Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery

Laparoscopic natural orifice specimen extraction, a minimally invasive surgical technique for mid-rectal cancers: Retrospective single-center analysis and single-surgeon experience of selected patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and short-term outcomes of middle rectal resection followed by transanal specimen extraction.

METHODS

Forty-four patients with small mid-rectal tumors underwent laparoscopic rectal resection followed by transanal specimen extraction.

RESULTS

The procedure was successful in all patients without intraoperative conversion or additional access. The mean operation time was 182.7 minutes (range, 130-255 minutes), the mean blood loss was 26.5 mL (range, 5-120 mL), the mean postoperative exhaust time was 31.3 hours (range, 16-60 hours), and the mean length of hospital stay was 9.5 days (range, 8-19 days). One patient developed anastomotic leakage, which was treated by intravenous antibiotics and daily pelvic cavity flushes through the abdominal drainage tube. No infection-related complications or anal incontinence were observed. The mean tumor size was 2.1 cm (range, 1.6-3.2 cm), the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 16.5 (range, 6-31), and the mean follow-up time was 8.5 months (range, 2-16 months). By the last follow-up, no signs of recurrence had been found in any patient.

CONCLUSION

The combination of standard laparoscopic proctectomy and transanal specimen extraction could become a well-established strategy for selected patients.

Complex Procedures in Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: Intraperitoneal Entry, Ultra Large Rectal Tumors, High Lesions, and Resection in the Anal Canal

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows the local excision of rectal tumors and achieves lower morbidity and mortality rates than total mesorectal excision. TEM can treat lesions up to 18 to 20 cm from the anal verge, obtaining good oncological results in T1 stage cancers and preserving sphincter function. TEM is technically demanding. Large lesions (>5 cm), those with high risk of perforation into the peritoneal cavity, those in the upper rectum or the rectosigmoid junction, and those in the anal canal are specially challenging. Primary suture after peritoneal perforation during TEM is safe and it does not necessarily require the creation of a protective stoma. We recommend closing the wall defect in all cases to avoid the risk of inadvertent perforation. It is important to identify these complex lesions promptly to transfer them to reference centers. This article summarizes complex procedures in TEM.

Surgical treatment of anorectal melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Anorectal melanoma is a rare neoplasm with a poor prognosis. The surgical approaches for anorectal melanoma can be categorized into local excision (procedures without lymph node removal and preservation of the rectum) and extensive resection (procedures with rectum and pararectal lymph node removal). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the survival of patients who underwent extensive resection with that of patients who underwent local excision, stratifying patients according to tumour stage.

Methods

A literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines by searching MEDLINE/PubMed for manuscripts published until March 2021. Studies comparing survival outcomes in patients with anorectal melanoma who underwent local excision versus extensive resection were screened for eligibility. Meta-analysis was performed for overall survival after the different surgical approaches, stratified by tumour stage.

Results

There were 347 studiesidentified of which 34 were included for meta-analysis with a total of 1858 patients. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the surgical approaches in patients per stage (stage I odds ratio 1.30 (95 per cent c.i. 0.62 to 2.72, P = 0.49); stage II odds ratio 1.61 (95 per cent c.i. 0.62 to 4.18, P = 0.33); stage I–III odds ratio 1.19 (95 per cent c.i. 0.83 to 1.70, P = 0.35). Subgroup analyses were conducted for the time intervals (<2000, 2001–2010 and 2011–2021) and for continent of study origin. Subgroup analysis for time interval and continent of origin also showed no statistically significant differences in overall survival.

Conclusion

No significant survival benefit exists for patients with anorectal melanoma treated with local excision or extensive resection, independent of tumour stage.

Long-term outcomes of open versus closed rectal defect after transanal endoscopic microscopic surgery

AIM

Management of the rectal defect after transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a matter of debate. Data are lacking on long term outcomes and continence of patients with open or closed rectal defect. We sought to analyse these in a retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TEM via the Specialist Early Rectal Cancer (SERC) MDT between 2012 and 2019 were included from a prospectively maintained database. These were divided into two groups - open and closed, based on management of rectal defect. Patient demographics and outcomes, including pre- and postoperative oncological staging, morbidity, mortality, length of stay and faecal incontinence severity score (FISI) scores were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 170 matched patients were included (70-open, 100-closed rectal defects). Short-term complications (bleeding, infection, urinary retention and infection, length of stay and pain) were 18.8% with no significant difference between the two groups (22% vs. 16%). Most of the defects were well healed upon endoscopic follow-up; more unhealed/sinus formation was noticed in the open group (p = 0.01); more strictures were encountered in the closed group (p = 0.04). Comparing the open and closed defect groups, there was no difference in the functional outcome of patients in those who developed sinus (p = 0.87) or stricture (p = 0.79) but a significant difference in post-TEMS FISI scores in those with healed scar, with those in closed rectal defect group with worsening function (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

There are pros and cons associated with both rectal defect management approaches. Long-term complications should be expected and actively followed up. Patients should be thoroughly counselled about these and possible deterioration in continence post-TEM.

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.

Current status of surgical treatment of rectal cancer in China

With the changing lifestyle and the acceleration of aging in the Chinese population, the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) have risen in the last decades. On the contrary, the incidence and mortality of CRC have continued to decline in the USA since the 1980s, which is mainly attributed to early screening and standardized diagnosis and treatment. Rectal cancer accounts for the largest proportion of CRC in China, and its treatment regimens are complex. At present, surgical treatment is still the most important treatment for rectal cancer. Since the first Chinese guideline for diagnosis and treatment of CRC was issued in 2010, the fourth version has been revised in 2020. These guidelines have greatly promoted the standardization and internationalization of CRC diagnosis and treatment in China. And with the development of comprehensive treatment methods such as neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, the post-operative quality of life and prognosis of patients with rectal cancer have improved. We believe that the inflection point of the rising incidence and mortality of rectal cancer will appear in the near future in China. This article reviewed the current status and research progress on surgical therapy of rectal cancer in China.

Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery: a case series

INTRODUCTION

This study describes the experience with robot-assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery (rTAMIS) at a single institution. TAMIS has become a popular minimally invasive technique for local excision of well-selected rectal lesions. rTAMIS has been proposed as another option as it improves the ergonomics of conventional laparoscopic techniques.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of patients with rectal lesions who underwent rTAMIS. Patient demographics, final pathology, surgical and admission details, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Successful procedures were defined as having negative margins on final pathology.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients underwent rTAMIS by a single surgeon between April 2018 and December 2019. Mean age of patients was 63 years. Final pathologies were negative for tumor (n = 4), tubulovillous adenoma (n = 4), tubulovillous adenoma with high-grade dysplasia (n = 4), and invasive rectal adenocarcinoma (n = 4). 43% were located in the middle rectum and 56% were located in the distal rectum. Mean maximum diameter was 4.1 cm (IQR 2-3.1 cm). Negative margins were seen in 100% of the excision cases, and 100% were intact. Mean operative time was 87 min (IQR 54.8-97.3 min), and median length of stay was 0 days (IQR 0-1 days). Postoperative complications included incontinence (n = 1) and abscess formation (n = 2). rTAMIS provided curative treatment for 12/16 patients, and the remaining 4 patients received the appropriate standard of care for their respective pathologies.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted TAMIS is a safe alternative to laparoscopic TAMIS for resection of appropriate rectal polyps and early rectal cancers. rTAMIS may provide a modality for resecting larger or more proximal rectal lesions due to the wristed instruments and superior visualization with the robotic camera. Future studies should focus on comparing outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic TAMIS, and whether rTAMIS allows for the removal of larger, more complex lesions, which may save patients from a more morbid radical proctectomy.

Colorectal resection via natural orifice specimen extraction versus conventional laparoscopic extraction: a meta-analysis with meta-regression

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown differences in postoperative outcomes between two minimally invasive extraction methods for colorectal lesions-natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) and conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS). The aim of this study was to discover the major differences in NOSES and CLS to refine current practice.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for articles comparing NOSES and CLS from inception till March 2020. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) were estimated for continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively. Summary statistics were calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies (15 on malignant disease, 4 on benign disease, 2 on both) were included in this meta-analysis, totalling 2378 patients (1079 NOSE, 1299 CLS). NOSE was associated with decreased: intraoperative bleeding (WMD: - 10.652 ml; 95% CI: - 18.818 ml to - 2.482 ml; p < 0.001), pain score (WMD: - 1.520; 95% CI - 1.965 to - 1.076; p < 0.001), time to flatus (WMD: - 0.306 days; 95% CI: - 0.526 to - 0.085 days; p < 0.001), length of hospital stay (WMD: - 1.048 days; 95% CI: - 1.488 to - 0.609 days; p < 0.001), and total morbidity (OR: 0.548; 95% CI: 0.387 to 0.777; p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed significant differences between malignant and benign lesions for intraoperative bleeding (p = 0.011) and pain score (p = 0.010). Meta-regression analyses showed an association between the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification III with pain (p = 0.03) and ASA III with time to flatus (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis and meta-regression demonstrated that NOSES had better postoperative outcomes compared to CLS. More comprehensive reviews should be conducted on the long-term outcomes specific to the extraction site to better inform clinical practice.

Role of minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer

Rectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Surgical resection for rectal cancer usually requires a proctectomy with respective lymphadenectomy (total mesorectal excision). This has traditionally been performed transabdominally through an open incision. Over the last thirty years, minimally invasive surgery platforms have rapidly evolved with the goal to accomplish the same quality rectal resection through a less invasive approach. There are currently three resective modalities that complement the traditional open operation: (1) Laparoscopic surgery; (2) Robotic surgery; and (3) Transanal total mesorectal excision. In addition, there are several platforms to carry out transluminal local excisions (without lymphadenectomy). Evidence on the various modalities is of mixed to moderate quality. It is unreasonable to expect a randomized comparison of all options in a single trial. This review aims at reviewing in detail the various techniques in regard to intra-/perioperative benchmarks, recovery and complications, oncological and functional outcomes.

Comparison of the transanal surgical techniques for local excision of rectal tumors: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In order to assess the various surgical modalities for local resection of rectal tumors, a systematic review of the current literature and a network meta-analysis (NMA) was designed and conducted.

METHODS

The present study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions principles. Scholar databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science) were systematically screened up to 23/12/2019. A Bayesian NMA, implementing a Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis, was introduced for the probability ranking of the available surgical methods. Odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) of the categorical and continuous variables, respectively, were reported with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

RESULTS

Overall, 16 studies and 2146 patients were introduced in our study. Transanal minimal invasive surgery (TAMIS) displayed the highest performance regarding the overall postoperative morbidity, the perioperative blood loss, the length of hospitalization, and the peritoneal violation rate. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was the most efficient modality for resecting an intact specimen. Although transanal local excision (TAE) had the highest ranking considering operative duration, it was associated with a significant risk for positive resection margins and tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, TEM and TAMIS display superior oncological results over TAE. Due to several limitations, validation of these results requires further RCTs of a higher methodological level.

Comparison among different techniques for en-bloc resection of rectal lesions: transanal endoscopic surgery vs. endoscopic submucosal dissection vs. full-thickness resection device with Over-The-Scope Clip® System

BACKGROUND

The aim of our retrospective study is to compare the efficacy and indications of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic full-thickness resection device (FTRD) with Over-The-Scope Clip (OTSC^®) System for en-bloc resection of rectal lesions.

METHODS

This study collected 76 cases of rectal neoplasms from a single hospital institution. Primary endpoints were complete en-bloc resection, intraprocedural adverse events, R0 en-bloc resection and an early discharge of the patient. Secondary endpoints included procedure-related adverse events.

RESULTS

Mean tumor sizes were statistically significant smaller among patients treated with FTRD rather than TEM and ESD. TEO and FTRD treated patients experienced a higher en-bloc resection rate, with a shorter procedure time and hospital stay. No significant difference concerning the R0 resection was found. TEO and FTRD recorded lower perforation rates as compared to ESD, whereas no difference emerged concerning the bleeding rate and the post-polypectomy syndrome rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that each technique has specific features, so that each one offers advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, all of them ensure high en-bloc resection rates, whereas no difference exists for R0 resection rate. TEO provides the possibility to remove low rectal large lesions as compared to ESD and FTRD.

Multimodal Endoscopic Assessment Guides Treatment Decisions for Rectal Early Neoplastic Tumors

BACKGROUND

There is a trend toward organ conservation in the management of rectal tumors. However, there is no consensus on standardized investigations to guide treatment.

OBJECTIVE

We report the value of multimodal endoscopic assessment (white light, magnification chromoendoscopy and narrow band imaging, selected colonoscopic ultrasound) for rectal early neoplastic tumors to inform treatment decisions.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTING

The study was conducted in a tertiary referral unit for interventional endoscopy and early colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS

A total of 296 patients referred with rectal early neoplastic tumors were assessed using standardized multimodal endoscopic assessment and classified according to risk of harboring invasive cancer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of multimodal endoscopic assessment, and previous biopsy to predict invasive cancer were calculated and treatment outcomes reported.

RESULTS

After multimodal endoscopic assessment, lesions were classified as invasive cancer, at least deep submucosal invasion (n = 65); invasive cancer, superficial submucosal invasion or high risk of covert cancer (n = 119); or low risk of covert cancer (n = 112). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of multimodal endoscopic assessment for diagnosing invasive cancer, deep submucosal invasion, were 77%, 98%, 93%, and 93%. The combined classification of all lesions with invasive cancer or high risk of covert cancer had a negative predictive value of 96% for invasive cancer on final histopathology. Sensitivity of previous biopsy was 37%. A total of 47 patients underwent radical surgery and 33 transanal endoscopic microsurgery. No patients without invasive cancer were subjected to radical surgery; 222 patients initially underwent endoscopic resection. Of the 203 without deep submucosal invasion, 95% avoided surgery and were free from recurrence at last follow-up.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective study from a tertiary referral unit.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized multimodal endoscopic assessment guides rational treatment decisions for rectal tumors resulting in organ-conserving treatment for all patients without deep submucosal invasive cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B133. LA EVALUACIÓN ENDOSCÓPICA MULTIMODAL COMO GUÍA DE DECISIONES EN EL TRATAMIENTO DE TUMORES RECTALES NEOPLÁSICOS PRECOCES: La tendencia actual es la preservación del órgano en el manejo de los tumores de rectao. Sin embargo, no hay consenso sobre las investigaciones estandar para guiar dicho tratamiento.Presentamos los valores de la evaluación endoscópica multimodal (luz blanca, cromoendoscopia de aumento, imagen de banda estrecha y ecografía colonoscópica seleccionada) para tumores rectales neoplásicos tempranos y así notificar las decisiones sobre el tratamiento.Estudio retrospectivo.El estudio se realizó en una unidad de referencia terciaria para endoscopia intervencionista y cáncer colorrectal temprano.Se evaluaron 296 pacientes referidos con tumores neoplásicos precoces de recto mediante una evaluación endoscópica multimodal estandarizada y se clasificaron de acuerdo al riesgo de albergar un cáncer invasivo.Se calcularon la sensibilidad, la especificidad, los valores predictivos positivos y negativos de la evaluación endoscópica multimodal y la biopsia previa para predecir el cáncer invasivo y se notificaron los resultados para el tratamiento.Después de la evaluación endoscópica multimodal, las lesiones se clasificaron como: cáncer invasive (al menos invasión submucosa profunda n = 65); cáncer invasive (invasión submucosa superficial o alto riesgo de cáncer encubierto n = 119) y finalmente aquellos de bajo riesgo de cáncer encubierto (n = 112). La sensibilidad, la especificidad, los valores predictivos positivos y negativos de la evaluación endoscópica multimodal para el diagnóstico de cáncer invasivo, la invasión submucosa profunda fueron 77%, 98%, 93% y 93% respectivamente. La clasificación combinada de todas las lesiones con cáncer invasivo o de alto riesgo de cáncer encubierto tuvo un VPN del 96% para el cáncer invasivo en la histopatología final. La sensibilidad fué de 37% en todas las biopsias previas. 47 pacientes fueron sometidos a cirugía radical, 33 por microcirugía endoscópica transanal. Ningún paciente sin cáncer invasivo fue sometido a cirugía radical. Inicialmente, 222 pacientes fueron sometidos a resección endoscópica. De los 203 sin invasión submucosa profunda, el 95% evitó la cirugía y no tuvieron recurrencia en el último seguimiento.Estudio retrospectivo de una unidad de referencia terciaria.La evaluación endoscópica multimodal estandarizada guía las decisiones racionales de tratamiento para los tumores rectales que resultan en un tratamiento conservador de órganos para todos los pacientes sin cáncer invasivo submucoso profundo. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B133.

Transanal endoscopic operation for rectal lesion: a rapid initial experience

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, transanal surgery for rectal lesions has become a valid alternative treatment for the treatment of small lesions of the rectum. Significant benefits in terms of morbidity and mortality are confirmed. There are multiple platforms for transanal surgery but the TEO system® is one of the best known.

METHODS

Between November 2017 and July 2019, 25 patients with rectal lesions suitable to transanal treatment came to our observation. In all reported cases, full-thickness rectum resections were performed. Demographic, histopathological, surgical morbidity/mortality and clinical outcome in all patients who underwent TEO were retrospectively evaluated from a prospectively collected database.

RESULTS

For a period of less than 2 years, 25 rectal lesions were excised by TEO. Sixteen lesions (64%) were low (<4 cm), 7 (28%) were mid-rectal (4-8 cm) and 2 (8%) were in the proximal rectum (>8 cm). Postoperative complications included: 3 (12%) bleedings, and 8 (32%) post-polipectomy syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial experience suggests TEO is safe and feasible. Full-thickness resection guarantees adequate deep margins. Moreover, the limited number of cases requires the development of adequate reference centers.

Adjuvant radiotherapy after local excision of rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Local excision is now accepted as a standard treatment option for certain patients with early rectal cancer. However, there is a higher risk of local recurrence than after radical surgery with total mesorectal excision. Adjuvant radiotherapy after local excision may reduce this excess risk, and yet retain the benefits of local excision, with rectal preservation.

METHODS

A review of the literature pertaining to the use of adjuvant radiotherapy after local excision of rectal cancer and a discussion of current practice.

RESULTS

We first considered local excision as a treatment option for early rectal cancer, looking at technical developments and the risks and benefits of organ preservation, in particular, the advantages for quality of life and the risk of leaving residual disease which may result in local recurrence. We then looked at reported outcomes for studies using adjuvant radiotherapy after local excision. Few of the studies routinely used modern endoscopic methods of local excision and only the recent used chemoradiation. Local recurrence rates after adjuvant radiotherapy have improved over time, with rates of around 3.5% in the recent studies. Adverse effects of adjuvant radiotherapy are not commonly described, but generally, they are relatively mild when described. We then discussed current practice regarding adjuvant radiotherapy, including pathological criteria, discussion of local recurrence risk with the patient and the importance of a surveillance regime to detect any recurrence at an early stage.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the current state of knowledge regarding adjuvant radiotherapy after local excision suggests a potential role in decreasing the risk of local recurrence but further studies are required to better define this effect, clarify which patients will gain the most benefit from this pathway, and identify those who should avoid exposure to the risks of radiotherapy.