Repair of rectal trauma perforation using transanal endoscopic operation

Non-conventional applications for Transanal endoscopic microsurgery. A single centre experience and a systematic review of literature

BACKGROUND

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and Transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) have been initially described for local excision of rectal adenomas and selected cases of rectal carcinomas. In the past decade, however, several new indications raised, and others could raise in the future. The aim of this review was to evaluate, both in the literature and in our personal experience, the use of TEM and TEO for nonconventional applications, different from rectal tumors.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of published papers and we selected articles reporting patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for other medical reason than polyp cancer resection, with TEM or TEO. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and bibliographies of the selected studies were searched for articles in English published up to May 2020 to identify all relevant articles. We excluded articles reporting TEM and TEO used for classical indications. We finally report our experience of non-conventional use of TEO in 5 patients with different diseases.

RESULTS

The research revealed 800 papers and among them we selected 52 articles for a total of 697 patients. Of all patients, only 52 had intraoperative or postoperative complications, with only 10 patients requiring major surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggest that TEM and TEO may be valid alternatives to traditional surgery in situations other than its classical indication. These findings can positively impact on the care of patients, who could benefit from less invasive surgical procedures associated with lower morbidity.

Minimally invasive approach to low-velocity penetrating extraperitoneal rectal trauma

Unlike intraperitoneal colorectal injuries, the standard of care for extraperitoneal rectal trauma includes a diverting colostomy due to relative inaccessibility of these injuries for primary repair. New technologies to enhance access to the extraperitoneal rectum have gained increasing use in benign and malignant rectal disease. We present two cases of low-velocity penetrating extraperitoneal rectal trauma. In both cases, a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) approach was used to access, and primarily repair, full-thickness rectal lacerations. These patients were successfully managed without a colostomy and without complication. TAMIS enables access to distal rectal injuries, facilitating primary repair and bringing the management of extraperitoneal rectal injuries in line with intraperitoneal injuries, with the potential to avoid fecal diversion.

Historical Perspectives on Colorectal Trauma Management

The authors discuss the history and evolution of management of traumatic wounds to the colon and rectum, summarizing early management parallel with the history of armed conflict followed by the increase in research and management interest by civilian centers in the post-Vietnam era. They explore the strong opinions of the early thought-leaders such as DeBakey and Ogilvie, detailing factors that may have impacted their views. The current literature on optimal management of both colon and rectal trauma is reviewed, including the contentious debate over which patients may benefit from diversion. Current organ injury staging and clinical practice guidelines are also reviewed, as well as lessons learned by the U.S. military in recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Understanding of the evolution of colon and rectal trauma management, as well as the current literature, will help surgeons in their decision-making and management of these challenging injuries.

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.