Transcolonic Perirectal NOTES Access (PNA): A feasibility study with survival in swine model

ABSTRACT Transrectal access still has some unsolved issues such as spatial orientation, infection, access and site closure. This study presents a simple technique to perform transcolonic access with survival in a swine model series. A new technique for NOTES perirectal access to perform retroperitoneoscopy, peritoneoscopy, liver and lymphnode biopsies was performed in 6 pigs, using Totally NOTES technique. The specimens were extracted transanally. The flexible endoscope was inserted through a posterior transmural incision and the retrorectal space. Cultures of bacteria were documented for the retroperitoneal space and intra abdominal cavity after 14 days. Rectal site was closed using non-absorbable sutures. There was no bowel cleansing, nor preoperative fasting. The procedures were performed in 6 pigs through transcolonic natural orifice access using available endoscopic flexible instruments. All animals survived 14 days without complications, and cultures were negative. Histopathologic examination of the rectal closure site showed adequate healing of suture line and no micro abscesses. The results of feasibility and safety of experimental Transcolonic NOTES potentially brings new frontiers and future wider applications for minimally invasive surgery. The treatment of colorectal, abdominal and retroperitoneal diseases through a flexible Perirectal NOTES Access (PNA) is a promising new approach.

Cirurgia por orifícios naturais transcolônica: acesso NOTES peri-retal (PNA) para excisão mesoretal total / Transcolonic natural orifice surgery: peri-rectal NOTES access (PNA) for total mesorectal excision

OBJETIVOS: Cirurgia por orifícios naturais tem sido recentemente aplicada em series clínicas para cirurgia abdominal. Apesar de potenciais vantagens do acesso NOTES transcolônico para doenças colorretais, este ainda não havia sido utilizado clinicamente. O presente trabalho descreve a primeira aplicação bem-sucedida de NOTES transcolônico da literatura, em uma nova abordagem de excisão mesoretal total (TME) para cancer de reto. MÉTODOS: Foi obtida aprovação de Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa para cirurgias por orifícios naturais, e o paciente assinou termo de consentimento informado. Em um paciente de 54 anos portador de adenocarcinoma de reto, o procedimento de retossigmoidectomia e linfadenectomia, com excisão mesoretal total foi realizada utilizando um acesso posterior transcolônico pouco acima da borda anal. A dissecção mesorretal foi conseguida utilizando um colonoscópio flexível e instrumentos endoscópicos, com assistência laparoscópica. O espécime foi retirado via transanal, e anastomose foi transorificial, com estoma proximal de proteção. RESULTADOS: O tempo operatório foi de 350 min, não ocorrendo complicações operatórias. A evolução pós-operatória foi favorável, e o paciente recebeu alta no sexto dia de pós-operatório com dieta plena. CONCLUSÃO: Este primeiro relato bem sucedido de cirurgia NOTES transcolônica traz potencialmente novas fronteiras de aplicações clínicas na cirurgia minimamente invasiva. O tratamento de doenças colorretais utilizando o novo acesso flexível PNA (Perirectal NOTES Access) é uma promissora nova abordagem, paralelamente à laparoscopia e cirurgia aberta, para melhoria do tratamento dos pacientes.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical natural orifice surgery has been applied for abdominal surgery in recent years. Despite potential advantages of transcolonic NOTES for colorectal diseases, it was since now not yet clinically applied. The study describes the first successful human application of transcolonic NOTES in the literature, in a new transrectal TME procedure for rectal cancer. METHODS: IRB approval was obtained at the institution for the study, and the patient signed informed consent. In a 54yrs-old male patient with a rectal adenocarcinoma, total mesorectal resection and rectosigmoidectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed using a posterior transcolonic access 3cm from the anal verge. Mesorectal dissection was achieved using a flexible colonoscope and endoscopic instrumentation and laparoscopic assistance. The specimen was extracted transanally, and transorificial anastomosis was performed, with proximal stoma. RESULTS: Operative time was 350 min, no intraoperative complications occurred. The postoperative course was uneventful, patient was discharged after 6 days. CONCLUSION: Successful first human report on Transcolonic NOTES potentially brings new fronteers and applications for minimally invasive surgery. The treatment of colorectal diseases through a flexible Perirectal NOTES Access (PNA) is a promising new approach besides existing laparoscopic and open surgery to improve patient care.