Eight years experience of transanal endoscopic microsurgery

Introduction: Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive method for management of different proctologic conditions. Despite widespread use of this method, it is not used widely in Iran. This report is about to describe the application of TEM in managing different proctologic conditions in a tertiary colorectal referral center in Iran regarding methods and complications. Methods: All of the patients' documents such as procedure, method, early postop complications and further operations were actively reviewed and the data were entered in to the database. Results: Since 2012 till the end of 2020 chart review was done and 150 cases of TEM operation were found. The most frequent procedure that was done was resection procedure. Using different energy devices during surgery or suturing versus not suturing the defect were not associated with complication. There was a case of in hospital mortality and one case delayed perianal fistula following TEM. Measurement of lesion distance from anal verge was not significantly different using TEM or colonoscopy. Villous adenomas detected in colonoscopy were mostly associated with malignancy. In evaluated resected lesions most of cases had free base and distance from anal verge or using different energy devices were not associated with obtaining free base. Conclusion: TEM is a safe minimal invasive procedure with acceptable complications that could be helped in managing different proctologic conditions and the results of reviewing our patients revealed the same results that is reported from other colorectal centers. (AU)

Microcirugía transanal endoscópica en el tratamiento para el cáncer del recto / Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery for Treating Rectal Cancer

Introducción: La microcirugía transanal endoscópica es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo que se aplica para el tratamiento local del cáncer del recto en estadios iniciales. Su utilización en estadios más avanzados del cáncer del recto resulta controversial. Sin embargo, con el uso rutinario del tratamiento neoadyuvante constituye una opción atractiva que se ha comenzado a considerar. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la microcirugía transanal endoscópica para el tratamiento del cáncer del recto en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva de 18 años. La muestra fue de 150 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de selección y las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, indicación, tiempo quirúrgico, entre otras. Resultados: La principal indicación fue el adenocarcinoma del recto T1. La edad media fue 63 años (32-93); el tiempo quirúrgico, 76 minutos (25-240) y el tamaño tumoral, 2,8 cm (1-4). La estancia hospitalaria fue de 1 día (12 horas-7 días), la morbilidad fue 6,7 porciento y las principales complicaciones posoperatorias fueron el sangramiento, la dehiscencia de sutura, el absceso, la fístula rectovaginal y la estenosis. La recurrencia local fue 8,2 porciento, 7,1 porciento y 2,5 porciento para los adenocarcinomas T1, T2 y T3 respectivamente. La supervivencia global a los 5 años fue 97,5 porciento y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad fue 95,5 porciento. Conclusión: La microcirugía transanal endoscópica es una técnica factible y segura en el tratamiento de los adenocarcinomas T1, mientras que en los T2 y T3 se requiere de la radioquimioterapia preoperatoria(AU)

Introduction: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a minimally invasive procedure applied for the local treatment of rectal cancer at early stages. Its use in more advanced stages of rectal cancer is controversial. However, with the routine use of neoadjuvant treatment, it is an attractive option that has begun to be considered. Objective: To assess the outcomes of transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the treatment of rectal cancer at Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Methods: A retrospective study of an 18-year prospective database was performed. The sample consisted of 150 patients who met the selection criteria and the variables studied were age, sex, indication, surgical time, among others. Results: The main indication was T1 rectal adenocarcinoma. The mean age was 63 years (32-93); surgical time, 76 minutes (25-240); and tumor size, 2.8 cm (1-4). Hospital stay was 1 day (12 hours-7 days), morbidity was 6.7 percent, and the main postoperative complications were bleeding, suture dehiscence, abscess, rectovaginal fistula and stenosis. Local recurrence was 8.2 percent, 7.1 percent and 2.5 percent for T1, T2 and T3 adenocarcinomas, respectively. Overall survival at 5 years was 97.5 percent and disease-free survival was 95.5 percent . Conclusion: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a feasible and safe technique for treating T1 adenocarcinomas, while T2 and T3 adenocarcinomas require preoperative radiochemotherapy(AU)

La escisión total del mesorrecto transanal en el tratamiento del cáncer del recto como nueva técnica en Cuba / Total Excision of the Transanal Mesorectum as a New Technique for Treating Rectal Cancer in Cuba

Introducción: Las indicaciones de la Microcirugía Transanal Endoscópica han evolucionado desde la cirugía de tumoraciones rectales hasta otras enfermedades pélvicas. La asociación de esta y la escisión total del mesorrecto transanal ofrece una serie de ventajas. Objetivo: Determinar las indicaciones, describir la técnica quirúrgica y mostrar los resultados a largo plazo obtenidos en la realización de la escisión total del mesorrecto transanal en el tratamiento del cáncer del recto medio y bajo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y prospectivo de los pacientes con cáncer del recto medio y bajo sometidos a esta técnica quirúrgica en el período comprendido entre febrero de 2017 y febrero de 2022 en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Resultados: Se operaron 13 pacientes, 9 con cáncer del recto bajo y 4 con cáncer del recto medio y un promedio de edad de 56,2 años (rango 28-76). El promedio de tiempo quirúrgico fue de 183 minutos (rango 120-270) y las pérdidas hemáticas estimadas de 68 mililitros. La incidencia de morbilidad mayor fue de 15,4 por ciento y la media de estadía hospitalaria de 5,4 días. La media del período de seguimiento fue de 35 (rango 9-69) meses con una recidiva local de 7,7 por ciento y una supervivencia global a los 5 años de 100 por ciento. Conclusiones: La escisión total del mesorrecto transanal combinado con cirugía laparoscópica es una técnica factible y segura. La introducción de la variante técnica utilizando el instrumental de la Microcirugía Transanal Endoscópica es más ergonómica y disminuye los costos(AU)

Introduction: The indications for transanal endoscopic microsurgery have evolved from surgery of rectal tumors to other pelvic diseases. The association between this and total excision of the transanal mesorectum offers a series of advantages. Objective: To determine the indications, to describe the surgical technique and to show the long-term outcomes obtained in the performance of total excision of the transanal mesorectum for treating cancer of the middle and lower rectum. Methods: A descriptive and prospective observational study was carried out of patients with cancer of the middle and lower rectum who underwent this surgical technique in the period from February 2017 to February 2022 at Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Results: Thirteen patients were operated on, 9 with cancer of the lower rectum and 4 with cancer of the middle rectum, as well as an average age of 56.2 years (range 28-76). The average surgical time was 183 minutes (range 120-270) and estimated blood loss was 68 milliliters. The incidence of highest morbidity was 15.4 percent and mean hospital stay was 5.4 days. The median follow-up period was 35 (range 9-69) months, with a local recurrence of 7.7 percent and an overall 5-year survival of 100 percent . Conclusions: Total excision of the transanal mesorectum combined with laparoscopic surgery is a feasible and safe technique. The introduction of the variant technique using the instruments of endoscopic transanal microsurgery is more ergonomic and reduces costs(AU)

Quality analysis of surgical specimens of rectal cancer in the Chinese taTME registry coll-aborative database: a nationwide registered study / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the quality of surgical specimens of rectal cancer in the Chinese transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) registry collaborative (CTRC) database.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. Based on the concept of real-world research, the clinicopathological data of 1 761 patients with rectal cancer in the CTRC database who underwent taTME in 40 medical centers, including the Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University et al, from November 15, 2017 to December 31, 2022 were collected. There were 1 212 males and 549 females, aged 62(range, 53-68)years. Observation indicators: (1) preoperative examinations; (2) neoadjuvant therapy; (3) postoperative examinations. Measurement data with skewed distri-bution were represented as M(range). Count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Preoperative examinations. Of the 1 761 patients, 1 324 patients underwent preoperative pelvic magnetic resonance imaging examination, and the results showed that 4 cases as clinical T0 stage, 30 cases as clinical T1 stage, 250 cases as clinical T2 stage, 828 cases as clinical T3 stage, 141 cases as clinical T4 stage, 11 cases as clinical Tx stage, 60 cases missing clinical T staging data, 490 cases as clinical N0 stage, 373 cases as clinical N1 stage, 311 cases as clinical N2 stage, 86 cases as clinical Nx stage, 64 cases missing clinical N staging data, 156 cases with mesorectal fascia invasion, 223 cases with extraintestinal blood vessels invasion. The distance from lower margin of tumor to anal margin of 1 324 patients was 50(range, 40-60)mm. (2) Neoadjuvant therapy. Of the 1 761 patients, 873 patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy, including 17 cases receiving radiotherapy alone, 155 cases receiving chemotherapy alone, 43 cases receiving short-course simultaneous chemoradiotherapy, 26 cases receiving short-course simultaneous chemoradiotherapy and delayed surgery, 1 case receiving contact radiotherapy, 277 cases receiving long-course simultaneous chemoradiotherapy, 9 cases receiving other treatments, and 345 cases missing neoadjuvant therapy data. (3) Postoperative examinations. Of the 1 761 patients, 1 584 cases achieved R 0 resection, 23 cases achieved R 1 resection, 1 case achieved R 2 resection, and there were 153 cases missing surgical margin data. The tumor diameter, number of lymph nodes harvest and positive rate of intravascular tumor thrombus were 30(range, 20-45)cm, 13(range, 10-17) and 20.794%(330/1 587) in 1 761 patients. There were 1 647 patients with circumferential margin records, which showed positive in 51 cases, and the minimum distance from deep part of tumor to circumferential margin was 5(rang, 3-13)mm in 1 647 patients. There were 547 cases with distal margin records, which showed positive in 4 cases, and the distance from lower margin of tumor to distal margin was 20(10-25)mm in 547 cases. There were 1 698 patients with specimen integrity records, which showed intact specimen in 1 436 cases, fair specimen in 233 cases, poor specimen in 8 cases, unevaluated specimen in 21 cases, and there were 20 cases with rectal tube perforation. Of the 1 761 patients, cases as pathological T0 stage, Tis stage, T1 stage, T2 stage, T3 stage, T4 stage was 103, 23, 145, 515, 712, 179, respectively, and there were 4 cases of pathology that could not be evaluated and 80 cases missing pathological T staging data. Of the 1 761 patients, cases as pathological N0 stage, N1a stage, N1b stage, N1c stage, N2a stage, N2b stage was 1 117, 189, 133, 66, 109, 68, respectively, and there were 79 cases missing pathological N staging data. Of the 1 761 patients, there were 79 cases with distant metastasis, 1 591 cases without distant metastasis, and 91 cases without data of tumor metastasis. Of the 873 patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, there were 405 patients with tumor regression grade records including 105 cases as grade 1, 142 cases as grade 2, 91 cases as grade 3, 43 cases as grade 4, 24 cases as grade 5. Conclusions:In China, the quality of surgical specimens of taTME for rectal cancer is good with low positive rate of resection margin. It is recommended that using a formatted postoperative pathological report for good quality control of pathological report of surgical specimen.

Technical advantages and oncological efficacy of transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is an effective surgical method to reduce the local recurrence of rectal cancer and improve patient prognosis. However, there is debate about which surgical platform to use to achieve the best surgical outcome for TME. The emergence and technological progress of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) can solve the problem of difficulty in lower rectal resection and achieve better surgical resection results. Based on relevant literatures and combined with team clinical practice, the authors explore the technical advantages and oncological efficacy of taTME in rectal cancer.

Surgical treatment of rectourethral fistula / 现代泌尿外科杂志

Rectourethral fistula (RUF) has been difficult to manage in urology due to its special anatomical location,complicated condition and uncertain prognosis. With the increasing incidence of prostate cancer,the incidence of RUF as a serious complication is also rising. Major treatment methods of RUF include conservative treatment and surgical treatment such as transabdominal approach,trans-perineal approach,trans-sphincter approach and trans-anal approach. However,there is no explicit treatment protocol. In recent years,the application of modified York-Mason technique has achieved good results. This article details the key steps and surgical experience of the technique.

Primer caso de escisión mesorrectal total transanal (TaTME) para el tratamiento del cáncer de recto medio en un centro docente universitario: descripción de la técnica / First case of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for middle rectal cancer in a teaching tertiary center: technical aspects / Primeiro caso de excisão total do mesorreto transanal (TaTME) para tratamento de câncer de reto meio em um centro universitário de ensino: aspectos tecnicos

La escisión mesorrectal transanal (TaTME: transanal total mesorectal escision) es la última de una larga lista de desarrollos técnicos y tecnológicos para el tratamiento del cáncer de recto medio y bajo. Incluso para los cirujanos colorrectales experimentados, lograr una escisión mesorrectal total (emt) de calidad en cirugía oncológica no siempre es sencillo, por la dificultad de obtener un adecuado acceso a la pelvis. Los estudios realizados han mostrado resultados comparables al abordaje laparoscópico, con tasas elevadas de escisiones mesorrectales completas y bajo porcentaje de margen circunferencial radial (CRM: circumferential radial margin) y distal positivos, con un adecuado número de ganglios resecados. Como toda técnica nueva, su implementación puede traer consecuencias no intencionales. La complejidad del abordaje, la dificultad en la identificación de nuevos repères y planos anatómicos, ha llevado a complicaciones graves como la lesión uretral o la siembra tumoral pelviana. Por ello, la comunidad quirúrgica ha retrasado la implementación masiva de la técnica y desarrollado estrategias de enseñanza y monitorización de este procedimiento para su realización en centros de alto volumen. El objetivo de esta publicación es presentar el primer caso de TaTME en un centro docente universitario y difundir en nuestra comunidad científica el fundamento de la técnica, sus indicaciones, describir los principales pasos técnicos, complicaciones, resultados oncológicos y funcionales.

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is the last of a long list of technical and technological developments for treatment of middle and low rectal cancer. Even for skilled colorectal surgeons, achieving a good quality total mesorectal excision (TME) in oncology surgery is not always simple, due to the difficulty of obtaining optimal access to the pelvis. So far, studies have shown similar results to laparoscopic surgery, with high rates of complete mesorectal excisions and low rate of circumferential radial margin (CRM) and distal margin with an appropriate number of resected lymph nodes. Like every new technique, its implementation can bring unwanted consequences. The complexity of the approach, the difficulty in the identification of new landmarks and anatomic planes, has led to serious complications such as urethral injury or tumoral seeding. This has made slowdown the massive implementation of the technique among the surgical community, addressing the need of developing training programs and mentoring of this procedure that belongs to high volume centers. The aim of this publication is to present the first case of TaTME in a teaching tertiary center and spread, in our scientific community, the principles of the technique, its indications, main technical steps, complications and functional and oncologic results.

A excisão mesorretal transanal (TaTME: transanal total mesorectal escision) é o mais recente de uma longa linha de desenvolvimentos técnicos e tecnológicos para o tratamento do câncer retal inferior e médio. Mesmo para cirurgiões colorretais experientes, nem sempre é fácil obter uma excisão total do mesorreto (EMT) de qualidade em cirurgia de câncer, devido à dificuldade de obter acesso adequado à pelve. Os estudos realizados mostraram resultados comparáveis ​​à abordagem laparoscópica, com altas taxas de excisões completas do mesorreto e baixo percentual de margem radial circunferencial positiva (CRM: circumferential radial margin) e distal, com número adequado de linfonodos ressecados. Como qualquer nova técnica, sua implementação pode ter consequências não intencionais. A complexidade da abordagem, a dificuldade em identificar novos repères e planos anatômicos, levou a complicações graves, como lesão uretral ou semeadura de tumor pélvico. Por esse motivo, a comunidade cirúrgica atrasou a implementação massiva da técnica e desenvolveu estratégias de ensino e acompanhamento desse procedimento para sua realização em centros de alto volume. O objetivo desta publicação é apresentar o primeiro caso de TaTME em um centro de ensino universitário e divulgar em nossa comunidade científica as bases da técnica, suas indicações, descrever as principais etapas técnicas, complicações, resultados oncológicos e funcionais.

Transanal irrigation to manage neurogenic bowel in the pediatric population with spina bifida: a scoping review

Abstract Objective To map available scientific evidence about the pediatric population with spina bifida submitted to transanal irrigation to manage signs and symptoms of neurogenic bowel. Source of data This research was developed according to recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. Searches were carried out in the databases: CINAHL, Medline/Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, Proquest, and the CAPES catalog of theses and dissertations. Quantitative and qualitative studies on the topic were included, as long as they dealt with this population. There was no predetermined time frame. Summary of the findings The authors found 1.020 studies, selected 130 for close reading, and included 23 in the review, all of which had been published from 1989 to 2021. The authors mapped the characteristics of the studies, including their definitions of concepts and use of scales, criteria for the indication of transanal irrigation, training to carry out the procedure, devices and solutions used, number and frequency of transanal irrigations, health care actions, time spent, associated complications, complementary exams, adherence rate, follow-up, and outcomes, focusing on the benefits for bowel management. Conclusions Despite the variability of evaluation parameters and term definitions, evidence suggests that transanal irrigation is a safe and effective method to manage fecal incontinence. Studies in the field are likely to grow, using standardized scales and longitudinal follow-ups. The authors suggest further research on transanal irrigation in the pediatric population with spina bifida in the Latin American context.

Rare Presentations of Frontal Sinus Fungus Ball: A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction The sinus fungus ball is an agglomeration of debris and hyphae, mainly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, within the paranasal sinus, commonly affecting a single sinus, and it only rarely affects the frontal sinus. Objective To identify the state of the art of fungus ball in paranasal sinuses, especially related to the epidemiology of the disease in the frontal sinus. Additionally, this article reports a rare case of fungus ball in the frontal sinus in an adult male, and discusses the variables of this condition related to the patient. Data Synthesis All of the 8 cases of fungus ball in the frontal sinus reported in this study affected male patients: 40% had unilateral disease, and 60%, bilateral disease, contrary to the incidence data of fungus ball in the other paranasal sinuses, which reports unilateral prevalence. However, in the present study, this index changes, with 50% of unilateral and 50% of bilateral incidence regarding frontal sinus involvement. The average age of the patients was 65.36 years (range: 60-74 years). The etiologic agent was Aspergillus spp., and the endonasal endoscopic therapeutic approach corresponded to 80% of cases, while frontal osteoplasty accounted for 20% of cases, reaffirming the prevalence data from other studies. Conclusion Despite being a low-incidence entity, frontal sinus fungus ball should be considered in patients with pain in the frontal region refractory to the usual clinical treatments.

A way to start transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

Introduction: The optimal rectal cancer care is achieved by a multidisciplinary approach, with a high-quality surgical resection, with complete mesorectal excision and adequate margins. New approaches like the transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) aim to achieve these goals, maximizing the sphincter preservation ratio, with good oncologic and functional results. This report describes a way to implement TaTME without a proctor, presents the first case series of this approach in a center experienced in rectal cancer, and compares the results with those of the international literature. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of the first 10 consecutive patients submitted to TaTME for rectal cancer at our institution. The primary outcomes were postoperative complications, pathological specimen quality and local recurrence rate. The results and performance were compared with the outcomes of a known structured program with proctorship and with the largest meta-analysis on this topic. Results: All patients had locally advanced cancer; therefore, all underwent neoadjuvant therapy. A total of 30% had postoperative complications, without mortality or re-admissions. In comparison with the structured training program referred, no differences were found in postoperative complications and reintervention rates, resulting in a similar quality of resection. Comparing these results with those of the largest meta-analysis on the subject, no differences in the postoperative complication rates were found, and very similar outcomes regarding anastomotic leaks and oncological quality of resection were registered. Conclusion: The results of this study validate the safety and effectiveness of our pathway regarding the implementation of the TaTME approach, highlighting the fact that it should be done in a center with proficiency in minimally invasive rectal surgery. (AU)

Microcirugía transanal endoscópica como tratamiento de los tumores benignos del recto / Endoscopic Transanal Microsurgery as a Treatment of Benign Rectal Tumors

Introducción: La microcirugía transanal endoscópica es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo para el tratamiento local de los grandes adenomas y los cánceres en estadios iniciales del recto. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la microcirugía transanal endoscópica en los pacientes con tumores benignos del recto en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso de La Habana. Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva de 15 años. Se les ejecutó a un total de 91 pacientes con tumores benignos del recto la microcirugía transanal endoscópica entre abril de 2004 y diciembre de 2019. Se incluyeron las variables: edad, sexo, indicación, tiempo quirúrgico, localización del tumor, tamaño tumoral, estancia hospitalaria, complicaciones posoperatorias y recidiva local. Resultados: La principal indicación fue el adenoma del recto con 70 (76,9 por ciento) pacientes. La edad media fue de 63,4 años, el tiempo quirúrgico 81,1 minutos y el tamaño tumoral 3,5 cm. La estancia hospitalaria fue de 1 día y las complicaciones posoperatorias fueron 4 (4,3 por ciento): dos sangramientos, una dehiscencia de sutura y una estenosis. Dos pacientes (2,8 por ciento) tuvieron recidiva local en el grupo de los adenomas y no se realizaron conversiones a cirugía laparoscópica o cirugía abierta. Conclusión: La microcirugía transanal endoscópica fue una técnica factible y segura en el tratamiento de los adenomas del recto no resecables endoscópicamente, adenomas con displasia de alto grado y en otros tumores del recto(AU)

Introduction: Endoscopic transanal microsurgery is a minimally invasive procedure for local treatment of large adenomas and early-stage rectal cancers. Objective: To assess the outcomes of endoscopic transanal microsurgery in patients with benign rectal tumors at the National Center for Minimal Access Surgery in Havana. Methods: A retrospective study of a 15-year prospective database was carried out. A total of 91 patients with benign rectal tumors underwent endoscopic transanal microsurgery between April 2004 and December 2019. The following variables were included: age, sex, indication, surgical time, tumor location, tumor size, hospital stay, postoperative complications and local recurrence. Results: The main indication was rectal adenoma, accounting for 70 (76.9 percent) patients. The mean age was 63.4 years, surgical time was 81.1 minutes and tumor size was 3.5 cm. Hospital stay was one day. Postoperative complications were four (4.3 percent): two bleedings, one suture dehiscence and one stenosis. Two patients (2.8 percent) had local recurrence in the adenoma group. No conversions to laparoscopic or open surgery were performed. Conclusion: Endoscopic transanal microsurgery was a feasible and safe technique in the treatment of endoscopically unresectable rectal adenomas, adenomas with high-grade dysplasia and other rectal tumors.

CAUDAL MIGRATION AND TRANS-ANAL EXTRUSION OF VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNT IN A CHILD : A CASE REPORT

We present an unusual case of anal extrusion of the peritoneal end of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VP shunt) in a 5 year old male child. The patient was suffering from aqueductal stenosis for which the shunt was placed 2 years ago. Pertinent literature is reviewed regarding this rare complication in such a common surgery.

Short-term complications after transanal total mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To summarize short-term postoperative complications of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) in the treatment of middle-low rectal cancer. Methods: A descriptive case series of cases was constructed. Clinical data of consecutive 83 patients with mid-low rectal cancer who received taTME treatment from November 2016 to April 2021 at Department of General Surgery of Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University were collected. Among 83 patients, 58 (69.9%) were males, with a mean age of (61.4±11.8) years; 42 (50.6%) were low rectal cancer, 41 (49.4%) were middle rectal cancer. Short-term postoperative complication was defined as complication occurring within 30 days after operation. The complication was graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. At the same time, the morbidity of short-term postoperative complication in the first 40 patients and that in the last 43 patients were compared to understand the differences before and after passing the taTME learning curve. Results: Two patients (2.5%) were converted to laparotomy ; 78 (94.0%) completed anastomosis.While 5 (6.0%) underwent permanent stoma. The total operation time of transabdominal+ transanal procedure was (246.9±85.0) minutes, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 100 (IQR: 100) ml. Seventy-five cases (75 /78, 96.2%) underwent defunctioning stoma, including 74 cases of diverting ileostomy, 1 case of diverting transverse colostomy and 3 cases without stoma. The morbidity of complication within 30 days after operation was 38.6% (32/83), and the morbidity of complication after discharge was 8.4% (7/83). Minor complications accounted for 31.3% (26/83) and major complications accounted for 7.2% (6/83). No patient died within 30 days after operation. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was 15.4% (12/78). Eight patients (9.6%) were hospitalized again due to complications after discharge. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 (IQR: 3) days. All the patients with minor (I-II) complications received conservative treatment. One patient with grade C anastomotic leakage was transferred to intensive care unit and received a second operation due to sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction. Two patients with paralytic ileus (Clavien-Dindo IIIa) underwent endoscopic ileus catheter placement. There were 3 patients with Clavien-Dindo III or above respiratory complications, including 1 patient with pleural effusion and ultrasound-guided puncture, 2 patients with respiratory failure who were improved and discharged after anti-infection and symptomatic treatment. One patient underwent emergency ureteral stent implantation due to urinary infection (Clavien-Dindo IIIb). The morbidity of postoperative complication in the first 40 cases was 50.0% (20/40), and that in the latter 43 cases decreased significantly (27.9%, 12/43), whose difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=4.270, P=0.039). Conclusions: The procedure of taTME has an acceptable morbidity of short-term postoperative complication in the treatment of mid-low rectal cancer. The accumulation of surgical experience plays an important role in reducing the morbidity of postoperative complication.

Current status of research on short-term urogenital function after transanal total mesorectal excision and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Thanks to the new surgical approach, transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has a better operative field exposure than laparoscopic-assisted total mesorectal excision (laTME), especially for male patients with obesity, pelvic stenosis or prostate hypertrophy. Nevertheless, whether the urogenital function and quality of life after taTME are better as compared to laTME requires further study. According to the existing studies, taTME and laTME are not significantly different in symptoms of the urology system for male patients, but some large sample clinical studies show that the incidence of urethral mechanical injury after taTME is higher. Unfortunately, there is no elaboration on that for females. The sexual function of male patients after taTME and laTME is both impaired. The sexual function of male patients will be relieved to different degrees over time, but there is no significant difference. Compared with laTME, taTME shows advantages in the sexual function for female patients. There is no significant difference in short-term urogenital system function between taTME and laTME at present. As a new surgical approach, the impact on urogenital system function after taTME is acceptable. However, whether there is a significant difference in urogenital function between taTME and laTME needs further research. In addition, functional results still need comprehensive evaluation, and preoperative baseline evaluation also needs to be enhanced. The functional evaluation for male and female should be carried out separately rather than confused. Questionnaire for evaluation of functional results also needs to be verified.

Safety and prognosis analysis of transanal total mesorectal excision versus laparoscopic mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To compare the short-term and long-term outcomes between transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (laTME) for mid-to-low rectal cancer and to evaluate the learning curve of taTME. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study. Firstly, consecutive patients undergoing total mesorectal excision who were registered in the prospective established database of Division of Colorectal Diseases, Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital during July 2014 to June 2020 were recruited. The enrolled patients were divided into taTME and laTME group. The demographic data, clinical characteristics, neoadjuvant treatment, intraoperative and postoperative complications, pathological results and follow-up data were extracted from the database. The primary endpoint was the incidence of anastomotic leakage and the secondary endpoints included the 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and the 3-year local recurrence rate. Independent t-test for comparison between groups of normally distributed measures; skewed measures were expressed as M (range). Categorical variables were expressed as examples (%) and the χ(2) or Fisher exact probability was used for comparison between groups. When comparing the incidence of anastomotic leakage, 5 variables including sex, BMI, clinical stage evaluated by MRI, distance from tumor to anal margin evaluated by MRI, and whether receiving neoadjuvant treatment were balanced by propensity score matching (PSM) to adjust confounders. Kaplan-Meier curve and Log-rank test were used to compare the DFS of two groups. Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze and determine the independent risk factors affecting the DFS of patients with mid-low rectal cancer. Secondly, the data of consecutive patients undergoing taTME performed by the same surgical team (the trananal procedures were performed by the same main surgeon) from February 2017 to March 2021 were separately extracted and analyzed. The multidimensional cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart was used to draw the learning curve of taTME. The outcomes of 'mature' taTME cases through learning curve were compared with laTME cases and the independent risk factors of DFS of 'mature' cases were also analyzed. Results: Two hundred and forty-three patients were eventually enrolled, including 182 undergoing laTME and 61 undergoing taTME. After PSM, both fifty-two patients were in laTME group and taTME group respectively, and patients of these two groups had comparable characteristics in sex, age, BMI, clinical tumor stage, distance from tumor to anal margin by MRI, mesorectal fasciae (MRF) and extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) by MRI and proportion of receiving neoadjuvant treatment. After PSM, as compared to laTME group, taTME group showed significantly longer operation time [(198.4±58.3) min vs. (147.9±47.3) min, t=-4.321, P<0.001], higher ratio of blood loss >100 ml during surgery [17.3% (9/52) vs. 0, P=0.003], higher incidence of anastomotic leakage [26.9% (14/52) vs. 3.8% (2/52), χ(2)=10.636, P=0.001] and higher morbidity of overall postoperative complications [55.8%(29/52) vs. 19.2% (10/52), χ(2)=14.810, P<0.001]. Total harvested lymph nodes and circumferential resection margin involvement were comparable between two groups (both P>0.05). The median follow-up for the whole group was 24 (1 to 72) months, with 4 cases lost, giving a follow-up rate of 98.4% (239/243). The laTME group had significantly better 3-year DFS than taTME group (83.9% vs. 73.0%, P=0.019), while the 3-year local recurrence rate was similar in two groups (1.7% vs. 3.6%, P=0.420). Multivariate analysis showed that and taTME surgery (HR=3.202, 95%CI: 1.592-6.441, P=0.001) the postoperative pathological staging of UICC stage II (HR=13.862, 95%CI:1.810-106.150, P=0.011), stage III (HR=8.705, 95%CI: 1.104-68.670, P=0.040) were independent risk factors for 3-year DFS. Analysis of taTME learning curve revealed that surgeons would cross over the learning stage after performing 28 cases. To compare the two groups excluding the cases within the learning stage, there was no significant difference between two groups after PSM no matter in the incidence of anastomotic leakage [taTME: 6.7%(1/15); laTME: 5.3% (2/38), P=1.000] or overall complications [taTME: 33.3%(5/15), laTME: 26.3%(10/38), P=0.737]. The taTME was still an independent risk factor of 3-year DFS only analyzing patients crossing over the learning stage (HR=5.351, 95%CI:1.666-17.192, P=0.005), and whether crossing over the learning stage was not the independent risk factor of 3-year DFS for mid-low rectal cancer patients undergoing taTME (HR=0.954, 95%CI:0.227-4.017, P=0.949). Conclusions: Compared with conventional laTME, taTME may increase the risk of anastomotic leakage and compromise the oncological outcomes. Performing taTME within the learning stage may significantly increase the risk of postoperative anastomotic leakage.

Actively participate in international high-quality clinical trials for improving the research level of colorectal surgery in China / 中华消化外科杂志

The number of colorectal cancer patients in China ranks the top in the world, but there are few international guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer formulated by Chinese, nor high-level evidence-based medicine research of colorectal cancer from China. Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a new technology in the field of colorectal surgery in recent years. At present, clinical practice related to taTME has been carried out simul-taneously with clinical researches in the world. Based on the experience of participating in the top clinical trials in the field of international colorectal surgery, like the COLOR series prospective research, the authors introduce the organization and implementation of COLOR Ⅲ research in China. It is hoped that the COLOR series trials will become an example in the field of high-quality surgical clinical research, so as to improve the clinical research level of colorectal surgery in China.

Conduct high-quality clinical studies in rectal cancer surgery based upon the IDEAL frame-work and recommendations / 中华消化外科杂志

The idea, development, exploration, assessment, and long-term follow-up (IDEAL) framework and recommendations provide a guiding path for high-quality research and practice for surgical technology innovation. Transanal total mesorectal excision, as a new technology in the field of colorectal surgery, has evolved step by step following the IDEAL framework. At the technical design and development stage, the technique feasibility is verified. At the exploratory stage, small-scale clinical practice is conducted, standardized diagnosis and treatment and surgical technique are developed, and structured training is carried out. During the assessment stage, large-scale rando-mized controlled studies are conducted to confirm the safety and efficacy. Subsequently, long-term monitoring and follow-up of the technique is carried out in clinical practice. All the processes become good example in the field of surgical clinical research. The authors summarize the pioneering works of the research team in quality control, in order to provide references for peers.

Application value of Da Vinci robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery for local resection of rectal neoplasms / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of Da Vinci robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (R-TAMIS) for local resection of rectal neoplasms.Methods:The retros-pective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 7 rectal neoplasms patients undergoing R-TAMIS in Daping Hospital of Army Medical University from June 2017 to March 2021 were collected. There were 3 males and 4 females, aged (60±7)years. Observation indicators: (1) intraoperative situations; (2) postoperative recovery; (3) postoperative histopatholo-gical examinations; (4) follow-up. Follow-up was conducted using telephone interview or outpatient examination to detect readmission of patients within postoperative 30 days, tumor recurrence and metastasis and survival of patients. Follow-up was performed at postoperative 1, 3, 6 months and once every 6 months thereafter up to April 2021. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). Count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Intraoperative situations. All the 7 patients underwent R-TAMIS successfully without conversion to laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. Of the 7 patients, 2 cases underwent full-thickness rectal resection and 5 cases underwent submucosal dissection of tumor. The rectal wounds were not sutured in 2 cases because of large lesions, and the rectal wounds were sutured with synthetic sutures in 5 cases after resection of lesions. Transanal drainage tube was placed in 2 cases and not in 5 cases. The volume of intra-operative blood loss of the 7 patients was 15(range, 2?50)mL. The total operation time of the 7 patients was (91.4±18.4)minutes, including (19.1±2.3)minutes for transanal platform placement and Da Vinci robotic surgical system installation, and (72.3±16.6)minutes for operation. There was no intraoperative complication such as urethral injury. (2) Postoperative recovery. All the 7 patients started water drinking and out-of-bed activities at postoperative day 1 and liquid food intake at postoperative day 2. The time to postoperative first flatus of the 7 patients was 1(range, 1?3)days. The two cases with transanal drainage underwent removing of transanal drainage at postoperative day 2. There was no postoperative complication and the duration of postoperative hospital stay of the 7 patients was 3(range, 3?9)days. (3) Postoperative histopathological examinations. Of the 7 patients, 3 cases had villous adenoma, 2 cases had villous adenoma combined with high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, local canceration and tumor invasion into submucosa (stage SM1), 1 case had villous adenoma combined with high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, local canceration and tumor localized in the inner mucosa (stage Tis) and 1 case had moderately differentiated adeno-carcinoma with tumor invasion into superficial muscle layer (stage T2). All the 7 patients had negative surgical margins with none of tumor cell remained in the base. (4) Follow-up. All the 7 patients were followed up for 18(range, 1?42)months. One of the 7 patients showed rectal adenocarcinoma with tumor invasion into superficial muscle layer by the postoperative histopathological examina-tion and was recommended for remedial radical surgery. The patient refused further surgery and underwent 3 courses of oral capecitabine chemotherapy. The other 6 patients did not receive postoperative chemotherapy. None of 7 patients underwent readmission within postoperative 30 days, and no patient had tumor local recurrence, distant metastasis or death during the follow-up.Conclusion:R-TAMIS for local resection of rectal neoplasms is safe and feasible for patients with rectal adenoma and early rectal cancer, with reliable short-term efficacy and short-term oncological efficacy.

Quality indicators of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for rectal cancer

Introduction: Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has revolutionized the surgical techniques for lower-third rectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcomes of quality indicators of TaTME for rectal cancer compared with laparoscopic TME (LaTME). Methods: A cohort prospective study with 50 (14 female and 36male) patients, with a mean age of 67 (range: 55.75 to 75.25) years, who underwent surgery for rectal cancer. In total, 20 patients underwent TaTME, and 30, LaTME. Every TaTME procedure was performed by experienced colorectal surgeons. The sample was divided into two groups (TaTME and LaTME), and the quality indicators of the surgery for rectal cancer were analyzed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences regarding the patients and the main characteristics of the tumor (age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] score, body mass index [BMI], tumoral stage, neoadjuvant therapy, and distance from the tumor to the external anal margin) between the two groups. The rates of: postoperativemorbidity (TaTME: 35%; LaTME: 30%; p=0.763);mortality (0%); anastomotic leak (TaTME: 10%; LaTME: 13%; p=0.722); wound infection (TaTME: 0%; LaTME: 3.3%; p=0.409); reoperation (TaTME: 5%; LaTME: 6.6%; p=0.808); and readmission (TaTME: 5%; LaTME: 0%; p=0.400), as well as the length of the hospital stay (TaTME: 13.5 days; LaTME: 11 days; p=0.538), were similar in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of positive circumferential resection margin (TaTME: 5%; LaTME: 3.3%; p=0.989) and positive distal resection margin (TaTME: 0%; LaTME: 3.3%; p=0.400), the completeness of the TME (TaTME: 100%; LaTME: 100%), and the number of lymph nodes harvested (TaTME: 15; LaTME: 15.5; p=0.882) between two groups. Conclusion: Transanal total mesorectal excision is a safe and feasible surgical procedure for middle/lower-third rectal cancer. (AU)

Surgical technique and considerations about transanal transection and single-stapled (TTSS) anastomosis: the search for a perfect anastomosis

The evaluation of preventivemeasures and risk factors for anastomotic leakage has been a constant concern among colorectal surgeons. In this context, the description of a new way to perform a colorectal, coloanal or ileoanal anastomosis, known as transanal transection and single-stapled (TTSS) anastomosis, deserves an appreciation of its qualities, and a discussion about its properties and technical details. In the present paper, the authors review themost recent efforts aiming to reduce anastomotic dehiscence, and describe the TTSS technique in a patient submitted to laparoscopic total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis. Surgical perception raises important advantages such as distal rectal transection under visualization, elimination of double-stapling lines (with cost-effectiveness and potential protection against suture dehiscence), elimination of dog ears, and the opportunity to be accomplished via a transanal approach after open, laparoscopic, or robotic colorectal resections. Future studies to confirm these supposed advantages are needed. (AU)