. TLPC-J was performed in all cadavers, with a mean operation duration of 236±22min. Conversion to either transabdominal laparoscopy or laparotomy was not required in any of the cadavers. No bowel perforation or damage to other organs was observed. The use of a curved endoscope greatly facilitated visualization during transanal laparoscopic dissection for partial and total colectomy, making the procedure feasible. All specimens were retrieved through the anus, eliminating the need for additional transabdominal incisions. TLPC-J was technically feasible in adult human cadavers, and abdominal wall incisions were not required. However, clinical studies are needed to determine its feasibility in living adults.

Shifting Paradigms in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Applications of Transanal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery in Colorectal Surgery

Since the advent of laparoscopy, minimally invasive techniques such as single port laparoscopy, robotics, endoscopically assisted laparoscopy, and transanal endoscopic surgery continue to revolutionize the field of colorectal surgery. Transanal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) represents a further paradigm shift by combining the advantages of these earlier techniques to reduce the size and number of abdominal incisions and potentially optimize rectal dissection, especially with respect to performance of an oncologically adequate total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer. Since the first experimental report of transanal rectosigmoid resection in 2007, the potential impact of transanal NOTES in colorectal surgery has been extensively investigated in experimental models and recently transitioned to clinical application. There have been 14 clinical trials of transanal TME (taTME) for rectal cancer that have demonstrated the feasibility and preliminary oncologic safety of this approach in carefully selected patients, with results comparable to outcomes after laparoscopic and open TME, including cumulative intraoperative and postoperative complication rates of 5.5 and 35.5%, respectively, 97.3% rate of complete or near-complete specimens, and 93.6% rate of negative margins. Transanal NOTES has also been safely applied to proctectomy and colectomy for benign indications. The consensus among published series suggests that taTME is most safely performed with transabdominal assistance by surgeons experienced with laparoscopic TME, transanal endoscopic surgery, and sphincter-preserving techniques including intersphincteric resection. Future applications of transanal NOTES may include evolution to a pure endoscopic transanal approach for TME, colectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy for rectal cancer, with a potential role for robotic assistance.

Three procedures of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for advanced mid-low rectal tumor

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a novel minimally invasive procedure which is performed by normal laparoscopic instruments through the single port transanally. Three kinds of procedures have been performed based on the TAMIS platform by now, including TAMIS-TME(total mesorectal excision), TAMIS-APE(Abdominoperineal excision) and TAMIS-Hartmann. Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) with dissection from bottom to up through the platform of TAMIS is also called TAMIS-TME. The greatest advantage of TAMIS-TME is that it increases the quality of specimen and decrease the adverse injury due to the sufficient vision of lower part of mesorectum in the operation. TAMIS-APE and TAMIS-Hartmann procedures emerge after the experience of TAMIS-TME. TAMIS-APE procedure not only firstly make the dissection of perineal phase minimally invasive, but also make the perineal vision more clear, the resection of levator ani muscle more precise, eventually the tailored APE procedure comes true under the laparoscopy of perineal phase. The dissection of mid-low mesorectum for recurrent tumor is usually difficult just from above, TAMIS facilitates the resection through entering the normal anatomical space under the tumor. If the tumor has the risk of recurrence, distal rectum is closed and proximal colostomy is made, we firstly performed this procedure and name it TAMIS-Hartmann. Therefore, TAMIS is not only a platform for taTME, but also it provides a transanal approach and a "button to up" conception for the mid-low rectal tumor.