Long-term follow-up of local rectal cancer surgery by transanal endoscopic microsurgery. World J Surg. 2008;32:1162-1167. [PMID: 18338206 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-008-9512-1]

Local versus radical surgery for early rectal cancer with or without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy

BACKGROUND

Total mesorectal excision is the standard of care for stage I rectal cancer. Despite major advances and increasing enthusiasm for modern endoscopic local excision (LE), uncertainty remains regarding its oncologic equivalence and safety relative to radical resection (RR).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the oncologic, operative, and functional outcomes of modern endoscopic LE compared to RR surgery in adults with stage I rectal cancer.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Web of Science - Science Citation Index Expanded (1900 to present), four trial registers (ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN registry, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and the National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials database), two thesis and proceedings databases, and relevant scientific societies' publications in February 2022. We performed handsearching and reference checking and contacted study authors of ongoing trials to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in people with stage I rectal cancer comparing any modern LE techniques to any RR techniques with or without the use of neo/adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) and standard errors for time-to-event data and risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes, using generic inverse variance and random-effects methods. We regrouped surgical complications from the included studies into major and minor according to the standard Clavien-Dindo classification. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework.

MAIN RESULTS

Four RCTs were included in data synthesis with a combined total of 266 participants with stage I rectal cancer (T1-2N0M0), if not stated otherwise. Surgery was performed in university hospital settings. The mean age of participants was above 60, and median follow-up ranged from 17.5 months to 9.6 years. Regarding the use of co-interventions, one study used neoadjuvant CRT in all participants (T2 cancers); one study used short-course radiotherapy in the LE group (T1-T2 cancers); one study used adjuvant CRT selectively in high-risk patients undergoing RR (T1-T2 cancers); and the fourth study did not use any CRT (T1 cancers). We assessed the overall risk of bias as high for oncologic and morbidity outcomes across studies. All studies had at least one key domain with a high risk of bias. None of the studies reported separate outcomes for T1 versus T2 or for high-risk features. Low-certainty evidence suggests that RR may result in an improvement in disease-free survival compared to LE (3 trials, 212 participants; HR 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91 to 4.24). This would translate into a three-year disease-recurrence risk of 27% (95% CI 14 to 50%) versus 15% after LE and RR, respectively. Regarding sphincter function, only one study provided objective results and reported short-term deterioration in stool frequency, flatulence, incontinence, abdominal pain, and embarrassment about bowel function in the RR group. At three years, the LE group had superiority in overall stool frequency, embarrassment about bowel function, and diarrhea. Local excision may have little to no effect on cancer-related survival compared to RR (3 trials, 207 participants; HR 1.42, 95% CI 0.60 to 3.33; very low-certainty evidence). We did not pool studies for local recurrence, but the included studies individually reported comparable local recurrence rates for LE and RR (low-certainty evidence). It is unclear if the risk of major postoperative complications may be lower with LE compared with RR (risk ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.28; low-certainty evidence; corresponding to 5.8% (95% CI 2.4% to 14.1%) risk for LE versus 11% for RR). Moderate-certainty evidence shows that the risk of minor postoperative complications is probably lower after LE (risk ratio 0.48, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.85); corresponding to an absolute risk of 14% (95% CI 8% to 26%) for LE compared to 30.1% for RR. One study reported an 11% rate of temporary stoma after LE versus 82% in the RR group. Another study reported a 46% rate of temporary or permanent stomas after RR and none after LE. The evidence is uncertain about the effect of LE compared with RR on quality of life. Only one study reported standard quality of life function, in favor of LE, with a 90% or greater probability of superiority in overall quality of life, role, social, and emotional functions, body image, and health anxiety. Other studies reported a significantly shorter postoperative period to oral intake, bowel movement, and off-bed activities in the LE group.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on low-certainty evidence, LE may decrease disease-free survival in early rectal cancer. Very low-certainty evidence suggests that LE may have little to no effect on cancer-related survival compared to RR for the treatment of stage I rectal cancer. Based on low-certainty evidence, it is unclear if LE may have a lower major complication rate, but probably causes a large reduction in minor complication rate. Limited data based on one study suggest better sphincter function, quality of life, or genitourinary function after LE. Limitations exist with respect to the applicability of these findings. We identified only four eligible studies with a low number of total participants, subjecting the results to imprecision. Risk of bias had a serious impact on the quality of evidence. More RCTs are needed to answer our review question with greater certainty and to compare local and distant metastasis rates. Data on important patient outcomes such as sphincter function and quality of life are very limited. Results of currently ongoing trials will likely impact the results of this review. Future trials should accurately report and compare outcomes according to the stage and high-risk features of rectal tumors, and evaluate quality of life, sphincter, and genitourinary outcomes. The role of neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy as an emerging co-intervention for improving oncologic outcomes after LE needs to be further defined.

Risk of recurrence after local resection of T1 rectal cancer: a meta-analysis with meta-regression

BACKGROUND

T1 rectal cancer (RC) patients are increasingly being treated by local resection alone but uniform surveillance strategies thereafter are lacking. To determine whether different local resection techniques influence the risk of recurrence and cancer-related mortality, a meta-analysis was performed.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted for T1RC patients treated with local surgical resection. The primary outcome was the risk of RC recurrence and RC-related mortality. Pooled estimates were calculated using mixed-effect logistic regression. We also systematically searched and evaluated endoscopically treated T1RC patients in a similar manner.

RESULTS

In 2585 unique T1RC patients (86 studies) undergoing local surgical resection, the overall pooled cumulative incidence of recurrence was 9.1% (302 events, 95% CI 7.3-11.4%; I2 = 68.3%). In meta-regression, the recurrence risk was associated with histological risk status (p < 0.005; low-risk 6.6%, 95% CI 4.4-9.7% vs. high-risk 28.2%, 95% CI 19-39.7%) and local surgical resection technique (p < 0.005; TEM/TAMIS 7.7%, 95% CI 5.3-11.0% vs. other local surgical excisions 10.8%, 95% CI 6.7-16.8%). In 641 unique T1RC patients treated with flexible endoscopic excision (16 studies), the risk of recurrence (7.7%, 95% CI 5.2-11.2%), cancer-related mortality (2.3%, 95% CI 1.1-4.9), and cancer-related mortality among patients with recurrence (30.0%, 95% CI 14.7-49.4%) were comparable to outcomes after TEM/TAMIS (risk of recurrence 7.7%, 95% CI 5.3-11.0%, cancer-related mortality 2.8%, 95% CI 1.2-6.2% and among patients with recurrence 35.6%, 95% CI 21.9-51.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with T1 rectal cancer may have a significantly lower recurrence risk after TEM/TAMIS compared to other local surgical resection techniques. After TEM/TAMIS and endoscopic resection the recurrence risk, cancer-related mortality and cancer-related mortality among patients with recurrence were comparable. Recurrence was mainly dependent on histological risk status.

Local recurrence after local excision of early rectal cancer: a meta-analysis of completion TME, adjuvant (chemo)radiation, or no additional treatment

BACKGROUND

The risks of local recurrence and treatment-related morbidity need to be balanced after local excision of early rectal cancer. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine oncological outcomes after local excision of pT1-2 rectal cancer followed by no additional treatment (NAT), completion total mesorectal excision (cTME) or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (aCRT).

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was local recurrence. Statistical analysis included calculation of the weighted average of proportions.

RESULTS

Some 73 studies comprising 4674 patients were included in the analysis. Sixty-two evaluated NAT, 13 cTME and 28 aCRT. The local recurrence rate for NAT among low-risk pT1 tumours was 6·7 (95 per cent c.i. 4·8 to 9·3) per cent. There were no local recurrences of low-risk pT1 tumours after cTME or aCRT. The local recurrence rate for high-risk pT1 tumours was 13·6 (8·0 to 22·0) per cent for local excision only, 4·1 (1·7 to 9·4) per cent for cTME and 3·9 (2·0 to 7·5) per cent for aCRT. Local recurrence rates for pT2 tumours were 28·9 (22·3 to 36·4) per cent with NAT, 4 (1 to 13) per cent after cTME and 14·7 (11·2 to 19·0) per cent after aCRT.

CONCLUSION

There is a substantial risk of local recurrence in patients who receive no additional treatment after local excision, especially those with high-risk pT1 and pT2 rectal cancer. The lowest recurrence risk is provided by cTME; aCRT has outcomes comparable to those of cTME for high-risk pT1 tumours, but shows a higher risk for pT2 tumours.

Is Local Resection of Anal Canal Tumors Feasible with Transanal Endoscopic Surgery?

BACKGROUND

An important drawback of local surgery for lesions in the anal canal is the difficulty of achieving en bloc full-thickness resections. The aim of this study is to evaluate TEM/TEO in lesions of this type from the point of view of morbidity, mortality and the quality of the pathology specimen.

METHODS

This is an observational study with prospective data collection from June 2004 to July 2018. Two groups are defined: group A (rectal tumors with proximal margin between 0 and ≤4 cm from anal verge) and group B (distal margin > 4 cm from anal verge). A technical description is provided; resections and postoperative complications in both groups are compared.

RESULTS

During the study period, 757 patients underwent TEM/TEO. Finally, 692 patients were included, 192 patients in group A and 500 patients in group B. An en bloc surgical specimen was obtained in 176/192 patients (91.7%), although the defect was completely sutured in 132 (68.8%). In the comparative analysis, group A did not present significantly greater fragmentation of the resected piece [16/192 (8.3%) vs. 36/500 (7.2%), p = 0.630], although group A was associated with greater involvement of the surgical margin [28/192 (14.6%), 32/500 (6.4%), p = 0.001] and clinically relevant morbidity [16/192 (8.3%), 20/500 (4%), p = 0.034]. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of TEM/TEO to remove lesions originating in the anal canal is feasible. But we have to take into account that there is an increase in complications, technical difficulties and affected margins resection.

The accuracy of trans rectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in early-stage rectal cancer or benign adenomas

Background: Screening for colorectal cancer in Denmark has resulted in more patients being diagnosed with benign adenomas and early-stage rectal cancer. In general, TRUS is accepted as a good modality for evaluating the above mentioned before deciding on surgery. Objective: To investigate the accuracy of TRUS in a clinical setting at the Region Hospital in Herning, Denmark. Study design: Retrospective cohort study from January 2016 to June 2018. Methods: Quantitative method. The cohort (117 patients) was recruited by searching for specific procedure codes. Data were collected by going through the electronic patient files. Results: TRUS predicted T0, T1, T2 and T3 with an accuracy of 91%, 35%, 43% and 20% respectively and an overall accuracy of 68%. A weighted Cohens kappa value of 0.30 (p  ≤  .05). TRUS differentiated between T0/T1 with a sensitivity of 70%, specificity of 85% and an accuracy of 85% and kappa value of 0.44 (p  ≤  .05). Conclusion: TRUS can with great precision establish whether the tumor is benign so correct local treatment can be instituted.

Transanal endoscopic micro-surgery in elderly and very elderly patients: a safe option? Observational study with prospective data collection

BACKGROUND

Although the incidence of colorectal cancer increases with the patient's age, the elderly continue to be less likely to be scheduled for surgery. Transanal endoscopic micro-surgery (TEM) is a surgical alternative to total mesorectal excision (TME) in early stage rectal cancer and/or in selected patients that could decrease morbidity and mortality rates in this group of patients. Our main objective is to assess the safety and feasibility of TEM in elderly (75-84 years) and very elderly (≥ 85 years) patients.

METHODS

Observational study was conducted with prospective data collection of all consecutive patients who underwent TEM between April 2004 and January 2017. Patients were assigned to groups according to age. Descriptive and comparative analyses between groups were performed.

RESULTS

We analyzed 693 patients, 429 patients < 75 years (61.9%), 220 patients between the ages of 75 and 84 (31.7%), and 44 patients ≥ 85 years old (6.3%). The tendency in our series is to increase comorbidities with age. Palliative or consensus intent was more frequently performed in elderly (10.5%, 34/220), and very elderly (45.4%, 20/44), compared with the youngest (6.3%, 27/429), (p < 0.001). Global morbidity presented an increasing trend related to age from 20.3% in < 75 years, to 25.9% in elderly and 34.1% in very elderly. Surgical complications were recorded in 18.5% (128/693) of patients with no significant differences between groups. The most common one was rectal bleeding 16.1% (111/693). Significant differences were found in non-surgical complications, recorded in 7.3% (16/220) in the elderly, and 15.9% (7/44) in the group above 84 years (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

TEM presents acceptable morbidity rates mainly due to non-surgical-related adverse effects in elderly and very elderly patients and may be a feasible and safe alternative in this population in both curative and non-curative indications.

Comparison of trans-anal endoscopic operation and trans-anal excision of rectal tumors

Background

Trans-anal endoscopic operation (TEO) has developed to facilitate proper tumor location and ensure excision safely.

Methods

We reviewed 92 patients enrolled in our database between 2006 and 2014 who were diagnosed with early rectal tumors and who underwent conventional trans-anal excision (TAE) or TEO. Clinical data were collected prospectively to compare safety and feasibility between two techniques.

Results

Ninety-two patients underwent trans-anal local excision for lower rectal tumors. TEO and TAE were performed in 48 and 44 patients, respectively. Age, sex, and comorbidities were similar. There was no significant difference in tumor diameter (1.6 ± 1.68 cm vs. 1.17 ± 1.17, respectively). Tumor height, however, was higher in the TEO (7.46 ± 3 cm) than the TAE group (3.84 ± 1.88 cm, p < 0.001). Four complications, perianal abscess, and two perforations, occurred in the TEO group, whereas no major complications occurred in the TAE. Seven patients (14.6%) underwent TEO underwent a salvage operation compared to only a single patient in TAE group (2.3%, p = 0.039). Eight patients (17.4%) diagnosed with adenocarcinoma developed recurrence, four in each group. Disease-free survival was similar between groups (TEO – 41.8 months, 95% RI 39.4–44.1; TAE 79.7 months, 95% RI 72.2–87.3). However, more TAE patients (n = 7, 15.9%) than TEO patients (n = 2, 4.2%) underwent chemotherapy.

Conclusions

TEO treatment of local rectal tumors is safe and feasible and can achieve an adequate resection margin. Local recurrence was similar in both groups. However, the numbers of salvage operations and minor complications were higher in the TEO group.

•

TEO is treatment modality of choice in addressing lower rectal lesions.

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Evolving of TEO technique facilitate higher standard of academic teaching.

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TEO has few drawbacks; first, long term learning curve; second, technique is demanding (through single port + narrow space).

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TEO has promising results in the field of surgical oncology with equivalent results to conventional surgery.

Risk of complications and long-term functional alterations after local excision of rectal tumors with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM)

INTRODUCTION

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a consolidated technique for the excision of rectal tumors. However, many aspects relating to its morbidity, risk of functional alterations, and therapeutic outcomes are still unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of morbidity and fecal incontinence after TEM, and to identify associated risk factors.

METHODS

We prospectively recorded the clinical data of 157 patients who underwent TEM from 1996 to 2013. Among these, 89 patients answered a questionnaire for the assessment of fecal continence at a median follow-up time of 40 months.

RESULTS

Intraoperative and postoperative TEM complication rates were 3.8 and 20.4%. The mortality rate was 0.6%. A distance from the anal verge of more than 6 cm correlated with a higher risk of perforation, while patients with cancer were more likely to have postoperative bleeding. Incontinence was reported by 32 (36%) patients, of which 7 (8%) experienced transitory symptoms only, while 25 (28%) reported persistent symptoms. We found a correlation between patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy (RT) and the development of fecal incontinence. The recurrence rate was 3% (1/32) in pT1, 80% (4/5) in pT2, and 100% (1/1) in pT3. After radiotherapy, 7% (1/9) showed a good response (pT0-1), and 18% (2/7) showed no response (pT2-3).

CONCLUSIONS

TEM is associated with low morbidity but the risk of developing functional alterations is not negligible and should be discussed with the patient before the operation. Good oncological outcomes are possible for early invasive cancers and for selected advanced cancers following a good response to preoperative RT.

Sphincter lesions observed on ultrasound after transanal endoscopic surgery

AIM: To assess the morphological impact of transanal endoscopic surgery on the sphincter apparatus using the modified Starck classification.

METHODS: A prospective, observational study of 118 consecutive patients undergoing Transanal Endoscopic Operation/Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEO/TEM) from March 2013 to May 2014 was performed. All the patients underwent an endoanal ultrasound prior to surgery and one and four months postoperatively in order to measure sphincter width, identify sphincter defects and to quantify them in terms of the level, depth and size of the affected anal canal. To assess the lesions, we used the “modified” Starck classification, which incorporates the variable “sphincter fragmentation”. The results were correlated with the Wexner incontinence questionnaire.

RESULTS: Of the 118 patients, twelve (sphincter lesions) were excluded. The results of the 106 patients were as follows after one month: 31 (29.2%) lesions found on ultrasound after one month, median overall Starck score of 4 (range 3-6); 10 (9.4%) defects in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and 3 (2.8%) in the external anal sphincter (EAS); 17 patients (16%) had fragmentation of the sphincter apparatus with both sphincters affected in one case. At four months: 7 (6.6%) defects, all in the IAS, overall median Starck score of 4 (range 3-6). Mean IAS widths were 3.5 mm (SD 1.14) preoperatively, 4.38 mm (SD 2.1) one month postoperatively and 4.03 mm (SD 1.46) four months postoperatively. The only statistically significant difference in sphincter width in the IAS measurements was between preoperatively and one month postoperatively. No incontinence was reported, even in cases of ultrasound abnormalities.

CONCLUSION: TEO/TEM may produce ultrasound abnormalities but this is not accompanied by clinical changes in continence. The modified Starck classification is useful for describing and managing these disorders.

Transanal endoscopic surgery in rectal cancer

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the standard treatment for rectal cancer, but complications are frequent and rates of morbidity, mortality and genitourinary alterations are high. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows preservation of the anal sphincters and, via its vision system through a rectoscope, allows access to rectal tumors located as far as 20 cm from the anal verge. The capacity of local surgery to cure rectal cancer depends on the risk of lymph node invasion. This means that correct preoperative staging of the rectal tumor is necessary. Currently, local surgery is indicated for rectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas invading the submucosa, but not beyond (T1). Here we describe the standard technique for TEM, the different types of equipment used, and the technical limitations of this approach. TEM to remove rectal adenoma should be performed in the same way as if the lesion were an adenocarcinoma, due to the high percentage of infiltrating adenocarcinomas in these lesions. In spite of the generally good results with T1, some authors have published surprisingly high recurrence rates; this is due to the existence of two types of lesions, tumors with good and poor prognosis, divided according to histological and surgical factors. The standard treatment for rectal adenocarcinoma T2N0M0 is TME without adjuvant therapy. In this type of adenocarcinoma, local surgery obtains the best results when complete pathological response has been achieved with previous chemoradiotherapy. The results with chemoradiotherapy and TEM are encouraging, but the scientific evidence remains limited at present.

Transanal endoscopic surgery with total wall excision is required with rectal adenomas due to the high frequency of adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Colorectal adenomatous polyps are considered premalignant lesions, although a high percentage are already malignant at the time of their removal. Full-thickness excision in patients with adenoma detected in preoperative biopsy enables much more accurate pathology examination and has shown that local surgery is appropriate for T1 adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether full-thickness excision during transanal endoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice for rectal adenoma, and to identify possible predictors of invasive adenocarcinoma associated with this type of lesion.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a university teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

All patients scheduled for transanal endoscopic surgery after detection of adenoma in a preoperative biopsy between June 2004 and February 2013 entered the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The principal variable was the presence of invasive adenocarcinoma in the pathology study. Other study variables were the epidemiological variables sex and age; the clinical variables tumor size, number of quadrants affected, distance from the anal verge, and tumor location; and the morphological variables tumor aspect, degree of dysplasia, preoperative biopsy (tubulo-villous), endorectal ultrasound, and pelvic MRI stage. Variables found to be related to the risk of malignancy in rectal adenomas were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 471 patients who underwent surgery, 277 had a preoperative diagnosis of adenoma. Final pathology studies showed 52 (18.8%) invasive adenocarcinomas, among which 27 were pT1 (52%), 16 pT2 (30.7%), and 9 pT3 (17.3%). Factors predictive of invasive adenocarcinoma were sessile morphology (OR 3.2, 95%CI 1.4-7.1), high-grade dysplasia (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.2-4.8), and endorectal ultrasound stage uT2-T3 (OR 3.8, 95%CI 1.6-9).

LIMITATIONS

The limitations are derived from the observational design.

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample, half of the adenocarcinomas from adenomas were T1 adenocarcinomas. Because a high proportion of rectal adenomas are, in fact, invasive adenocarcinomas, full-thickness excision is appropriate.

Sphincter-sparing surgery for adenocarcinoma of the distal 3 cm of the true rectum: results after neoadjuvant therapy and minimally invasive radical surgery or local excision

BACKGROUND

Ideal treatment of rectal cancer includes controlling the cancer; minimizing trauma, morbidity, and mortality; and avoiding a colostomy with preservation of adequate function. These goals become more challenging the further distal in the rectum the cancer is located. We sought to determine whether minimally invasive sphincter-preservation surgery (SPS) can accomplish good cancer control, maintaining sphincter function with minimal morbidity and mortality in rectal cancers of the distal 3 cm after receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained rectal cancer database of a single colorectal surgeon to identify all patients with cancers of the distal 3 cm undergoing SPS via a laparoscopic total mesorectal excision or transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). All patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Patient data, including demographics, initial tumor characteristics, staging, radiation dose, perioperative morbidity and mortality, and local recurrence (LR) and survival, were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients (108 men) underwent SPS via 3 techniques: transanal abdominal transanal proctosigmoidectomy (TATA, n = 106), TEM (n = 49), or ultralow anterior resection (LAR, n = 6). Average age was 62 years (range 22-90 years). The mean levels in rectum from the anorectal ring were as follows: TATA, 1.3 cm (range -1.0 to 3.0 cm), TEM, 1.5 cm (range -0.5 to -3.0 cm), and LAR, 2.9 cm (range 2.5-3.0 cm) (p > 0.05). Preoperative T stage was as follows: T3, n = 108 (TATA 83, TEM 20, LAR 5), T2, n = 48 (TATA 22, TEM 25, LAR 1), T1, n = 3 (TATA 1, TEM 2), and T4, n = 2 (both TEM). All patients received concomitant 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy (mean, 5300 cGy; range 3,000-7,295 cGy). The mean estimated blood loss was 376 ml (range 10-3,600 ml). There were no mortalities. Morbidity rates were as follows: LAR, 0; TATA, 13.2%; and TEM, 32 % (wound disruption: major, 10%; minor, 16%). Pathologic staging was as follows: ypCR: uT2, 34%, and uT3, 19%. Overall LR was 3.7%. By procedure, the follow-up, LR, and KM5YAS, respectively, were: TATA, 37.9 months, 3 and 95%; TEM, 36.3 months, 6 and 88%; and LAR, 63.1 months, 0 and 75% (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates positive oncologic outcomes, low LR rates, and high KM5YS after minimally invasive SPS. A colostomy-free lifestyle and cancer control make the minimally invasive surgical approach an excellent treatment option for complex distal rectal cancers.

Atypical indications for transanal endoscopic microsurgery to avoid major surgery

BACKGROUND

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was originally designed for the removal of rectal tumors, principally incipient adenomas, and adenocarcinomas up to 20 cm from the anal verge. However, with the evolution of the technique and the increase in surgeons' experience, new indications have emerged and TEM may now be used in place of other surgical procedures which are associated with higher morbidity. The aim of our study was to evaluate our group's use of TEM or transanal endoscopic operations (TEO) for conditions other than rectal tumors.

METHODS

An observational study of TEM (using Wolf equipment) or TEO (using Storz equipment) for indications other than excision of rectal tumors was conducted from June 2004 to July 2012.

RESULTS

Four hundred twenty-four procedures were performed using TEM/TEO: removal of adenocarcinomas in 148 (34.9 %) patients, adenomas in 236 (55.7 %), post-polypectomy excision in 12 (2.8 %), removal of neuroendocrine tumors in 8 (1.9 %), and atypical indications in 20 (4.7 %). Atypical indications were pelvic abscess (3), benign rectal stenoses (2), rectourethral fistula after prostatectomy (3), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (3), endorectal condylomata acuminata (1), rectal prolapse (2), extraction of impacted fecaloma in the rectosigmoid junction (1), repair of traumatic and iatrogenic perforation of the rectum (2), and presacral tumor (3).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of TEM/TEO in atypical indications may benefit patients by avoiding surgical procedures associated with greater morbidity.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal tumors: a review

Since its introduction in 1983, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has emerged as a safe and effective method to treat rectal lesions including benign tumors, early rectal cancer, and rectal fistulas and strictures. This minimally invasive technique offers the advantages of superior visualization of the lesion and greater access to proximal lesions with lower margin positivity and specimen fragmentation and lower long-term recurrence rates over traditional transanal excision. In addition, over two decades of scientific data support the use of TEM as a viable alternative to radical excision of the rectum with less morbidity, faster recovery, and greater potential cost savings when performed at specialized centers.

[Rectal prolapse repair using transanal endoscopic surgery]

Rectal prolapse repair techniques using laparoscopic abdominal surgery are the treatments of choice. However, in patients with increased morbidity, perineal surgical techniques are indicated. Transanal endoscopic surgery is presented as a possible alternative option in groups with increased experience in it.

Does peritoneal perforation affect short- and long-term outcomes after transanal endoscopic microsurgery?

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal perforation (PP) is frequently reported as a complication of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). Nevertheless, these concerns have only rarely been addressed in the literature, with no mention of the long-term oncologic consequences of PP.

METHODS

A prospective database was analyzed with the intent to evaluate the influence of PP on the short- and long-term outcomes for patients undergoing TEM.

RESULTS

Peritoneal perforation occurred in 28 (5.8%) of 481 patients who underwent TEM for a rectal neoplasm. The conversion rate to abdominal surgery was 10.7% (3/28). All the conversions occurred during the first 100 TEM procedures (3/100 vs 0/381; p = 0.007). The postoperative morbidity rate was 3.6% (1/28), and the 30-day mortality was nil. Compared with the group of patients who had no peritoneal perforation, the PP group showed a significantly longer operating time (120 vs 60 min; p < 0.001) and a significantly longer hospital stay (6 vs 4 days; p = 0.003). Nevertheless, the global morbidity rate and the type of complications according to Dindo's classification were similar. In the multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of PP was tumor distance from the anal verge (p = 0.010). During a median follow-up period of 48 months (range, 12-150 months), no liver or peritoneal metastases were detected in 13 patients with rectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Peritoneal perforation does not seem to affect short-term or oncologic outcomes for patients submitted to TEM with full-thickness resection for upper rectum neoplasms. The use of TEM to resect rectal lesions involving the intraperitoneal rectum may therefore represent an intermediate step toward the development of transrectal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) techniques.

Treatment of recurrence after transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for T1 rectal cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the management and outcome of local recurrences after transanal endoscopic microsurgery for T1 rectal cancer.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery for pT1 rectal cancer at a Dutch referral center (IJsselland Hospital) were registered in a prospective database. Follow-up was according to Dutch guidelines on rectal cancer, with additional rigid rectoscopy and endorectal ultrasound examinations every 3 months for the first 2 years, and every 6 months thereafter. Annual MRI of the lesser pelvis was added during the last 2 years of the study. Patients with local recurrence during follow-up were selected for individual analysis of outcome.

RESULTS

Of a total of 88 patients who underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery for pT1 rectal cancer, 18 patients (20.5%) had a local recurrence. Median time to local recurrence was 10 (range, 4-50) months. Median age at diagnosis of recurrence was 74 (range, 56-84) years. Of the 18 patients, 2 did not undergo further surgery because of concomitant metastatic disease, and 16 underwent salvage surgery, without need for multivisceral resections. No postoperative mortality was observed. In 15 patients (94%), a microscopically negative excision margin was obtained; in 1 patient, the excision margin was microscopically positive. Median follow-up after salvage surgery was 20 (range, 2-112) months. One patient had a local renewal of recurrence, and 7 patients (39%) had distant metastases. At 3 years, overall survival was 31%; cancer-related survival was 58%.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent disease after transanal endoscopic microsurgery for T1 rectal cancer is a major problem. Although salvage surgery for achieving local control is feasible in most patients, survival is limited, mainly because of distant metastases. Tailoring selection of T1 rectal cancers and exploring possible adjuvant treatment strategies following salvage procedures should be the next steps toward improving survival.

Surgical excision of retrorectal tumour using transanal endoscopic microsurgery

Abstract Surgical excision is the best therapeutic option for tumours in the retrorectal space. Classically, surgery in this area required an abdominal or posterior approach, or a combination of the two methods. We report the use of transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the treatment of retrorectal tumours as an alternative to classical procedures.

[Site of local surgery in adenocarcinoma of the rectum T2N0M0]

INTRODUCTION

The local exeresis adenocarcinoma of the rectum T(2)N(0)M(0) (ADC-T2), using transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), has the benefit of achieving lower morbidity with a better quality of life. However, local occurrence of the local exeresis is greater than 20%, which is unacceptable these days.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective, observational follow up study. The tumours committee agreed that those ADC-T2 patients could have the following treatments: total mesorectal excision (TME), simple TEM, TEM with postoperative chemo- and radiotherapy (Ct-Rt), preoperative Ct-Rt with subsequent TEM and radical surgical rescue (TME) within at least 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Of the 146 patients operated on using TEM, 75 had adenocarcinomas, 59 adenomas, 6 scarring wounds, 5 carcinoids and 1 GIST. Of the adenocarcinomas 22 were ADC-T2. Follow up: median of 16 months (range, 3-32 months). The overall local recurrence was 18% (4/22). According to the treatment strategy the local occurrence was: TEM as the only procedure, 20% (2/10). Radical surgical rescue was performed on 3 patients after TEM, with no local or systemic recurrences. TEM with Qt-Rt after surgery was performed on 6 patients, with a local recurrence of 33% (2/6). Ct-Rt and subsequent TEM in 3 patients, with no local or systemic recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of ADC-T2 using simple TEM is not effective. The combination of Ct-Rt after TEM, does not improve the results of TME. It is possible to rescue those patients without changing the overall survival. Preoperative Ct-Rt and TEM appears to be the approach that obtains a clinical and histological response, although a response is needed by clinical trials.