Varying ENT practices in adult post-intubation laryngotracheal stenosis after the COVID epidemic in France: A CHERRIES analysis

AIM

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may increase the incidence of iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), whereas management is not well defined. The aim of this study was to survey a panel of French otorhinolaryngologists about their practices and to evaluate their needs.

METHOD

A national-level survey of the management of iatrogenic LTS was conducted using a 41-item questionnaire, in 4 sections, sent to a panel of French otorhinolaryngologists between July and December 2022. The main endpoint was heterogeneity in responses between 55 proposals on LTS management.

RESULTS

The response rate was 20% (52/263). The response heterogeneity rate was 69% (38/55). Heterogeneity concerned general questions on diagnosis (7/12, 58%) and management (7/10, 70%), LTS case management (22/27, 81%), and otorhinolaryngologists' expectations (33%, 2/6). Quality of training was considered good or excellent by only 21% of respondents. More than 80% were strongly in favor of creating national guidelines, expert centers and a national database.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrated the heterogeneity of adult post-intubation LTS management between otorhinolaryngologists in France. Training quality was deemed poor or mediocre by a majority of respondents. They were in favor of creating national guidelines and expert centers in LTS.

Validation of modular endoscopic medial maxillectomies for inverted papilloma of the maxillary sinus

BACKGROUND

Treatment of inverted papilloma of the maxillary sinus (IPMS) has a lower success rate compared to other IPs. As such, its correct management generally needs trans-nasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EMMs) for adequate resection. The aim of this manuscript is to describe outcomes and major prognostic factors of a cohort of patients with IPMS who were treated with EMM.

METHODOLOGY

In this multicentric study, patients affected with IPMS and treated with EMMs were included. The site of origin of the IPMS were studied as well as the type of EMM performed. The histological features (IP vs dysplasia), type of mucosal resection (total vs. pedicle oriented), and post-operative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

310 patients were included (212 primary and 98 recurrent cases). After a mean follow-up of 45.4 months, 15 patients experienced recurrence (4.8%) due to the application of EMMs tailored to the surgical insertion point. Dysplasia was significantly associated with a higher risk of recurrence. The rates of early and late complications were 11.6% and 11.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

IPMS resection via tailored EMM is associated with excellent disease control, thus excluding the systematic use of extended EMMs, which can however be justified in case of dysplastic IPMS given its significant impact on recurrence.

Microsatellite instability in young patients with rectal cancer: molecular findings and treatment response

In this study of 400 patients with early-onset rectal cancer, 12.5 per cent demonstrated microsatellite instability (MSI). MSI was associated with a reduced likelihood of nodal positivity, an increased rate of pathological complete response, and improved disease-specific survival.

Combination of radiation therapy-immunotherapy for head and neck cancers: Promises kept?

Chemoradiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin has been the standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) for over 20 years. Recently, immunotherapy, a new therapeutic class, has emerged for patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC and has significantly extended their survival. Will it bring the same benefit to patients with localized tumors? There is a strong rationale for combining radiation therapy and checkpoint inhibitors for HNSCC. Indeed, radiation therapy can have both immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects. This is what explains the famous abscopal effect. The aim of this review is to present the data available on the combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy for HNSCC.

Characteristics of Early-Onset vs Late-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Review

Importance

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (younger than 50 years) is rising globally, the reasons for which are unclear. It appears to represent a unique disease process with different clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics compared with late-onset colorectal cancer. Data on oncological outcomes are limited, and sensitivity to conventional neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy regimens appear to be unknown. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available literature on early-onset colorectal cancer.

Observations

Within the next decade, it is estimated that 1 in 10 colon cancers and 1 in 4 rectal cancers will be diagnosed in adults younger than 50 years. Potential risk factors include a Westernized diet, obesity, antibiotic usage, and alterations in the gut microbiome. Although genetic predisposition plays a role, most cases are sporadic. The full spectrum of germline and somatic sequence variations implicated remains unknown. Younger patients typically present with descending colonic or rectal cancer, advanced disease stage, and unfavorable histopathological features. Despite being more likely to receive neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, patients with early-onset disease demonstrate comparable oncological outcomes with their older counterparts.

Conclusions and Relevance

The clinicopathological features, underlying molecular profiles, and drivers of early-onset colorectal cancer differ from those of late-onset disease. Standardized, age-specific preventive, screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies are required to optimize outcomes.

Functional evaluation of mandibular reconstruction with bone free flap. A GETTEC study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the functional results of oromandibular reconstruction by free bone flap, in terms of swallowing, speech and esthetics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A transverse multicenter study included 134 patients reconstructed by free bone flap between 1998 and 2016, with more than 6 months' follow-up, in 9 centers. A standardized questionnaire collected data on patients and treatment. Study endpoints comprised: weight loss, mouth opening, gastrostomy dependence, type of feeding, and DHI score. The impact of patient baseline characteristics on these functional criteria was explored by uni/multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety of the 134 patients had cancer. Fibula flap was mainly used (80%). 94% of reconstructions were primary successes. 71% of patients had pre- or post-operative radiation therapy. 88% had less than 50% lingual resection. 97% recovered oral feeding. 89% had intelligible speech. 86% judged their esthetic appearance as good/average. 9% had dental prosthetic rehabilitation. Radiation therapy and extensive lingual resection significantly impacted swallowing function (P=0.04 and P=0.03, respectively). Radiation therapy and oropharyngeal extension significantly increased gastrostomy dependence (P=0.04 and P=0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Oromandibular reconstruction by free bone flap enabled return to oral feeding in most cases. More than 80% of patients were satisfied with their result in terms of speech and esthetics. However, the rate of dental rehabilitation was low and the rate of complications was high.

Impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on ENT surgical volume

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical volume of three ENT departments in Ile-de-France, a region severely affected by the epidemic.

Materials and methods

The number and nature of surgeries was collected from three university hospital ENT departments from 17/03/2020 to 17/04/2020 and from 18/03/2019 to 18/04/2019. Centre 1 is a general adult ENT department specialized in otology, centre 2 is a general adult ENT department specialized in cancer and centre 3 is a paediatric ENT department. Comparative analysis of the decreased surgical volume was conducted between 2019 and 2020.

Objective

To analyse the reduction of ENT surgical volume.

Results

The three centres operated on 540 patients in 2019, versus 89 in 2020, i.e. an 84% decrease: 89% in Centre 1, 61% in Centre 2, and 95% in the paediatric centre. Otological surgery decreased by 97%, endonasal surgery decreased by 91%, head and neck surgery decreased by 54%, plastic surgery decreased by 82%, and transoral surgery decreased by 85%. The number of surgical operations for skin cancer decreased (24 vs. 9), while the total number of head and neck cancer surgeries remained stable (18 vs. 22). The number of planned tracheostomies increased from 8 to 22.

Conclusion

The number of ENT surgeries decreased by 84% during the first month of the COVID-19 epidemic. This decreased surgical volume mainly concerned functional surgery, while the level of cancer surgery remained stable. Hospital units will need to absorb a marked excess surgical volume after the epidemic.

Impact of the first month of Covid-19 lockdown on oncologic surgical activity in the Ile de France region university hospital otorhinolaryngology departments

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the first month of lockdown related to the Covid-19 epidemic on the oncologic surgical activity in the Ile de France region university hospital otorhinolaryngology departments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicenter prospective observational assessment was conducted in 6 university hospital otorhinolaryngology departments (Paris Centre, Nord, Est and Sorbonne) during the 1-month periods before (Month A) and after (Month B) lockdown on March 17, 2020. The main goal was to evaluate lockdown impact on oncologic surgical activity in the departments. Secondary goals were to report population characteristics, surgery conditions, postoperative course, progression of Covid status in patients and surgeons, and adverse events.

RESULTS

224 procedures were performed. There was 10.9% reduction in overall activity, without significant difference between departments. Squamous cell carcinoma and larynx, hypopharynx, oropharynx, oral cavity and nasal cavity and sinus locations were predominant, at 79% and 75.8% of cases respectively, with no significant differences between months. T3/4 and N2/3 tumors were more frequent in Month B (P=.002 and .0004). There was no significant difference between months regarding surgical approach, type of reconstruction, postoperative course, tracheotomy and nasogastric feeding-tube time, intensive care stay or hospital stay. None of the Month A patients were Covid-19-positive, versus 3 in Month B, without adverse events. None of the otorhinolaryngologists involved in the procedures developed symptoms suggesting Covid-19 infestation.

CONCLUSION

The present study underscored the limited impact of the Covid-19 epidemic and lockdown on surgical diagnosis and cancer surgery in the Ile de France university otorhinolaryngology departments, maintaining chances for optimal survival without spreading the virus.

Anatomical Considerations and Procedure-Specific Aspects Important in Preventing Operative Morbidity during Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision

As transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) becomes increasingly utilized, its technical challenges and potential pitfalls have become more clearly appreciated. This chapter explores the differences in how anatomy presents itself from the taTME vantage point as compared with traditional approaches to taTME, and how special problems unique to taTME pose a new set of operative challenges. Morbidity related, specifically, to the technique of taTME is also delineated with particular focus on male urethral injury.

Initial clinical experience with a powered circular stapler for colorectal anastomosis

BACKGROUND

The Echelon circular™ powered stapler (ECP stapler) obviates the need for manual firing of conventional circular staplers during the construction of a colorectal anastomosis, but has not been evaluated clinically. The aim of this study was to perform a clinical evaluation of this stapler.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the initial clinical experience of a single surgeon using the ECP stapler for left-sided colorectal anastomosis construction during elective colorectal resections for benign and malignant disease was conducted by analyzing results from a prospectively maintained study database. Additionally, four attending colorectal and/or general surgeons who had performed ≥ 5 colorectal operations with the ECP stapler were invited to complete an anonymous online survey to subjectively assess the user experience with the device. Statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel Version 15.33.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients underwent left-sided anastomotic reconstruction using the ECP stapler. All donuts (proximal and distal) were intact. Anastomotic integrity was evaluated using the air-leak test utilizing flexible video sigmoidoscopy. No leaks were observed, although one patient (5.9%) developed a postoperative pelvic abscess. The anonymous survey was completed by all four surgeons. Subjective evaluation of the ECP stapler suggests that the overall stapling quality, overall device ease-of-use, and the overall perception of anastomotic quality as above average when compared to manual 'end-to-end anastomosis' (EEA) stapling devices.

CONCLUSIONS

In an initial clinical evaluation of the ECP stapler, the safety and ease-of-use of the device appears to be satisfactory. Powered stapling and the design of '3D stapling' may provide advantages over manual systems, and may improve the construction quality of left-sided colorectal anastomosis.

Association of Mycoplasma Hominis and head and neck cancer with unknown primary

INTRODUCTION

Beside HPV infection, there is currently no evidence of association between head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and microbial infections. We report the case of a cervical squamous cell carcinoma by Mycoplasma hominis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 20-year-old woman, consulted for a swelling on the left cervical side. Clinical examination found a large fixed mass. Biological tests found no evidence of infection. Biopsies of the cervical lesion diagnosed an HPV negative squamous cell carcinoma. Microbiological tests of 16sRNA identification showed the presence of Mycoplasma hominis in the 3 specimens. The patient was treated by induction chemotherapy associated to antibiotherapy, followed by chemo-radiotherapy.

DISCUSSION

The present case suggests that oropharyngeal infection by Mycoplasma hominis might be more frequent than expected, that 16sRNA is an efficient technique to isolate this pathogen and finally that further studies are required to document its potential oncogenic role in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Assessment of the Versius surgical robotic system for dual-field synchronous transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) in a preclinical model: will tomorrow's surgical robots promise newfound options?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Versius surgical robotic system for transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) in a preclinical setting.

METHODS

Dry laboratory and cadaveric sessions were first conducted for three experienced colorectal surgeons in order to gain familiarity with the modular surgical system and the robotic workstation. After introduction, the system was configured to allow for synchronous, totally robotic taTME in a cadaver.

RESULTS

Using the modular robotic system, one surgeon performed the abdominal portion of the operation, including colonic mobilization and vascular pedicle ligation while simultaneously a second surgeon performed the transanal portion of the operation to the point of rendezvous at the peritoneal reflection, where the operation was completed cooperatively. The operation was successfully completed in 195 min demonstrating preclinical feasibility of this unique approach with an emerging robotic system.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first preclinical assessment of the Versius surgical robotic system for taTME. The ability to work simultaneously carries the theoretical advantage of reducing surgical time and thereby reducing overall operative costs. It may also allow surgeons to maintain focus on critical parts of the operation by halving the fatigue associated with long, complex cases such as taTME.

Robotic-assisted stereotactic real-time navigation: initial clinical experience and feasibility for rectal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Real-time stereotactic navigation for transanal total mesorectal excision has been demonstrated to be feasible in small pilot series using laparoscopic techniques. The possibility of real-time stereotactic navigation coupled with robotics has not been previously explored in a clinical setting.

METHODS

After pre-clinical assessment, and configuration of a robotic-assisted navigational system, two patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were selected for enrollment into a pilot study designed to assess the feasibility of navigation coupled with the robotic da Vinci Xi platform via TilePro interface. In one case, fluorescence-guided surgery was also used as an adjunct for structure localization, with local administration of indocyanine green into the ureters and at the tumor site.

RESULTS

Each operation was successfully completed with a robotic-assisted approach; image-guided navigation provided computed accuracy of ± 4.5 to 4.6 mm. The principle limitation encountered was navigation signal dropout due to temporary loss of direct line-of-sight with the navigational system's infrared camera. Subjectively, the aid of navigation assisted the operating surgeon in identifying critical anatomical planes. The combination of fluorescence with image-guided surgery further augmented the surgeon's perception of the operative field.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of stereotactic navigation and robotic surgery is feasible, although some limitations and technical challenges were observed. For complex surgery, the addition of navigation to robotics can improve surgical precision. This will likely represent the next step in the evolution of robotics and in the development of digital surgery.

Direct target NOTES: prospective applications for next generation robotic platforms

BACKGROUND

A new era in surgical robotics has centered on alternative access to anatomic targets and next generation designs include flexible, single-port systems which follow circuitous rather than straight pathways. Such systems maintain a small footprint and could be utilized for specialized operations based on direct organ target natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), of which transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is an important derivative.

METHODS

During two sessions, four direct target NOTES operations were conducted on a cadaveric model using a flexible robotic system to demonstrate proof-of-concept of the application of a next generation robotic system to specific types of NOTES operations, all of which required removal of a direct target organ through natural orifice access. These four operations were (a) robotic taTME, (b) robotic transvaginal hysterectomy in conjunction with (c) robotic transvaginal salpingo-oophorectomy, and in an ex vivo model, (d) trans-cecal appendectomy.

RESULTS

Feasibility was demonstrated in all cases using the Flex^® Robotic System with Colorectal Drive. During taTME, the platform excursion was 17 cm along a non-linear path; operative time was 57 min for the transanal portion of the dissection. Robotic transvaginal hysterectomy was successfully completed in 78 min with transvaginal extraction of the uterus, although laparoscopic assistance was required. Robotic transvaginal unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with transvaginal extraction of the ovary and fallopian tube was performed without laparoscopic assistance in 13.5 min. In an ex vivo model, a robotic trans-cecal appendectomy was also successfully performed for the purpose of demonstrating proof-of-concept only; this was completed in 24 min.

CONCLUSIONS

A flexible robotic system has the potential to access anatomy along circuitous paths, making it a suitable platform for direct target NOTES. The conceptual operations posed could be considered suitable for next generation robotics once the technology is optimized, and after further preclinical validation.

Impact of colorectal surgeon case volume on outcomes and applications to quality improvement

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of surgeon case volumes on procedural, financial, and clinical outcomes in colorectal surgery and apply findings to improve hospital care quality.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed using 2013-2014 administrative data from a large hospital system in Southeast U.S. region; univariate and multivariable regression analyses were used to explore the impact of surgeon case volume on outcomes.

RESULTS

One thousand one hundred ninety patients were included in this 2-year study. When compared with low-volume surgeons (LVS) (< 14 cases in 2 years), the high-volume surgeons (HVS) (> 34 cases) were estimated per case to have shorter cut-to-close time in the operation room by 79 min, ([95% CI 58 to 99]), lower total hospitalization cost by $4314, ([95% CI $2261 to $6367]), and shorter post-surgery and overall length of stay by 0.92 days, ([95% CI 0.50 to 1.35]) and 1.27 days ([95% CI 0.56 to 1.98]), respectively. The HVS also showed a higher tendency to choose a laparoscopic approach over an open approach, with an odds ratio of 3.16 ([95% CI 1.23 to 8.07]). When compared with medium-volume surgeons (MVS) (14-34 cases), the HVS were estimated per case to have shorter cut-to-close time in the operation room by 62 min ([95% CI 37 to 87]). Surgeon case volumes had no statistically significant impact on outcomes including in-hospital mortality, 30-day readmission, blood utilization, and surgical site infection (SSI).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeon case volume had positive impacts on procedural, financial, and clinical outcomes and this finding may be used to improve hospital's quality of care.

#colorectalsurgery

BACKGROUND

The use of social media platforms among healthcare professionals is increasing. A Twitter social media campaign promoting the hashtag #colorectalsurgery was launched with the aim of providing a specialty-specific forum to collate discussions and science relevant to an engaged, global community of coloproctologists. This article reviews initial experiences of the early adoption, engagement and utilization of this pilot initiative.

METHODS

The hashtag #colorectalsurgery was promoted via the online microblogging service Twitter across a 180-day interval. Data on all tweets containing the #colorectalsurgery hashtag were analysed using online analytical tools. Data included total number of tweets, number of views, and user engagement since registration and launch of the campaign. Content of tweet and user demographic analysis was undertaken.

RESULTS

The number of tweets using #colorectalsurgery grew rapidly following the launch on 24 April 2016; #colorectalsurgery was used in 15 708 tweets, which resulted in 65 398 696 impressions and involved 1863 individual Twitter accounts. Increased volumes of #colorectalsurgery tweets were noted in association with the timing of three major international colorectal surgical conferences, and geographical trends were noted. Some 88·4 per cent of all posts were by male users. The top 25 users by volume of #colorectalsurgery tweets had considerable influence and posted 8023 tweets (51·1 per cent).

CONCLUSION

Online global communities formed via healthcare-related hashtags, such as #colorectalsurgery, unify social media posts, scientists, surgeons and authors who have an interest in coloproctology. Furthermore, they facilitate greater connectivity among geographically separate users.

Adrenocortical carcinoma: patterns of care and role of adjuvant radiation therapy-a population-based study and review of the literature

PURPOSE

We reviewed the experience of a tertiary cancer centre in the management of adrenocortical carcinoma (acc) treated over 40 years. We also searched the literature for guidelines related to the treatment of acc and for evidence for adjuvant radiation therapy (rt).

METHODS

In a retrospective chart review, acc patients treated between January 1974 and December 2013 were identified, and patient demographics and tumour characteristics were extracted. Outcomes data, including dates and sites of failure, vital status, and cause of death, were collected. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan- Meier method. A medline search using PubMed, Ovid, and embase was used to review the literature about the role of rt and any available management guidelines for acc.

RESULTS

Of 81 patients identified during the chart review, 39 had confirmed acc. In 32 patients, surgical resection was performed, including in 2 patients with M1 disease. Of those 32 patients, 16 received adjuvant systemic treatment (mitotane or concurrent chemoradiation). Only 6 patients received adjuvant rt, of whom 3 are still alive (2 living with distant failure). At a median follow-up of 3.8 years, 28 patients had died (72%), 10 were living (26%), and 1 had been lost to follow-up. Of the 22 patients for whom failure data were available, 2 experienced local failure, and the rest, distant failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The current data are insufficient to make treatment recommendations. Use of collaborative databases and consensus about diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines are warranted for better identification of optimum management. Adjuvant rt could be a reasonable option for R1 disease, but further research is needed.

The iLappSurgery taTME app: a modern adjunct to the teaching of surgical techniques

Application-based technology has emerged as a method of modern information communication, and this has been applied towards surgical training and education. It allows surgeons the ability to obtain portable and instant access to information that is otherwise difficult to deliver. The iLappSurgery Foundation has recently launched the transanal total mesorectal excision educational application (taTME app) which provides a useful adjunct, especially for surgeons interested in mastery of the taTME technique and its principles. The article provides a detailed review of the application, which has achieved a large user-base since its debut in June, 2016.

Stereotactic navigation for TAMIS-TME

Stereotactic navigation allows for real-time, image-guided surgery, thus providing an augmented working environment for the operator. This technique can be applied to complex minimally invasive surgery for fixed anatomic targets. Transanal minimally invasive surgery represents a new approach to rectal cancer surgery that is technically demanding and introduces the potential for procedure-specific morbidity. Feasibility of stereotactic navigation for TAMIS-TME has been demonstrated, and this could theoretically translate into improved resection quality by improving the surgeon's spatial awareness. The future of minimally invasive surgery as it relates to augmented reality and image-guided surgery is discussed.

Transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: early outcomes in 50 consecutive patients

AIM

Minimally invasive approaches to proctectomy for rectal cancer have not been widely adopted due to inherent technical challenges. A modification of traditional transabdominal mobilization, termed transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), has the potential to improve access to the distal rectum. The aim of the current study is to assess outcomes following TaTME for rectal cancer.

METHOD

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients who underwent TaTME for rectal cancer at a single institution. The study period was from 1 March 2012 to 31 July 2015.

RESULTS

During the study period 50 patients underwent TaTME. The median tumour distance from the anal verge was 4.4 (3.0-5.5) cm. The rate of conversion from a planned minimally invasive approach was 2.2%. The median operative time was 267.0 (227.0-331.0) min. The median lymph node yield was 18.0 (12.0-23.8), the macroscopic quality assessment of the resected specimen was incomplete in 2% and the circumferential resection margin positivity rate was 4%. Intra-operative morbidity occurred in 6% and the 30 day morbidity rate was 36%. The median length of stay was 4.5 (4.0-8.0) days. The median follow-up was 15.1 (7.0-23.2) months; two patients have developed a local recurrence and eight patients have developed distant recurrence.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that TaTME for rectal cancer is feasible with an acceptable pathological outcome and morbidity profile. Further data on functional and long-term survival outcomes are required.

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 3 years, 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.

[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.

Toxic megacolon during pregnancy in ulcerative colitis: A case report

•

Ulcerative colitis has a peak incidence which coincides with the childbearing age of females.

•

Acute fulminant colitis during pregnancy is rare, but requires mandatory surgical colectomy which carries a significant risk to both mother and fetus.

•

We recommend that female patients planning to conceive with a known diagnosis of ulcerative colitis have an optimised medical regimen by liaising with their obstetricians and gastroenterologists to prevent exacerbations and the development of toxic megacolon.

•

Should surgical intervention become required, this can be performed with favourable outcomes for mother and child as demonstrated in this report.

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis is an idiopathic inflammatory bowel condition whose peak incidence coincides with fertility in female patients. In pregnancy, acute fulminant colitis is rare, and, when it becomes refractory to maximum medical therapy, emergency colectomy is mandated. Over the past quarter century, there have been few reports of this rare event in the literature.

Presentation of case

We report a 26 year old primigravida female who presented with toxic megacolon during the third trimester of pregnancy, unresponsive to medical therapy. She subsequently underwent an urgent low transverse caesarean section with a total colectomy. Both mother and child made a satisfactory recovery post operatively.

Discussion

Although the fetus is at higher risk than the mother in such a circumstance, morbidity and mortality rates are still noticeably high for both, and therefore, prompt diagnosis is key.

Conclusion

It is imperative that female patients planning to conceive with a known diagnosis of ulcerative colitis liaise with their obstetricians and gastroenterologists early to optimise medical treatment to prevent the development of a toxic megacolon and that conception is planned during a state of remission. Should surgical intervention become required, this can be performed with favourable outcomes for mother and child, as demonstrated in this report.

Natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

Natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) represents one of the most significant innovations in surgery to emerge since the advent of laparoscopy. A decade of progress with this approach has now been catalogued, and yet its clinical application remains controversial.

METHODS

A PubMed search was carried out for articles describing NOTES in both the preclinical and the clinical setting. Public perceptions and expert opinion regarding NOTES in the published literature were analysed carefully.

RESULTS

Two hundred relevant articles on NOTES were studied and the outcomes reviewed. A division between direct- and indirect-target NOTES was established. The areas with the most promising clinical application included direct-target NOTES, such as transanal total mesorectal excision and peroral endoscopic myotomy. The clinical experience with distant-target NOTES, such as for appendicectomy and cholecystectomy, showed feasibility; however, NOTES-specific morbidity was introduced and this represents an important limitation.

CONCLUSION

NOTES experimentation in the preclinical setting has increased substantially. There has also been a significant increase in the application of NOTES in humans in the past decade. Enthusiasm for NOTES should be tempered by the risk of incurring NOTES-specific morbidity. Surgeons should carefully consider patient preferences regarding this new minimally invasive option, as opinions are not unanimously supportive of NOTES. As technical limitations are overcome, the clinical application of NOTES is predicted to increase. It is paramount that, when this complex technique is performed on humans, it is applied judiciously by appropriately trained experts with outcomes recorded in a registry.

Vaginal Access Minimally Invasive Surgery (VAMIS): A New Approach to Hysterectomy

Vaginal hysterectomy is the original natural orifice operation. Although one of the most common gynecologic operations performed, the surgical approach has not changed significantly during the past century. This article describes a new approach to hysterectomy using vaginal access minimally invasive surgery (VAMIS). VAMIS hysterectomy is successfully performed on a cadaveric model. The step-by-step description of the surgical technique is depicted with video supplement.