Local Recurrence After Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery for Rectal Polyps and Early Cancers

Background Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows for local excision of rectal neoplasms with greater exposure than transanal excision and less morbidity than transabdominal approaches. This study examines the implications of the procedure with respect to predictors of recurrence. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 144 consecutive TEMs from 1993 to 2004. Results The study comprises 107 patients presenting for TEM with benign disease and 32 patients with cancer. Patients had a mean age of 64 ± 14 (SD) years. TEM was performed for recurrent lesions in 17% of cases. Pathologic classification of the lesions after TEM was benign adenoma in 45%, adenoma with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in 17%, cancer in 33%, and other in 4%. Complications occurred in 10%, and local recurrence occurred in 15% of patients. Median follow-up was 44 months, with a median time to recurrence of 14 months. Positive margins did not influence lesion recurrence. Recurrence of cancers correlated with the depth of tumor invasion (P < .05). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of recurrence were lesion size and the presence of HGD within adenomas (P < .05). Five-year neoplastic recurrence probabilities were 11% for benign adenomas, 35% for adenomas with HGD, and 20% for cancers (P = .31); invasive recurrence probabilities were 0% for benign adenomas, 15% for adenomas with HGD, and 13% for cancers (P < .05). Conclusions Close endoscopic follow-up is warranted after TEM for both benign and malignant disease, with special attention to lesions with HGD. TEM can be performed safely for early rectal cancer with careful patient selection. Presented at the Society of Surgical Oncology, 58th Annual Cancer Symposium, Atlanta, Georgia, March 3–6, 2005.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery versus endoscopic mucosal resection for large rectal adenomas (TREND-study)

Background

Recent non-randomized studies suggest that extended endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is equally effective in removing large rectal adenomas as transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). If equally effective, EMR might be a more cost-effective approach as this strategy does not require expensive equipment, general anesthesia and hospital admission. Furthermore, EMR appears to be associated with fewer complications. The aim of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of TEM and EMR for the resection of large rectal adenomas.

Methods/design

Multicenter randomized trial among 15 hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients with a rectal adenoma ≥ 3 cm, located between 1–15 cm ab ano, will be randomized to a TEM- or EMR-treatment strategy. For TEM, patients will be treated under general anesthesia, adenomas will be dissected en-bloc by a full-thickness excision, and patients will be admitted to the hospital. For EMR, no or conscious sedation is used, lesions will be resected through the submucosal plane in a piecemeal fashion, and patients will be discharged from the hospital. Residual adenoma that is visible during the first surveillance endoscopy at 3 months will be removed endoscopically in both treatment strategies and is considered as part of the primary treatment. Primary outcome measure is the proportion of patients with recurrence after 3 months. Secondary outcome measures are: 2) number of days not spent in hospital from initial treatment until 2 years afterwards; 3) major and minor morbidity; 4) disease specific and general quality of life; 5) anorectal function; 6) health care utilization and costs. A cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of EMR against TEM for large rectal adenomas will be performed from a societal perspective with respectively the costs per recurrence free patient and the cost per quality adjusted life year as outcome measures. Based on comparable recurrence rates for TEM and EMR of 3.3% and considering an upper-limit of 10% for EMR to be non-inferior (beta-error 0.2 and one-sided alpha-error 0.05), 89 patients are needed per group.

Discussion

The TREND study is the first randomized trial evaluating whether TEM or EMR is more cost-effective for the treatment of large rectal adenomas.

Trial registration number

(trialregister.nl) NTR1422     

Factors predicting early recurrence after transanal endoscopic microsurgery excision for rectal adenoma

INTRODUCTION: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is an accepted way of excising rectal adenomas with low morbidity and mortality, avoiding major resectional surgery. However, there are no agreed criteria for surveillance following TEM. The purpose of this study was to identify criteria to guide surveillance programmes, thus reducing the surveillance burden for those patients at low risk of recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone TEM for rectal adenomas were identified, and a retrospective review of patient, pathological and histological parameters was performed. RESULTS: Seventy-five (40 male) patients were identified; median age 70 years (39-85). There were seven tubular, 33 tubulo-villous and 35 villous adenomas. All were considered completely excised by the operating surgeon. Forty-seven (62.7%) were reported as being completely excised histologically. There was no significant association between recurrence at 6 months and sex, age, type or position of adenoma, height above the anal verge, or degree of dysplasia. Recurrence rates at six months were 0% for the completely excised adenomas and 21.4% for the incompletely excised ones; this was statistically significant (Pearson chi(2), P < 0.001). In all there were 12 recurrences, 10 in the incompletely excised group at a median follow up of 31 (6-80) months (P < 0.001). In addition, a significant association for large adenomas to recur was noted at median follow up (Armitage Trend test, P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Histological assessment of completeness of excision of rectal adenoma and size of adenoma are important predictors of early recurrence and have potential to guide follow-up strategies after TEM.     

Adenoma Recurrences After Resection of Colorectal Carcinoma: Results From the Southwest Oncology Group 9041 Calcium Chemoprevention Pilot Study

Background: Colorectal adenomas are the usual precursors to carcinoma in sporadic and hereditary colorectal cancers (CRC).Methods: A total of 220 CRC patients (stages 0, I, and II) were randomized prospectively in a double-blind pilot study of calcium chemoprevention by using recurrent colorectal adenomas as a surrogate end point. This trial is still in progress, and we report the preliminary findings on adenoma recurrence rates.Results: Synchronous adenomas were present in 60% of patients, and cancer confined in a polyp was present in 23% of patients. The overall cumulative adenoma recurrence rate was 31% (19% in the first year, 29% for 2 years, and 35% for 3 years). The recurrence rates were greater for patients with synchronous adenomas: 38% at 3 years (P = .01). Lower stage was associated with higher adenoma recurrence rates (P = .04). Factors including age, sex, site of primary cancer, and whether the cancer was confined to a polyp were not significantly associated with differences in adenoma recurrence rates.Conclusions: The substantial adenoma recurrence rate in patients resected of CRC justifies colonoscopic surveillance on a periodic basis. Patients with higher rates of adenoma recurrences, such as CRC with synchronous adenomas, are ideal subjects for chemoprevention trials.     

The ideal lateral internal sphincterotomy: clinical and endosonographic evaluation following open and closed internal anal sphincterotomy

Objective To evaluate the relationship between extent of internal sphincter division following open and closed sphincterotomy, as assessed by anal endosonography, with fissure persistence/recurrence and faecal incontinence. Method A total of 140 consecutive patients undergoing lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) for idiopathic chronic anal fissure were prospectively studied. Preoperative clinical assessment was performed together with a postoperative clinical and endosonographic examination. Three zones of the internal sphincter, identifiable by endosonography, were used to describe the uppermost extent of LIS. Primary end‐points were fissure persistence/recurrence and faecal incontinence. Results A total of 140 patients, median age 49.5 years (IQR: 38–56 years) were included. Seventy‐five (53.6%) and 65(46.4%) patients underwent percutaneous LIS (PLIS) and open LIS (OLIS) respectively. Median follow‐up was 21 months (IQR: 14–29 months). Persistence and recurrence rates were 2.9% (4/140) and 5.7% (8/140) respectively. 7.9% (11/140) patients scored > 3 on the Jorge and Wexner Faecal Incontinence scale. PLIS was associated with a trend towards higher fissure persistence/recurrence rates than OLIS (12.0%vs 4.6%, P = 0.141). OLIS was significantly associated with a higher proportion of complete sphincterotomies (CS) than PLIS (56/65 vs 48/75, P = 0.003). A CS was associated with a lower fissure persistence or recurrence rate (1/104 vs 11/36, P < 0.001) but higher incontinence scores (11/104 vs 0/36 cases with Wexner scores > 3, P = 0.042) than following incomplete sphincterotomy. There was a strongly significant increase in incontinence scores (P < 0.001) and decrease in recurrence rates (P < 0.001) with increasing length of sphincterotomy. Conclusion We recommend a short and CS using either PLIS or OLIS for the treatment of idiopathic anal fissure.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery in large,sessile adenomas of the rectum

The clinical and long-term results of 286 cases encountered from 1983 to 1993 in our Department of Surgery regarding the local excision of large, sessile rectal adenomas (>2cm²) by the endoscopic surgical method and the influence of this selected series of adenomas on age, sex, size, grade of dysplasia, and architecture are subjects of this study. Histologically proven rectal carcinomas as well as nonneoplastic polyps were excluded from this trial.Early postoperative complications amounted to 3.4%. The 1-year and 5-year recurrence rates ±SE of adenomas were 1.2±0.7% and 7.0±1.9%, respectively. Remarkably, there was no significant relationship between the histological type of the adenoma and the grade of dysplasia nor between the size and grade of dysplasia. However, there was a significant relationship between the size and histological type of the adenoma (P<0.01).With the endoscopic minimal-invasive system, we are able to achieve a superior rate of recurrence compared to any other local treatment as well as a more favorable operative result compared to extensive surgical procedures.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: local recurrence rate following resection of rectal cancer

Objective Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a safe and effective treatment for the excision of benign rectal adenomas. In recent years it has been used for the excision of malignant lesions, although its use in this context remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the local recurrence of rectal cancers following local excision by TEM. Method Forty‐two patients with rectal cancer were treated by TEM between 1998 and 2005. However, six patients went on to have immediate radical surgery and are excluded from the study. Of the remaining 36 the treatment intention was for cure in 16 (38.1%), compromise in 17 patients unfit for radical surgery (40.5%), and palliation in three (7.1%). Results The mean age of patients was 75 years (range 41–90). The mean lesion area was 15 cm² (range 0.8–42) and mean distance from the dentate line was 6.6 cm (range 0–11). The mean follow up was 34 months (range 4–94). During the follow‐up period there have been eight local recurrences (22%). The recurrence rates were 26% (6/23) for pT1, 22% (2/9) for pT2 and 0% (0/4) for pT3 lesions. The mean time to recurrence was 18.3 months (range 5–42). Conclusion Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a safe procedure with obvious advantages over radical procedures. However, in this study the local recurrence rate is high. The recurrence rate may be an acceptable compromise in elderly or medically unfit patients but is hard to justify for curative intent.     

A randomized,controlled trial of narrow‐band imaging vs high‐definition white light for adenoma detection in patients at high risk of adenomas

Aim The study aimed to investigate whether narrow‐band imaging (NBI) can enhance adenoma detection in patients at high risk for adenomas compared with high‐definition white‐light endoscopy (WLE). High risk was defined as three or more adenomas at last colonoscopy, history of colorectal cancer and positive faecal occult blood test. Method Two hundred and fourteen patients were randomized 1:1 to examination with NBI or WLE. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients with at least one adenoma detected. Secondary outcomes included total adenomas and polyps, flat adenomas, nonadenomatous polyps, advanced adenomas and patients with three or five or more adenomas. A post hoc analysis to examine the effect of endoscopist and bowel preparation was performed. Results There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with at least one adenoma: NBI 73%vs WLE 66%, odds ratio 1.40 (95% CI 0.78–2.52), P = 0.26. There was no significant difference for any secondary outcome measure except for the number of flat adenomas which was significantly greater with NBI [comparison ratio 2.66 (95% CI 1.52–4.63), P = 0.001]. Post hoc analysis indicated that one of three endoscopists performed significantly better for adenoma detection with NBI than WLE [comparison ratio 1.92 (95% CI 1.07–3.44), P = 0.03]. Good bowel preparation was associated with significantly improved adenoma detection with NBI [comparison ratio 1.55 (95% CI 1.01–2.22), P = 0.04] but not with fair preparation. Conclusion Overall NBI did not improve detection compared with WLE in a group of patients at high risk for colorectal adenomas, but specific subgroups might benefit.     

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for external rectal prolapse improves constipation and avoids de novo constipation

Objective Abdominal rectopexy is ideal for otherwise healthy patients with rectal prolapse because of low recurrence, yet after posterior rectopexy, half of the patients complain of severe constipation. Resection mitigates this dysfunction but risks a pelvic anastomosis. The novel nerve‐sparing ventral rectopexy appears to avoid postero‐lateral rectal dissection denervation and thus postoperative constipation. We aimed to evaluate our functional results with laparoscopic ventral rectopexy. Method Consecutive rectal prolapse patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral rectopexy were prospectively assessed (Wexner Constipation and Faecal Incontinence Severity Index scores) pre‐, 3 months postoperatively, and late (> 12 months). Results Sixty‐five consecutive patients with external rectal prolapse (median age 72 years, 34% > 80 years, median follow up 19 months) underwent laparoscopic ventral rectopexy. There was one recurrence (2%) and one conversion. Morbidity (17%) and mortality (0%) were low. Median operating time was 140 min and median length of stay 2 days. At 3 months, constipation was improved in 72% and  mildly induced in 2% (median pre‐and postoperative Wexner scores 9 vs 4, P < 0.0001). Continence was improved in 83% and mild incontinence was induced or  worsened in 5% (median pre‐ and postoperative incontinence score 40 vs 4, P < 0.0001). Significant improvement in both constipation and incontinence (P < 0.0001) remained at median 24 months late follow‐up. Conclusion Ventral rectopexy has a recurrent prolapse rate of < 5%, similar to that of posterior rectopexy. Its correction of preoperative constipation and avoidance of de novo constipation appear superior to historical functional results of posterior rectopexy. A laparoscopic approach allows low morbidity and short hospital stay, even in those patients over 80 years of age in whom a perineal approach is usually preferred for safety.     

The impact of the two-week wait referral pathway on rectal cancer survival

Aim The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with rectal cancer referred through the two‐week wait (TWW) system with those identified by routine referral pathways (non‐TWW). Method A prospective study was carried out of 125 consecutive patients diagnosed with rectal cancer between January 2000 and December 2005 (6 years) in one district general hospital. Data were recorded prospectively in a local clinicopathological registry. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (TWW) and group 2 (routine referral pathway). Results Fifty‐two (41%) of the 125 patients were diagnosed through the TWW (group 1). There was no significant difference in patient demographics, including baseline tumour characteristics, between the two groups. There was no difference in preoperative or postoperative T stage between the two groups (P = 0.63). There was no significant difference in circumferential margin positivity (five of 52 in group 1 vs four of 73 in group 2; P = 0.52) or local recurrence rates (P = 0.37). The 5‐year all‐cause mortality was 49% for group 1 and 52% for group 2 (P = 0.3). The overall disease‐free survival was similar in the two groups (1521 days for group 1 vs 1591 days for group 1, P = 0.29). Conclusion Referral under the TWW strategy does not translate into improved survival in rectal cancer.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is superior to transanal excision of rectal adenomas

Aim Comparison of transanal excision (TE) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) of rectal adenomas (RA) has rarely been performed. Method From 1990 to 2007, the results of TE (43 RA) and TEM (216 RA) were compared. Rectal adenomas were matched for diameter and distance from the anal verge. Results Operation time was 47.5 min for TE and 35 min for TEM (P < 0.001). Morbidity was 10% after TE and 5.3% after TEM (P < 0.001). Negative resection margins were observed in 50% after TE and 88% after TEM (P < 0.001). Fragmentation of the excised specimen was observed in 23.8% after TE and 1.4% after TEM (P < 0.001). In cases of fragmentation, positive resection margins were observed more frequently. Recurrence was 28.7% after TE and 6.1% after TEM (P < 0.001). After TE, RA with a negative resection margin had a local recurrence rate of 0%, compared with 59.6% with a positive margin (P < 0.001), and after TEM these rates were 3.2 and 7.7% (P = 0.3), respectively. Conclusion Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is superior to transanal excision of RA.     

Recurrence after transanal endoscopic microsurgery for large rectal adenomas

Background

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has revolutionized the technique and outcome of transanal surgery, becoming the standard of treatment for large sessile rectal adenomas. Nevertheless, only a few studies have evaluated the risk factors for local recurrence in order to recommend a “tailored” approach. The aim of this study was to identify predictor variables for recurrence after TEM to treat rectal adenoma.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients treated for large sessile rectal adenomas by TEM at our institution, with a minimum follow-up of 12?months. Age, gender, tumor diameter, distance from the anal verge, degree of dysplasia, histology, and margin involvement were investigated.

Results

Between January 1993 and July 2010, 293 patients with a rectal adenoma ≥3?cm underwent TEM. Postoperative morbidity rate was 7.2?% (21/293) and there was no 30-day mortality. Over a median follow-up period of 110 (range?=?12–216) months, 13 patients (5.6?%) were diagnosed with local recurrence. The median time to recurrence was 10 (range?=?4–33) months, with 76.9?% of recurrences detected within 12?months after TEM. At univariate analysis, tumor diameter (p?=?0.007), and positive margins (p?p?=?0.003).

Conclusions

TEM provides excellent oncological outcomes in the treatment of large sessile benign rectal lesions, assuring a minimal risk of resection margin infiltration at pathology examination, which represents the only risk factor for recurrence.     

经肛门内镜微创手术治疗32例直肠腺瘤

目的 评估经肛门内镜微创手术（TEM）治疗直肠腺瘤临床应用的安全性及疗效.方法 2006年9月至2010年2月共32例术前诊断为直肠腺瘤的患者接受TEM治疗,总结其治疗结果.结果 全组患者肿瘤直径0.6～10.0（2.31.2）cm.手术时间为20～180（平均70）min,术中平均出血量小于10 ml,无中转开腹手术.22例（68.8%）行创面缝合,其中全层切除14例;有2例上段直肠肿瘤行全层切除时切穿至腹膜腔,予腔内连续缝合修补破损,术后均未发生肠漏.R0切除31例（96.9%）.术后病理示单纯腺瘤12例;腺瘤伴低级别上皮内瘤变10例;腺瘤伴高级别上皮内瘤变5例;腺瘤局灶癌变5例,均为T1期.术后并发肛门出血、急性尿潴留和肺部感染各1例.术后平均住院时间为4.5（3～8）d;平均随访23（2～43）个月,2例出现复发.结论 TEM手术创伤小、切除精确,是一种对直肠较大腺瘤安全有效的微创手术方法.     

Intramucosal carcinoma of the rectum can be safely treated with transanal endoscopic microsurgery; clinical support of the revised Vienna classification

Aim

The revised Vienna criteria were proposed for classifying rectal neoplasia and subsequent treatment strategies. Restaging intramucosal carcinoma to a non-invasive subgroup seems logical, but clinical support is lacking. In this study, we investigated whether distinction between intramucosal carcinomas (IMC) and rectal adenoma (RA) is of clinical relevance and whether these neoplasms can all be similarly and safely treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM).

Methods

All consecutive patients with IMC and RA, treated with TEM between 1996 and 2010 in tertiary referral centre for TEM were included. Long-term outcome of 88 IMC was compared to 356 pure rectal adenomas (RA). Local recurrence (LR) rate was the primary endpoint. Risk factors for LR were analysed.

Results

LR was diagnosed in 7/88 patients (8.0 %) with IMC and in 33/356 patients with primary RA (9.3 %; p = 0.700) and LR-free survival did not differ (p = 0.438). Median time to recurrence was 10 months (IQR IMC 5–30; RA 6–16). Overall recurrence occurred mainly in the first 3 years (38/40; 95 %). None of the LR revealed malignancy on pathological evaluation. No differences could be found in complication rates (IMC 9 %; RA 13 %; p = 0.34). Metastases did not occur in either group. Independent risk factors for LR were irradical margins at final histopathology (HR 2.32; 95 % CI 1.17–4.59; p = 0.016) and more proximal tumours (HR 0.84; 95 % CI 0.77–0.92; P = <0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, IMC of the rectum and RA have similar recurrence rates. This supports the revised Vienna classification. Both entities can be safely treated with TEM.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that was developed more than two decades ago to manage distal colorectal neoplasias. The aim of the current study was to present a prospective review of 7 years of experience in using this equipment. All patients undergoing TEM between 1999 and 2007 were prospectively evaluated. Patients underwent regular endoscopic follow up. Cumulative incidence probability analysis was used to calculate rates of recurrence. The study involved 232 patients, median age 68 years (interquartile range (IQR), 37–90). The median neoplasia area was 12 cm² (IQR, 6–25 cm²) and the median height above the anal verge was 9 cm (IQR, 3–17 cm). Histology indicated 128 adenomas, 52 carcinomas in situ, and 52 adenocarcinomas. The median postoperative stay was 1 day (IQR, 1–3 days). There was one (0.5%) unplanned return to theatre and no postoperative deaths. Sixteen patients (6.9%) underwent more radical surgical procedures following the identification of carcinoma in the resected specimen. During a median follow up of 4.2 years (IQR, 2.6–6.2 years), the 5‐year cumulative incidence for local recurrence for benign pathology was 3.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–6.7%, n = 180) and for cancers managed primarily by TEM excision it was 8.5% (95%CI: 1.4–23.9%, n = 36). TEM is an excellent treatment modality for benign rectal neoplasias of any size, and in any location. TEM is an oncologically inferior treatment for rectal cancer, however, when compared to more radical treatments. Its principal advantage in this setting is that it is associated with relatively minimal morbidity and mortality.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery and radical surgery for T1 and T2 rectal cancer

Background: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has gained increasing acceptance as a local treatment of early rectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of TEM and radical surgery in patients with T1 and T2 rectal cancer. Methods: From October 1994 to December 2000, 74 patients with T1 and T2 rectal adenocarcinoma treated with TEM were compared with 100 patients with T1N0M0 and T2N0M0 rectal adenocarcinoma treated with radical surgery. Retrospective analysis was performed regarding to recurrence and survival rate. Neither group received adjuvant chemoradiation. There was no significant difference in age, gender, tumor location, or follow-up period between the two groups. The only difference was in tumor size. Results: Of the 74 patients in TEM group, 52 were T1 (70.3%) and 22 were T2 (29.7%). Of the 100 patients in radical surgery group, 17 were T1 (17%) and 83 patients were T2 (83%). The 5-year local recurrence rates were 4.1% for T1, 19.5% for T2 after TEM, 0% for T1, and 9.4% for T2 after radical surgery. There was no statistical difference between the TEM and radical surgery groups for T1 rectal cancer (p = 0.95), but for T2 rectal cancer, the 5-year local recurrence rate was higher after TEM than after radical surgery (p = 0.04). There were no significant statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the 5-year disease-free survival rate and the survival rate. Conclusions: For T1 rectal cancer, there was no difference in recurrence or 5-year survival rate between the TEM and the radical surgery groups. For T2 rectal cancer, there was no statistical difference in the 5-year survival rate between the two groups, but TEM carried higher risk of local recurrence. Therefore, careful selection of the patients is required for TEM, and when proper muscle invasion is proven, the TEM procedure should be supplemented by further treatment, or radical surgery should be performed. Presented at the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) meeting and the 8th World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery, New York, New York, USA, 13–16 March 2002     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: risk factors for local recurrence of benign rectal adenomas

OBJECTIVE: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive technique for excision of selected benign and malignant rectal neoplasms. It is considered a safe and effective treatment but recurrence rates of 1-13% are reported for benign lesions. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for local recurrence of benign rectal lesions and to evaluate mortality and morbidity following TEM. METHOD: Data were prospectively collected from all patients undergoing TEM for benign adenomas from January 1998 to March 2005. The procedure was performed by a single surgeon and patients were regularly followed up. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-six procedures were included, with a median patient age of 74 years (range 22-92 years). The mean lesion area was 16 cm(2) (range 0.3-150 cm(2)) and the median distance from the dentate line was 9 cm (range 0-17 cm). Immediate complications included bleeding (six) and acute urinary retention (six). There has been one (0.68%) procedure-related death. After a median follow up of 39 months (range 4-89 months) there have been seven recurrences (4.8%), recurring at a mean time of 23.3 months (range 5-48 months). Only microscopic involvement of the circumferential resection margin was found to be significantly associated with recurrence (P = 0.0059). Recurrence was not associated with age, size of lesion, previous treatment, severity of dysplasia or use of the harmonic scalpel. CONCLUSION: TEM is a safe and effective treatment for benign rectal adenomas. Circumferential resection margin involvement is associated with recurrence, which tends to occur late. Therefore extended follow up is recommended.     

The indication and surgical results of local excision following radiotherapy for low rectal cancer

Aim Radical surgery of rectal cancer is associated with significant morbidity, and some patients with low‐lying lesions must accept a permanent colostomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of local excision followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer for curative purposes. Method One hundred and seven patients with rectal carcinoma performed with local excision were analysed retrospectively. Results The procedures of local excision were trans‐anal resection in 83 patients, trans‐sacral resection in 16, trans‐sphincteric local resection in five, and trans‐vaginal resection in three. The overall disease‐free survival rate was 80.4% (86/107), including 90.0% (54/60) for T1 and 72.3% (34/47) for T2 tumours, respectively. Eighty‐two of 107 patients underwent adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy after local excision, and 25 did not, and the DFS rates between radiation and nonradiation group were significantly different for T2 [81.6% (31/38) vs 33.3% (3/9), P < 0.05], but not for T1 tumours (90.9%vs 87.5%, P > 0.05). The rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis were 13.1% (14/107) and 4.7% (5/106), respectively, and the median time to relapse was 15 months (range: 10–53) for local recurrence and 30 months (21–65) for distant recurrence. The risk factors for local recurrence were large tumour (≥3 cm), poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and T2 tumour. Conclusions Local excision followed adjuvant radiotherapy is an alternative and feasible technique for small T1 rectal cancer in selected cases.     

Intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer: laparoscopic vs open surgery approach

Aim Laparoscopic sphincter‐saving surgery has been investigated for rectal cancer but not for tumours of the lower third. We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer. Method From 1990 to 2007, patients with rectal tumour below 6 cm from the anal verge and treated by open or laparoscopic curative intersphincteric resection were included in a retrospective comparative study. Surgery included total mesorectal excision with internal sphincter excision and protected low coloanal anastomosis. Neoadjuvant treatment was given to patients with T3 or N+ tumours. Recurrence and survival were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the Logrank test. Function was assessed using the Wexner continence score. Results Intersphincteric resection was performed in 175 patients with low rectal cancer: 110 had laparoscopy and 65 had open surgery. The two groups were similar according to age, sex, body mass index, ASA score, tumour stage and preoperative radiotherapy. Postoperative mortality (zero) and morbidity (23%vs 28%; P = 0.410) were similar in both groups. There was no difference in 5‐year local recurrence (5%vs 2%; P = 0.349) and 5‐year disease‐free survival (70%vs 71%; P = 0.862). Function and continence scores (11 vs 12; P = 0.675) were similar in both groups. Conclusion Intersphincteric resection did not alter long‐term tumour control of low rectal cancer. The safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic approach for intersphincteric resection are suggested by a similar short‐ and long‐term outcome as obtained by open surgery.     

1ADJUVANT RADIOTHERAPY IS AN INDEPENDENT RISK FACTOR FOR SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION AFTER CURATIVE RECTAL CANCER SURGERY

Aim: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) as a complication is not uncommon after curative rectal cancer surgery; adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) may have a contributory role. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors for this complication. Methods: The medical records of 260 consecutive patients with rectal cancer (excluding rectosigmoid cancer) who underwent curative surgery at our institution between January 1995 and December 2000 were retrospectively reviewed to determine the prevalence of SBO requiring hospitalization and intervention. Possible risk factors for SBO were recorded and analysed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The median duration of follow up was 76.1 months (range, 3.3–141.8 months). Forty‐four patients (16.9%) developed SBO and 19 of them required surgical intervention. Three patients (6.8%) died as a consequence of SBO. Seventy‐eight patients (30%) received adjuvant RT with a median dose of 50 Gy (range 30–64 Gy). Patients receiving RT were more likely to develop SBO (25.6% vs 13.2%, P = 0.014). The median duration between adjuvant RT and the first episode of SBO was 23.5 months (range, 5.7–99.4 months). Multivariate analysis showed that adjuvant RT was the only independent risk factor for SBO (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.17–4.42, P = 0.016). Gender, operative approach (open vs laparoscopic), abdominoperineal resection, perioperative blood transfusion, postoperative intra‐abdominal sepsis, tumour stage, and disease recurrence were not associated with the development of SBO. Conclusion: Adjuvant RT is the only independent risk factor for SBO after curative surgery for rectal cancer. Patients should be well informed of this potential complication when they are offered adjuvant RT.