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.

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)

Incidence and risk factors of anastomotic leak after transanal total mesorectal excision in China: a retrospective analysis based on national database / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) was a very hot topic in the first few years since its appearance, but now more introspections and controversies on this procedure have emerged. One of the reasons why the Norwegian Ministry of Health stopped taTME was the high incidence of postoperative anastomotic leak. In current study, the incidence and risk factors of anastomotic leak after taTME were analyzed based on the data registered in the Chinese taTME Registry Collaborative (CTRC). Methods: A case-control study was carried out. Between November 15, 2017 and December 31, 2020, clinical data of 1668 patients undergoing taTME procedure registered in the CTRC database from 43 domestic centers were collected retrospectively. After excluding 98 cases without anastomosis and 109 cases without complete postoperative complication data, 1461 patients were finally enrolled for analysis. There were 1036 males (70.9%) and 425 females (29.1%) with mean age of (58.2±15.6) years and mean body mass index of (23.6±3.8) kg/m(2). Anastomotic leak was diagnosed and classified according to the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer (ISREC) criteria. The risk factors associated with postoperative anastomotic leak cases were analyzed. The impact of the cumulative number of taTME surgeries in a single center on the incidence of anastomotic leak was evaluated. As for those centers with the number of taTME surgery ≥ 40 cases, incidence of anastomic leak between 20 cases of taTME surgery in the early and later phases was compared. Results: Of 1461 patients undergoing taTME, 103(7.0%) developed anastomotic leak, including 71 (68.9%) males and 32 (31.1%) females with mean age of (59.0±13.9) years and mean body mass index of (24.5±5.7) kg/m(2). The mean distance between anastomosis site and anal verge was (2.6±1.4) cm. Thirty-nine cases (37.9%) were classified as ISREC grade A, 30 cases (29.1%) as grade B and 34 cases (33.0%) as grade C. Anastomotic leak occurred in 89 cases (7.0%,89/1263) in the laparoscopic taTME group and 14 cases (7.1%, 14/198) in the pure taTME group. Multivariate analysis showed that hand-sewn anastomosis (P=0.004) and the absence of defunctioning stoma (P=0.013) were independently associated with anastomotic leak after taTME. In the 16 centers (37.2%) which performed ≥ 30 taTME surgeries with cumulative number of 1317 taTME surgeries, 86 cases developed anastomotic leak (6.5%, 86/1317). And in the 27 centers which performed less than 30 taTME surgeries with cumulative number of 144 taTME surgeries, 17 cases developed anastomotic leak (11.8%, 17/144). There was significant difference between two kinds of center (χ(2)=5.513, P=0.019). Thirteen centers performed ≥ 40 taTME surgeries. In the early phase (the first 20 cases in each center), 29 cases (11.2%, 29/260) developed anastomotic leak, and in the later phase, 12 cases (4.6%, 12/260) developed anastomotic leak. The difference between the early phase and the later phase was statistically significant (χ(2)=7.652, P=0.006). Conclusion: The incidence of anastomotic leak after taTME may be reduced by using stapler and defunctioning stoma, or by accumulating experience.

Interpretation of international expert consensus guidance on indications, implementation and quality measures for transanal total mesorectal excision / 中华胃肠外科杂志

In recent years, transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has been a hot spot in the field of colorectal surgery. Compared with the traditional laparoscopic technique, taTME has potential advantages in the treatment of rectal diseases. However, the procedural safety and effectiveness of taTME need further verification. In order to ensure the safe and standardized implementation of this procedure, the European Society of Coloproctology, together with 14 international academic organizations related to colorectal surgery and minimally invasive surgery, has developed the international expert consensus guidance on indications, implementation and quality measures for taTME. This paper introduces the background of the international consensus guidance, and interprets its core contents, including the surgical indications (complex pelvic conditions, malignant and benign rectal diseases), surgical quality and outcome evaluation, structured training, and expert center. It is expected to provide reference and guidance for Chinese colorectal surgery colleagues performing taTME.

Tansanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME): systematization and mediated results in 10 patients / Excisão total do mesorreto por via transanal (TaTME): sistematização e resultados mediatos em dez pacientes

Abstract Background: Transanal total mesorectal excision is a surgical technique for minimally invasive resection of the rectum and perirectal tissues. It is indicated for patients with medial and distal rectum cancer confined to the mesorectal envelope. This study describes a series of patients undergoing transanal total mesorectal excision. Methods: Ten patients were selected to undergo transanal total mesorectal excision using the SILS-Port® platform. All patients included here had middle or low rectal cancer. Abdominal access for proximal colon mobilization was performed by laparoscopy in all cases. As a rule, in 9 of the 10 cases, the surgical specimen was removed transanally. Result:s During a 41-month period, 10 patients underwent transanal total mesorectal excision based on curative intent. The first indication for transanal total mesorectum excision was medial and distal rectal cancer, locally invasive and confined to the mesortal envelope. The median age of patients with rectal cancer at the time of surgery was 61 years (mean 59.4 years, range 22-78 years), with 80% (8) female and 20% (2) male. The median surgical time was 305' (mean 314', range 260-420'). The median postoperative length of stay was five days (average of 7.3 days, interval of 3-23 days). There was no postoperative mortality. Surgical complications included postoperative ileus (n = 1), bladder paresis (n = 1), and ileostomy stenosis (n = 1). All patients had negative surgical margins for neoplasia and more than 12 resected lymph nodes. The tumors were between 1 and 9 cm from the anal margin. Conclusion: Total transanal mesorectal excision has been shown to be a viable method for oncologic resection of locally advanced rectal cancer with curative intent.

Resumo Contexto: A excisão total do mesorreto por via transanal é uma aborgadem crânio-caudal para a realização de ressecção minimamente invasiva do reto e tecidos perirretais em monobloco. É adequada para pacientes com câncer de reto médio e distal confinados ao envelope mesorretal. Aqui relatamos uma série de pacientes submetidos à excisão total do mesorreto por via transanal. Métodos: Dez pacientes foram selecionados para serem submetidos à excisão total do mesorreto por via transanal utilizando a plataforma SILS-Port®. Todos os pacientes eram portadores de câncer retal de localização extraperitoneal. O acesso abdominal para mobilização do cólon proximal, em todos os casos, foi realizado por laparoscopia. Como regra, a retirada do espécime cirúrgico, em nove casos, ocorreu por via transanal. Resultados: Durante um período de 41 meses, 10 pacientes foram submetidos à excisão total do mesorreto por via transanal com intenção curativa. A indicação primária para excisão total do mesorreto transanal foi o câncer de reto médio e distal, localmente invasor, mas confinado ao envelope mesorretal. A mediana de idade dos pacientes com câncer de reto no momento da cirurgia foi de 61 anos (média de 59,4 anos, faixa de 22-78 anos), sendo 80% (8) do sexo feminino e 20% (2) do sexo masculino. A mediana do tempo cirúrgico foi de 305' (média de 314', intervalo de 260-420'). A mediana do tempo de permanência pós-operatória foi de cinco dias (média de 7,3 dias, intervalo de 3-23 dias). Não houve mortalidade pós-operatória. As complicações cirúrgicas incluíram íleo paralítico (n = 1), paresia vesical (n = 1) e estenose de ileostomia (n = 1). Todos os pacientes tiveram margens cirúrgicas negativas para neoplasia e mais de 12 linfonodos ressecados. Os tumores distavam de 1 a 9 cm da margem anal. Conclusão: A excisão total do mesorreto transanal demonstrou-se um método viável para a ressecção oncológica de câncer de reto localmente avançado com intenção curativa.

Implementación segura de la escisión total mesorrectal transanal (TaTME) en la práctica clínica / Safe implementation of total transanal mesorectal excision (TaTME) in clinical practice

Introducción: La escisión total del mesorrecto transanal (TaTME) es una técnica quirúrgica moderna que busca mejorar los resultados oncológicos sorteando dificultades anatómicas y propias del tumor en el cáncer de recto medio e inferior. La expansión de esta operación condujo a complicaciones propias que no se observaban con los procedimientos tradicionales puramente transabdominales. Es por esto que existen recomendaciones de expertos a seguir en el inicio de la práctica del TaTME. Objetivo: Mostrar resultados en la serie inicial de TaTME implementando estrategias de seguridad. Diseño: Análisis retrospectivo sobre una base de datos prospectiva. Métodos: Entre mayo de 2015 y junio de 2018 se seleccionaron pacientes con adenocarcinoma de recto medio o bajo con margen circunferencial de resección respetado sin enfermedad a distancia irresecable. Los pacientes fueron operados con la técnica TaTME por un mismo cirujano "en formación en TaTME" con experiencia y alto volumen de casos de cáncer de recto, habiendo realizado cursos homologados. En algunos de los casos se contó con la asistencia de un especialista internacional "proctor". Resultados: En el período estudiado se operaron 8 pacientes mediante TaTME. Edad media de 62 años (53-77). Siete recibieron Quimiorradioterapia preoperatoria (88%). Todas las piezas tuvieron un margen distal negativo, en 7 de 8 la resección del mesorrecto fue completa y en uno incompleta. El promedio de ganglios resecados fue de 12,5 (6-21). La mediana de tiempo operatorio fue de 351 minutos (255-480). La media de días de internación fue de 10.6 (4-19). Siete pacientes tuvieron complicaciones en el postoperatorio, 4 Clavien I y 3 II. Conclusiones: La aplicación de las estrategias de seguridad durante la implementación de una técnica nueva como el TaTME, ayudaría a la disminución de complicaciones intra y postoperatorias con buenos resultados desde el punto de vista oncológico. (AU)

Introduction: Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a modern surgical technique that seeks the best oncological results avoiding anatomic and tumor-specific difficulties in middle and low rectal cancer. The spread of this operation led to complications that were not observed with traditional procedures in a purely transabdominal approach. That is why there are recommendations to follow when starting the TaTME practice. Objective: To show our initial results in TaTME operation implementing security strategies. Design: Retrospective analysis based on a prospective database. Methods: Between May 2015 and June 2018, patients with middle or low rectal adenocarcinoma, with respected circumferential margin in absence of distant unresectable disease were selected. Patients were operated with the TaTME technique by the same surgeon "trainee" with experience and high case volume of rectal cancer, who attended to different courses on the matter. In some of the cases, there was assistance of an international "proctor" specialist. Results: In the period of study, 8 patients underwent surgery through TaTME. Mean age was 62 years (53-77). Seven received preoperative chemoradiotherapy (88%). All the specimens had a negative distal margin, in 7 out of 8, resection of the mesorectum was complete whereas it was incomplete in one. The mean number of resected lymph nodes was 12.5 (6-21). The median operative time was 351 minutes (255-480). The mean time of hospital stay was 10.6 days (4-19). Seven patients had complications in the postoperative period, 4 Clavien I and 3 II. Conclusions: Application of safety strategies during the implementation of a new technique such as TaTME, would help to reduce intra and postoperative complications with good results from the oncological point of view. (AU)

Annual report of Chinese Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision Registry Collaborative in 2018: A nationwide registry study / 中国实用外科杂志

OBJECTIVE: to introduce the study method of Chinese Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision(TaTME) registry Collaborative(CTRC),and report the short-term clinical-oncological outcomes from CTRC. METHODS: Based upon the concept of real world evidence,Data of 601 cases were retrospectively and prospectively analyzed from a nationwide multi-center registry system of CTRC.The safety and effectiveness of these cases were evaluated. RESULTS: The results of the CTRC database showed that:(1) 68.7% of 601 patients were male,the average age of all patients was(59.5±11.4)years,the average BMI was 23.9±3.6. There were 558 cases of rectal cancer among the total enrolled cases. The average distance between the distal edge of rectal cancer and the anal verge was(48.1±14.8)mm,and the ratio of neoadjuvant therapy was 31.7%.(2) 24.6% of the surgical cases were completed under the supervision of TaTME experts. The mean volume of intraoperative blood loss was(115.2 ± 366.5)mL,and the mean operating time was(247.1±87.5)min. Circle stapler was used to make the anastomosis among 74.8% of rectal cancer cases. The protective stoma was performed among 49.6% of the cases of rectal cancer. Maintaining a stable pneumopelvis and excessive smoke obscuring the pelvic view,were the main intraoperative difficulties encountered during transanal procedure. According to the grading of quality and completeness of the mesorectum in the total mesorectal excision specimen,the incidence rates of TaTME specimen graded as "complete", "nearly complete" and "incomplete" were79.6%,16.8% and 0.2% respectively by the evaluation of surgeons.(3)The incidence of postoperative complications was20.2%,and the anastomotic leakage rate was 7.0%.(4) There were 8 cases of specimen perforation. The average number of lymph node harvest was 15.4±7.9. CONCLUSION: TaTME procedure seems be safe and effective regarding to the shortterm clinical-pathological outcomes. The completeness of distal mesorectal dissection,circumferential resection margin and distal resection margin can be promised by the procedure of TaTME. However,the data quality in the database of CTRC needs to be improved,and structured training for TaTME surgery is indispensable. Further national multicenter prospective clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of TaTME versus TME.

Risk factors of anastomotic leakage in the procedures of trans-abdominal and transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Anastomotic leakage is one of the most serious complications following traditional trans-abdominal total mesorectal excision of rectal cancer. Anastomotic leakage not only affects the postoperative recovery of patients, but also affects their long-term survival. Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a new surgical procedure developed in recent years. Its anastomosis is different from traditional trans-abdominal total mesorectal excision surgery. The risk of anastomotic leakage and related risk factors are also different. Anastomotic leakage of taTME has many risk factors, such as male gender, smoking, large tumor size, obesity, diabetes, methods of anastomosis, duration of surgery, and so on. Surgeons should analyze the risk of anastomotic leakage for every patient with rectal cancer based on patient characteristics, evidence-based medicine, and intraoperative status before deciding on whether diverting colostomy should be performed. In case of postoperative anastomotic leakage, surgeons should carefully select the best timing of performing diverting stoma to minimize the risks caused by the anastomotic leakage of the taTME procedure.