Rectovaginal fistula after low anterior resection for rectal cancer healed by nonoperative treatment

BackgroundRectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a serious complication after colorectal anastomosis using a double-stapling technique. RVF following this procedure has been considered to be refractory to conservative treatment.Case presentationA 75-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopy-assisted low anterior resection for early rectal cancer developed RVF on the 12th postoperative day. Conservative treatment was chosen and was successful. She was discharged from the hospital after 3 weeks with a normal oral diet. Colonoscopy on the 50th postoperative day showed that the RVF was closed.ConclusionConservative treatment may be effective for RVF after colorectal anastomosis using a double-stapling technique when there is no evidence of defecation through the vagina.     

Colonic pouch confers better bowel function and similar postoperative outcomes compared to straight anastomosis for low rectal cancer

BACKGROUNDWith advancements in laparoscopic technology and the wide application of linear staplers, sphincter-saving procedures are increasingly performed for low rectal cancer. However, sphincter-saving procedures have led to the emergence of a unique clinical disorder termed anterior rectal resection syndrome. Colonic pouch anastomosis improves the quality of life of patients with rectal cancer > 7 cm from the anal margin. But whether colonic pouch anastomosis can reduce the incidence of rectal resection syndrome in patients with low rectal cancer is unknown.AIMTo compare postoperative and oncological outcomes and bowel function of straight and colonic pouch anal anastomoses after resection of low rectal cancer.METHODSWe conducted a retrospective study of 72 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent sphincter-saving procedures with either straight or colonic pouch anastomoses. Functional evaluations were completed preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively. We also compared perioperative and oncological outcomes between two groups that had undergone low or ultralow anterior rectal resection.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in mean operating time, blood loss, time to first passage of flatus and excrement, and duration of hospital stay between the colonic pouch and straight anastomosis groups. The incidence of anastomotic leakage following colonic pouch construction was lower (11.4% vs 16.2%) but not significantly different than that of straight anastomosis. Patients with colonic pouch construction had lower postoperative low anterior resection syndrome scores than the straight anastomosis group, suggesting better bowel function (preoperative: 4.71 vs 3.89, P = 0.43; 1 mo after surgery: 34.2 vs 34.7, P = 0.59; 6 mo after surgery: 22.70 vs 29.0, P < 0.05; 12 mo after surgery: 15.5 vs 19.5, P = 0.01). The overall recurrence and metastasis rates were similar (4.3% and 11.4%, respectively).CONCLUSIONColonic pouch anastomosis is a safe and effective procedure for colorectal reconstruction after low and ultralow rectal resections. Moreover, colonic pouch construction may provide better functional outcomes compared to straight anastomosis.     

Feasibility of end-to-anterior wall anastomosis in conversion of the double-stapling technique during laparoscopically assisted surgery

Background

Double stapling technique (DST) is a physiological end-to-end anastomosis that is currently used widely in rectal surgery and also in sigmoidectomy. In laparoscopy-assisted sigmoidectomy, we occasionally encounter obstruction during insertion of the circular stapler device from the anus. In such cases, we used to cut the residual rectosigmoid colon additionally and to allow DST anastomosis. Here, we propose an alternative way to overcome this difficulty, that is to perform an anastomosis to the anterior wall of the rectosigmoid colon.

Methods

Between 2001 and 2007, we experienced the cases of 10 sigmoid colon cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic surgeries with a conversion from DST to end to side (anterior wall) anastomosis.

Results

None of the patients suffered from anastomosis leakage, and none had complained of their stool habits. Colonoscopy showed that anastomosis window is kept wide and that stool is not pooled in the blind pocket of the rectosigmoid colon, suggesting the passage is well preserved.

Conclusion

Our experience indicates that though several technical points should be noted, an end to anterior wall anastomosis procedure is easy and safe. This method is a useful alternative way when end-to-end DST anastomosis is not performed smoothly in laparoscopic surgery.     

Management of irreducible giant rectal prolapse: A case report and literature review

Introduction and importanceRectal prolapse is defined as herniation of mucosa or full-thickness of the rectal wall through the anal canal. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and therefore, it should be treated as soon as diagnosis is confirmed. Definitive treatment is surgical and it depends on the clinical characteristics of the patients. We aimed to present the one of the largest rectal prolapse case in the literature.Case presentationA 32- years- old male patient with a history of severe constipation was admitted to our institution with a giant rectal prolapse. The prolapsed segment was incarcerated, and a semi-emergent procedure was performed though a mid-line laparotomy. The sigmoid colon was redundant and therefore sigmoid colon and the upper two thirds of rectum were resected and end to end anastomosis was performed. The patient was discharged postoperative day 7 without any complication.Clinical discussionRectal prolapse has a negative impact on quality of life and should be operated as soon as the diagnosis is reached. The surgical strategy depends on the compliance of the patient as well as the experience of the surgical team.ConclusionClinicians should know that chronic constipation together with other factors may result in rectal prolapse which may become disproportionately large in size.     

Transanal Inside-Out Rectal Resection for Ultra-Low Rectal Cancer

ABSTRACT

Two major issues encountered in the surgical resection of low rectal cancers (tumor located <6 cm from anal verge) are tumor-free surgical resection margin and adequate fields of colo-anal pull-through anastomosis. The clinical consequences of ensuring gross tumor-free surgical resection margin by transanal inside-out rectal resection technique were assessed for ultra-low rectal cancer patients. From February 2009 to September 2011, ultra-low anterior resection with a new method of eversion of the rectum through the anal canal after resecting the distal rectum and colo-anal anastomosis extracorporally performed in 30 patients (age range, 41–80 years) was reviewed. All patients received preoperative neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) before the surgical resection. The median operating time was 265 min (range, 220–400 min), and the median intraoperative blood loss was 325 ml (range, 80–855 ml). No in-hospital mortality was noted among these patients. R0 resection (tumor-free margin range, 0.9–2.5 cm) was confirmed in all patients by pathologic reports, except one patient with 0.5 cm tumor-free margin. The new surgical technique of transanal inside-out rectal resection and colo-anal pull-through anastomosis for selected patients with ultra-low rectal cancers seems to be a safe and alternative procedure.     

Anastomose colorectale par voie laparoscopique

Laparoscopic colorectal anastomosis typically consists of laparoscopically assisted stapled colorectal anastomosis. The laparoscopic technique does not differ from the conventional open approach. The main challenge is the resection and stapling of the rectal stump, which can be difficult to perform in cases of low tumours and narrow pelvises (in men).     

Laparoscopic-assisted formation of a colon neovagina

We report the laparoscopic formation of a colon neovagina following radical hysterectomy with subtotal colpectomy and radiotherapy in a 43-year-old woman who wished to resume normal vaginal sexual intercourse. The rectum was transected by a laparoscopic stapling device, preserving the inferior mesenteric and the superior rectal artery. By suprapubic mini-laparotomy, the rectosigmoid colon was eventerated and transected 8 cm above the staple line. Following colorectal anastomosis, the isolated bowel segment was rotated 180° and placed on the right side of the anastomosis. A 12-mm trocar was introduced, transvaginally, and the isolated bowel segment was sutured to the vaginal resection margin. There were no peri- or postoperative complications. Six months after surgery, a stenotic area at the entrance to the neovagina was incised. At 12 months after primary surgery, the neovagina allowed normal sexual activity. Laparoscopically assisted formation of a colon neovagina is a surgical alternative for vaginal reconstruction that can be performed successfully even in irradiated patients. apd: 13 March 2001     

IMPROVED TECHNIQUES IN E.E.A. STAPLING FOR ULTRA LOW COLORECTAL AND COLO-ANAL ANASTOMOSIS

Techniques for routinely achieving intact ultralow end-to-end colorectal or colo-anal staple anastomoses have been examined in eight dogs and undertaken in six human subjects having segmental excision for low middle-third rectal carcinoma. A per-anum purse-string suturing technique into an ultra-short anorectal stump was used. Two methods were employed to appose the proximal divided rectum and the anorectal stump prior to stapling: (i) orthograde entry of the E.E.A. into the bowel (4 dogs and 3 humans); and (ii) high retrograde entry of the E.E.A. into the bowel (4 dogs and 3 humans). These techniques appear reliable methods to ensure complete envelopment of the cartridge and anvil by colon or rectal stump. Intact colo-anal anastomoses were achieved in seven dogs, and there was one anastomotic deficiency in the six patients. Anorectal incontinence in the patients has been a postoperative problem, but does improve with time. The techniques appear to offer greater reliability in construction of ultra-low colorectal or colo-anal end-to-end staple anastomosis after segmental excision of the rectum for low middle-third tumours than do more conventional stapling techniques.     

Giant rectal villous adenoma: Surgical approach with rectal eversion and perianal coloanal anastomosis

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer is an important cause of death. Most cases of colon and rectal cancer arise from a preexisting adenomatous polyp. However, if colorectal polyps are very large or not accessible for endoscopic ablation, or if they cannot be removed without an increased risk of perforation, surgical procedures are required.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The case of a patient with a giant villous adenoma of the rectum is described. The patient had diarrhea for 2 years associated with asthenia. Colonoscopy revealed a sessile lesion in the rectum measuring 14 cm in the largest diameter. Rectal eversion technique was used, resecting the lesion under direct visibility and an external coloanal anastomosis was performed. Surgery was satisfactory and the resection margins were free.

DISCUSSION

Removal of these polyps should be performed aiming to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, as well as to control local and systemic symptoms, such as diarrhea and fluid and electrolyte disorders, mainly in villous adenomas. Various surgical techniques are proposed, but in extensive circumferential lesions of the rectum they are difficult to apply. The rectal stump eversion technique was described by Maunsell (1892), for rectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Eversion of the rectal stump and external coloanal anastomosis may be a good surgical alternative for resecting giant rectal adenomas.     

Stercoral perforation of the colon in sigmoid colostomy patients: Two case reports

INTRODUCTIONStercoral perforation of the colon has rarely been reported. Only 3 cases of stercoral perforation of the colon proximal to an end colostomy have been reported. We present two cases of stercoral perforation of the colon in end colostomy patients.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 70-year-old man who had undergone abdomino-perineal excision for anal cancer was referred for left lower quadrant pain and fever. Stercoral perforation was discovered along the distal descending colon, proximal to the end sigmoid colostomy. The patient underwent segmental resection of the colon and revision of the stoma and was discharged on postoperative day 32. A 71-year-old woman who had undergone abdomino-perineal excision for distal rectal cancer with preoperative chemoradiation presented fever with 2 days of low abdominal pain. The patient had sacral bone and lung metastases from rectal cancer and suffered from chronic constipation. Stercoral perforation was found around the sigmoid colon, just proximal to the end sigmoid colostomy. The patient underwent simple repair of the perforated colon through the parastomal incision. On postoperative day 8, leakage occurred at the repair site. Segmental resection of the colon and revision of the stoma were performed. She was discharged 44 days after the initial surgery.DISCUSSIONSegmental resection of the perforated colon, rather than simple repair, appears to improve postoperative outcomes.CONCLUSIONAs the number of cancer survivors increases, appropriate management of constipation is important to prevent stercoral perforation during follow-up.     

The application of a new stapling device for open surgery (ContourTM Curved Cutter Stapler) in the laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer

Anastomotic leakage is a serious problem in the laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer. Although stapling devices and techniques for colorectal or coloanal anastomosis have been improved, laparoscopic anastomosis is still technically difficult and the rate of leakage is high. To resolve this problem, a new stapling device (the Contour^TM Curved Cutter Stapler) for open surgery was applied to the laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer. After intracorporeal mobilization and vessel ligation, a 6-cm Pfannenstiel incision was made to insert the device into the peritoneal cavity, and a hand access device was placed on the site. The head of the device was put through a cutoff of the middle finger of a surgical glove, after which the wrist of the glove was attached to the hand access device. To prevent leakage of CO₂ gas through the gap between the shaft and the glove, the shaft covered by the glove was tied, and the gap was filled with bone wax. After re-creation of the pneumoperitoneum, the rectum was transected with the stapling device, and the anastomosis was accomplished by the double stapling technique. This technique enabled a reliable transection of the rectum because of the easy handling of the device and the wide laparoscopic view of the lower rectum in the deep pelvis.     

直肠拉出切除术治疗低位直肠癌的系列改进

为了提高Ｂａｃｏｎ式直肠拉出切除术后患者的排便控制能力,免去二期手术切除拉出结肠,作者对Ｂａｃｏｎ手术进行了４次改进。第一次保留了肛提肌,第二次保留了齿线和肛管移行区（肛管感觉）,从而大大提高了排便控制能力;第三次改进简化了经肛门的切除操作。第四次改进将拟拉出的结肠端肠管环扎于螺纹内支撑管上,以替代结肠拉出,转流粪便。当环扎线远端肠管坏死脱落时,近侧肠管已与肛管内创面和盆壁靠拢愈合。这就免去二期手术切除肛门外结肠,从而缩短住院期,减轻了患者的痛苦和经济负担。本手术适应于在切除足够的癌远端肠管和周围组织后,肛提肌上剩余直肠不足１ｃｍ,很难经腹腔吻合的低位癌;从而扩大了保肛手术的适应范围。本手术是Ｐａｒｋｓ手术一种很好的替代。     

Transmural sigmoid colon endometrioma in a young reproductive age woman

INTRODUCTIONEndometriosis is a common disease affecting women of reproductive age. Endometrial tissue can implant to various tissues including gastrointestinal tissues and cause significant GI symptoms. Rarely, these implants cause constricting lesions that require surgical intervention.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe report a case of a 27-year-old woman with extensive endometriosis and new onset gastrointestinal symptoms. A near-complete constricting endometrioma involving the sigmoid colon was identified and required surgical resection with side-to-side anastomosis.DISCUSSIONWhen endometrial tissue implants to gastrointestinal tissues it can cause GI symptoms including rectal bleeding and dyschezia. If left untreated, progressive endometriosis may result in partial or complete bowel obstruction requiring surgical resection.CONCLUSIONObstruction of the GI tract by endometrial implantation can be prevented with early identification and treatment (medical and surgical).     

Colon perforation caused by transanal decompression tube after laparoscopic low anterior resection: A case report

IntroductionThe effectiveness of transanal decompression tube (TDT) to prevent anastomotic leakage after rectal surgery has been widely accepted in recent years. However, a rare complication of intestinal perforation due to TDT has been also reported.Presentation of caseA 88-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. An abdominal drainage tube adjacent to the colorectal anastomosis and a TDT were placed. The patient experienced abdominal pain, nausea and elevated inflammatory markers on postoperative day 6. Enema and computed tomography demonstrated colonic perforation due to the TDT, and emergency laparotomy was performed. Perforation of the anterior sigmoid colon located at the proximal side of the colorectal anastomosis was seen, and the TDT was exposed to the abdominal cavity. Therefore, primary closure of the perforation site, peritoneal lavage, drainage tube placement and transverse colostomy was performed.DiscussionIn our case, TDT seemed to compress the anterior wall of the colon and lead to perforation. The looseness of the remaining oral intestinal tract depressed in the pelvis was compressed by the TDT.ConclusionTDTs should be very carefully placed to avoid complication. The length and looseness of the oral intestine and the relationship between the TDT to be inserted might be important.     

Laparoscopically assisted resection of the lower rectum

We report a new laparoscopic approach to the resection of the lower rectum which has been successfully used in the treatment of a patient with a small rectal carcinoid tumor. Under general anesthesia a pneumo-peritoneum was established with CO₂ gas insufflation and the rectum was mobilized from the sacrum including division of the lateral ligaments under the direct view of the laparoscope. The bowel was divided between the sigmoid colon and the rectum using an endoscopic linear stapler, and the rectum was everted through the anal canal. The lower rectum was transected extracorporeally using a linear stapler and the rectal stump was then returned to the anatomical position. An anvil of a circular stapling device into the oral colon stump through a small skin incision on the left lower abdomen was introduced and the shaft of the device through the rectal stump via anus was inserted. The device was then re-approximated under laparoscopic view and fired. Our procedure described here is applicable to the lower rectal lesion as a minimally invasive, safe, and useful therapeutic tool.     

Endoscopic closure of a postoperative rectal anastomotic leakage with hemoclips: A case report

Introduction and importanceHemoclips have been used to protect leakage after endoscopic resection of large colorectal polyps or early-staged rectal cancer, or for perforation of the sigmoid colon during colonoscopy. However, endoscopic clips were seldom used to manage anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection of rectal cancer.Case presentationA patient with postoperative anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer was successfully treated by endoscopic hemoclips under colonoscopic vision after failure of conservative treatment. Postoperative course was uncomplicated and the patient was discharged from the hospital seven days later.Clinical discussion and conclusionEndoscopic hemoclips should be considered as an alternative option for the treatment of an anastomotic leakage in cases where conservative treatment has failed. As they are safe and effective for closure, however good bowel preparation and strict inclusion criteria are required.     

直肠拖出双吻合器保肛术治疗超低位直肠癌

目的 评价直肠拖出采用双吻合器技术实施保肛超低位直肠癌切除手术的疗效。方法1997年12月王2005年1月对38例超低位直肠癌，采用直肠拖出、双吻合器技术行保肛的手术切除。结果38例病人均成功地保留了有大便控制功能的肛门，术后发生吻合口瘘1例，随访中有2例局部复发。结论直肠拖出双吻合器保肛术是安全可行的。     

Surgical technique for the successful curative resection of locally advanced caecal cancer invading the external iliac artery: A case report

IntroductionCurative resection generally has a good prognosis if the tumor is a locally advanced colorectal tumor. However, resection of a primary tumor that has invaded the aortoiliac artery is controversial. Herein, we report a case of successful resection of advanced cecal cancer invading the external iliac artery.Case reportA 29-year-old male patient had advanced cecal cancer invading the right external iliac artery and vein, right ureter, iliopsoas muscle, and sigmoid colon. We collected the patient's pre-/intra-/postoperative, clinical, and histological data. We reviewed the factors that may have contributed to curative resection without complications. We performed a palliative terminal ileum-sigmoid anastomosis for the prevention of intestinal obstruction. The patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the tumor patently regressed. After arterial reconstruction was performed with a femoral-femoral bypass, we performed radical resection: right hemicolectomy; partial sigmoidectomy; and partial resection of the right ureter, iliopsoas muscle, right testicular, and external iliac vessels. Pathologically, 99% of the tumor cells disappeared after chemotherapy. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 9. No recurrence has been noted 24 months after surgical resection, and the patient is receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.ConclusionsThus, we successfully resected advanced cecal cancer without complications. Reconstruction with femoral-femoral arterial bypass and neoadjuvant chemotherapy are useful methods for curative resection without complications.     

低位直肠癌行双吻合器保肛手术

目的探讨低位直肠癌行双吻合器保肛手术的效果。方法回顾性分析近5年间应用双吻合器行保肛手术的78例低位直肠癌患者的临床资料。结果所有患者直肠闭合及吻合均成功,术后切缘病理均未见癌细胞浸润,无吻合口漏及手术死亡。73例(93.6%)随访9～65个月,盆腔复发2例(2.7%),腹腔广泛转移1例(1.4%),肝脏转移7例(9.6%),吻合口局部复发1例(1.4%,术后11个月再行Miles术)。结论双吻合技术可为低位直肠癌患者提供保肛机会,使用得当可有效预防吻合口漏等并发症的发生。     

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??Application and evaluation of the stapling instruments in sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer YE Ying-jiang, GAO Zhi-dong, WANG Shan. Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
Corresponding author??WANG Shan??E-mail??shanwang@pkuph.edu.cn
Abstract China is a low rectal cancer prone area. Moreover the incidence increased year by year in China. For a long time, abdominoperineal resection (APR) has been the gold standard for low rectal radical resection. But it would lead to the loss of anus, which affecting the quality of life of patients seriously. Anterior resection (AR) is a sphincter-preserving operation, which makes the quality of life in patients with low rectal cancer has been greatly improved. Due to technical limitations, AR can be only applied to proximal rectal cancer formerly. Recent years, total mesorectal excision, external anal sphincter retention techniques and stapling instruments allows low or ultra-low rectal cancer patients to get radical resection and can keep the anal function. Especially stapling instruments make low anastomosis more convenient and safer. Rational use of staplers and updated of stapling functions could reduce the incidence of postoperative complications significantly.