Transanal endoscopic microsurgery in the treatment of rectal carcinoid tumor

Background This study aimed to assess the efficacy of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in the treatment of rectal carcinoid tumor. Methods Between May 1994 and April 2006, 27 patients with rectal carcinoid tumor underwent TEM, and their clinical data were reviewed retrospectively. Results The TEM procedure was performed as a primary excision (n = 14) or as completion surgery after incomplete resection by endoscopic polypectomy (n = 13). The average size of a primary tumor was 9.1 mm (range, 5–13 mm), and the average distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 8.5 cm. The mean duration of the operation was 51.6 min. Minor morbidities, transient soilage, and mild dehiscence occurred in two cases (7.4%). Histopathologically, all tumors were localized within the submucosal layer showing typical histology without lymphatic or vessel infiltration, and both deep and lateral surgical margins were completely free of tumors. Among 13 cases of completion surgery after endoscopic polypectomy, 4 (30.8%) were histologically shown to have a residual tumor in the specimens obtained by TEM. No additional radical surgery was performed. The mean follow-up period was 70.6 months, and no recurrence was noted. Conclusion The results indicate that TEM is a safe, minimally invasive procedure for the local excision of rectal carcinoid tumors, particularly those in the proximal rectum. Furthermore, for patients with microscopic positive margins after endoscopic polypectomy, TEM can be an effective surgical option for complete removal of residual tumors.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM)

Minimally invasive surgery is mandatory for rectal tumors to reduce surgical complications and to improve the quality of life. The conventional transanal procedure is one from of minimally invasive surgery for rectal tumors, but it is still often difficult to reach the middle and upper thirds of the rectum due to anatomical characteristics. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a technique that allows radical resection of rectal tumors in the distal as well as proximal third of the rectum. Performing radical surgery using this technique requires preoperative estimation of tumor extension both histologically and by X-ray images. It should allow provide safe and radical excision of rectal tumors. In our department, patients with rectal tumors are evaluated for risk factors using barium enema, endoscopic ultrasound, punch biopsy, etc. Fifty patients (rectal cancer, 34: cartinoid, 4: adenoma, 12) have undergone radical TEM. The operation was converted to open surgery in 2 cases because of rectal perforation. Radical open surgery was performed after TEM in 1 patient since cancer invasion was revealed by postoperatively upon histological examination. We conclude that TEM is a useful technique for radical resection of rectal tumors and is associated with a low rate of postoperative complications and a high surgical success rate.     

经肛门内窥镜下微创治疗直肠肿瘤40例初步经验

目的 评价经肛门内窥镜微创外科技术(TEM)治疗直肠宽基腺瘤和早期直肠癌临床效果.方法 分析2005年5月至2007年4月40例TEM手术的临床效果,结果 40例肿瘤直径中位值2.3 cm,肿瘤下缘距齿状线距离为(8.2±3.2)cm,肿瘤侵犯直肠周径范围为(32.3±18.5)%.平均手术时间为(90±43)min.平均住院4.8 d.无围手术期死亡.切缘瘤细胞均为阴性.病理示直肠绒毛状腺瘤24例、直肠腺癌10例、直肠类癌6例,10例腺癌中pTis2例,PT16例和pT22例.平均随访11个月,所有病例无局部复发.结论 TEM手术创伤小、保留肛门括约肌、缩短住院时间;既可作为直肠宽基腺瘤和pT1期直肠癌的治愈性手术,也可作为pT2直肠癌的姑息性治疗手段.     

Sphincter-sparing surgery for adenocarcinoma of the distal 3 cm of the true rectum: results after neoadjuvant therapy and minimally invasive radical surgery or local excision

Background

Ideal treatment of rectal cancer includes controlling the cancer; minimizing trauma, morbidity, and mortality; and avoiding a colostomy with preservation of adequate function. These goals become more challenging the further distal in the rectum the cancer is located. We sought to determine whether minimally invasive sphincter-preservation surgery (SPS) can accomplish good cancer control, maintaining sphincter function with minimal morbidity and mortality in rectal cancers of the distal 3 cm after receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained rectal cancer database of a single colorectal surgeon to identify all patients with cancers of the distal 3 cm undergoing SPS via a laparoscopic total mesorectal excision or transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). All patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Patient data, including demographics, initial tumor characteristics, staging, radiation dose, perioperative morbidity and mortality, and local recurrence (LR) and survival, were analyzed.

Results

A total of 161 patients (108 men) underwent SPS via 3 techniques: transanal abdominal transanal proctosigmoidectomy (TATA, n = 106), TEM (n = 49), or ultralow anterior resection (LAR, n = 6). Average age was 62 years (range 22–90 years). The mean levels in rectum from the anorectal ring were as follows: TATA, 1.3 cm (range ?1.0 to 3.0 cm), TEM, 1.5 cm (range ?0.5 to ?3.0 cm), and LAR, 2.9 cm (range 2.5–3.0 cm) (p > 0.05). Preoperative T stage was as follows: T3, n = 108 (TATA 83, TEM 20, LAR 5), T2, n = 48 (TATA 22, TEM 25, LAR 1), T1, n = 3 (TATA 1, TEM 2), and T4, n = 2 (both TEM). All patients received concomitant 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy (mean, 5300 cGy; range 3,000–7,295 cGy). The mean estimated blood loss was 376 ml (range 10–3,600 ml). There were no mortalities. Morbidity rates were as follows: LAR, 0; TATA, 13.2 %; and TEM, 32 % (wound disruption: major, 10 %; minor, 16 %). Pathologic staging was as follows: ypCR: uT2, 34 %, and uT3, 19 %. Overall LR was 3.7 %. By procedure, the follow-up, LR, and KM5YAS, respectively, were: TATA, 37.9 months, 3 and 95 %; TEM, 36.3 months, 6 and 88 %; and LAR, 63.1 months, 0 and 75 % (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates positive oncologic outcomes, low LR rates, and high KM5YS after minimally invasive SPS. A colostomy-free lifestyle and cancer control make the minimally invasive surgical approach an excellent treatment option for complex distal rectal cancers.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for correction of rectourethral fistulae

BACKGROUND: Rectourethral fistula is a rare complication of radical prostatectomy. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive technique available for its surgical correction, although currently, TEM is used more commonly for excision of adenomas and stage T(1) carcinomas of the rectum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report two patients with rectourethral fistulae after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in whom TEM was used for closure. The surgical procedure included microscopic full-thickness excision of the rectal wall around the fistula with a 1-cm margin and endoscopic suturing of the defect in the urethral and rectal walls. RESULTS: In one case, the rectourethral fistula was closed using TEM. In the other patient, the procedure, performed after failure of a graciloplasty, was difficult because of extensive scar tissue, and the fistula persisted. CONCLUSIONS: The TEM procedure is a minimally invasive technique that may be considered for surgical repair of rectourethral fistulae.     

经肛门内镜显微手术治疗直肠绒毛状腺瘤和早期直肠癌31例

目的探讨经肛门内镜显微手术（transanal endoscopicmic rosurgery，TEM）治疗直肠绒毛状腺瘤和早期直肠癌的疗效。方法1995年11月～2003年12月，我院行TEM治疗直肠肿瘤31例。全麻下根据肿瘤位置选择合适的体位，经肛门插入特殊的手术直肠镜，保持CO2充气状态，在立体视镜和腔镜系统下，采用针形电刀或5mm超声刀将直肠肿瘤完整切除（黏膜下或全层切除），手术创口在腔内连续缝合。结果31例直肠肿瘤均获完整切除，切缘均阴性。手术时间45～220min，平均95min；术中出血量0～180ml，平均40ml。手术并发症：暂时性排气失控2例，急性尿潴留1例，慢性阻塞性气道疾病急性发作1例，因服用阿斯匹林而出现继发性出血1例。术后病理分期：pT0期16例，pTis期2例，pT1期7例，pT2和pT3期各3例。31例随访2～92个月，平均23个月，肿瘤无原位复发。结论TEM是治疗直肠绒毛状腺瘤和早期直肠癌的一种安全、有效的微创手术方法。     

Surgical technique and outcome of gasless video endoscopic transanal rectal tumour excision

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is unpopular because of its high cost and most surgeons' unfamiliarity with microscopic surgery. This report describes an experience with a modification of TEM, gasless video endoscopic transanal rectal tumour excision (gasless VTEM), which incorporates a standard laparoscopic video camera and requires no carbon dioxide insufflation system. METHODS: One hundred and one patients with 105 rectal tumours underwent gasless VTEM between 1993 and 2000.RESULTS: Histological examination revealed 18 adenomas, 75 carcinomas (Tis, 47; T1, 23; T2, five), 11 carcinoid tumours and one lymphoma. The median height above the dentate line and maximum tumour diameter was 5.0 (range 2-14) cm and 2.0 (range 0.4-8.0) cm respectively. The peritoneal cavity was opened intraoperatively in two patients. The median operating time was 53 (range 15-202) min. Bleeding, suture dehiscence and transient incontinence developed after operation in four patients. There was no operative death. Median hospital stay was 5 (range 1-21) days. Eleven patients with T1/T2 staging underwent subsequent radical resection. The median duration of follow-up was 52.3 months. One patient with a carcinoma developed a recurrence. CONCLUSION: Gasless VTEM is a feasible, safe and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of selected rectal adenomas and early carcinomas. The suggested modifications may make the procedure more widely available.     

The place of the posterior surgical approach for lesions of the rectum

BACKGROUND: Although there are many advantages of a posterior approach to rectal disease, these procedures are not widely accepted because many surgeons fear the postoperative complications. METHODS: The medical records were reviewed of 57 patients who underwent a posterior approach to the rectum between January 1980 and December 2002. RESULTS: Twenty-eight men and 29 women with a mean age of 70.5 (range 47-83) years underwent either a posterior transsacral (n = 52) or a transsphincteric (n = 5) procedure. Indications for surgery were benign lesions (n = 33), e.g. villous adenoma, rectal prolapse and endometriosis as well as invasive adenocarcinoma (n = 24). All patients with an invasive adenocarcinoma were classified as ASA grade III or IV. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 12 patients (21%), consisting of temporary incontinence, anastomotic leakage, wound infection, and hemorrhage. There was no mortality. During a mean follow-up of 29 (range 2-86) months, 3 patients with a villous adenoma and 2 patients who were treated for a malignant lesion had a locally recurrent lesion. CONCLUSION: We believe that a posterior approach to the rectum should be considered for various benign and selected malignant diseases, especially in case of elderly patients or patients with a compromised general condition, and has to be a part of the surgeon's armamentarium.     

Minimally invasive treatment of synchronous colorectal tumours

In patients with colorectal cancers synchronous neoplastic lesions are an increasingly frequent finding at preoperative staging; 3% of the cases are other cancers while 33-35% of the synchronous lesions are villous adenomas. The treatment of most colorectal adenomas can be performed by endoscopic poplypectomy. In 5% of cases there are synchronous colorectal lesions also requiring surgical treatment. From January 1995 to June 2007 we treated 5 patients with rectal lesions by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) together with a laparoscopic colectomy for the presence of synchronous lesions at the "Clinica Chirurgica Generale e d'Urgenza" of the University of Perugia,. Surgical timing involved performing a sequential exeresis characterised by a cancer resection, followed by resection of the voluminous adenoma: TEM for rectal cancer followed by a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with an extracorporeal anastomosis for a voluminous villous adenoma (1 patient) and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with an extracorporeal anastomosis for cancer followed by TEM for a voluminous villous adenoma (2 patients). One patient with left colon cancer associated with a voluminous villous rectal adenoma first underwent TEM for the rectal adenoma and then a left laparoscopic hemicolectomy with an extracorporeal anastomosis in order to ease the transit of the circular mechanical stapler. Another patient with rectal and right colon adenomas first underwent TEM for a voluminous rectal sessile adenoma and later a right hemicolectomy. The use of this minimally invasive approach allowed rectum preservation and less invasive surgery.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: the first 50 cases

Background: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a form of minimally invasive rectal surgery first used at Cabrini Hospital in April 1997. This paper presents a prospective analysis of the first 50 cases with a median follow up of 33 months (range 20?48 months). Methods: Prospective data was obtained from all cases between April 1997 and June 2000. Results: Forty‐nine patients (30 men and 19 women) underwent 50 procedures. Thirty‐six had benign lesions and 14 malignant. The mean distance of the lower edge of the lesion from the anal verge was 8.7 cm. Three cases were converted to traditional transanal or transabdominal operations. Full‐thickness excision was performed on 26 patients and the rectal wound was closed in 13 cases. The mean duration of transanal endoscopic microsurgery was 67 min (range 20?175), with a mean blood loss of 24 mL (0?300). The mean diameter and area of the fixed specimen was 3.7 cm (1.5?9.8) and 11.4 cm² (0.8?18.9), respectively. Complications included postoperative fever (3), urinary retention (1) and per rectum bleeding (1). There was one death. The mean length of stay was 4 days. Histology confirmed complete excision in 39 (78%) cases and there have been two instances of local recurrence of adenoma (5%). Conclusions: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is an effective, safe and cost‐beneficial procedure for local excision of selected lesions in the middle and upper thirds of the rectum.     

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.     

经肛内镜微创外科治疗早期直肠癌的价值

目的:评价经肛内镜微创外科技术(transanal endoscopic microsurgery,TEM)治疗早期直肠癌的应用效果。方法:分析评价我院2005年5月至2009年5月所治疗的84例TEM手术的临床资料。结果:本研究84例病人的肿瘤直径中位值为2.1 cm,肿瘤下缘距齿状线平均距离(8.3±2.2)cm,肿瘤侵犯直肠周径范围(33.2±17.5)%。平均手术时间(70±43)min。平均住院日期6.8 d。无一例病人发生围手术期死亡,术后部分病人有短暂性大便失禁。所有病人的肿瘤切缘皆无瘤细胞残留。术后病理证实,85例中pT060例,pT119例,pT25例。直肠癌术前腔内超声分期符合率达86.9%。平均随访26个月,2例病人出现局部复发。结论:TEM手术创伤小、保留肛门括约肌、缩短住院时间;既可作为直肠宽基腺瘤和pT1期直肠癌的根治性手术,也可作为pT2直肠癌的姑息性治疗手段。     

经肛门括约肌间直肠切除结肠肛管吻合术作为超低位直肠癌保肛术的初步报告

目的 探讨经肛门括约肌间直肠切除结肠肛管吻合术（PIDCA)联合术前后放疗和化疗对超低位直肠癌保肛手术的治疗效果。方法从2002年6月到2004年10月,对19例患者施行该手术。男性11例,女性8例,平均年龄56岁(41-74岁)。肿瘤分期T,4例、T2 10例、T14例、L1例,肿瘤距离肛缘平均4．4cm(3．5-5．0cm)。经肛门在直视下从距离肿瘤下缘2cm全层切断直肠或肛门内括约肌,通过肛门内外括约肌间隙向上方游离直肠并与经腹完成的直肠游离汇合切除直肠及其系膜,经肛门行结肠肛管吻合,全部患者均未行预防性结肠或回肠造口。结果无手术死亡,吻合口瘘2例(10．5%)。随访时间为3～29个月,平均随访16个月,1例盆腔复发,复发率5．3％。术后肛门括约肌功能比较满意。结论对经过选择的距离肛缘≤5cm的超低位直肠癌结合术前后的盆腔放疗和化疗,PIDCA术是保留肛门括约肌功能较理想、安全的术式,有较好根治性治疗效果,术后肛门括约肌功能比较满意。     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery – lessons from a single UK centre series

Objectives Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), a minimally invasive technique has been employed in the excision of benign and selected malignant rectal tumours since 1983. We present a single surgeon's series of 102 procedures. Patients and methods A retrospective case note review of 102 procedures performed over a 6‐year period between 1996 and 2001. Results One hundred and two TEM procedures were performed on 100 patients. 68 for adenomas, 19 potentially curative excisions for carcinoma, 13 palliative procedures for advanced carcinoma and 2 for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS). Four adenomas recurred and were successfully treated by various procedures. None went on to develop malignancy, or a further recurrence. Of the cancers, six T1 and 10 T2 were excised with curative intent. Three T3 cancers were excised before endorectal ultrasound was available in the unit and went on to have definitive procedures. One T1 and two T2 carcinomas were not completely histologically excised. These patients were offered definitive procedure and there have been no recurrences. 11 patients underwent palliative TEM procedures, 2 went on to have a recurrence of symptoms. Both underwent a successful second TEM procedure. Conclusions Although longer term follow up is still required, TEM appears to be an effective method of excising benign tumours and T1 carcinomas of the rectum. The role of TEM in the treatment of T2 carcinomas is, as yet, unclear and needs further evaluation although the results of our series and others are encouraging.     

Long-term surgical outcome of noninvasive and minimally invasive intraductal papillary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

The objective of this study was to clarify the long-term outcome after surgical resection in patients with noninvasive and minimally invasive intraductal papillary mucinous adenocarcinoma. We performed a retrospective review of the clinicopathological features and outcome in patients who underwent pancreatic resection for noninvasive and minimally invasive intraductal papillary mucinous adenocarcinoma between November 1982 and December 1997 at Chiba University Hospital. Minimally invasive structures were pathologically observed in five cases. The mean age of patients with either noninvasive (n = 16) or minimally invasive n = 5) adenocarcinoma was 61 years. Of the patients with minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, 4 had abdominal pain. Conversely, 7 patients with noninvasive adenocarcinoma had no complaint. The mean size of noninvasive and minimally invasive tumors was 2.5 cm (range 0.8 to 4.0) and 3.3 cm (range 2.5 to 4.5), respectively. The overall 5-year and 10-year survival rates for all 21 patients were 89% and 47%, respectively. Disease recurred in 3 patients; 2 patients with minimally invasive adenocarcinoma and 1 with noninvasive adenocarcinoma. Recurrence sites were peritoneumn = 2) and main pancreatic duct of the remnant pancreas (n = 1); 5 disease-free patients died of unrelated causes. The remaining 13 patients are alive and disease free 3 to 12 years after surgery. Noninvasive and minimally invasive intraductal papillary mucinous adenocarcinoma had a favorable prognosis after surgical treatment.     

Rectal prolapse--laparoscopic resection and results

postoperatively Seventeen females presenting rectal intussusception with a combined outlet obstruction underwent laparoscopic resection of the rectum (n = 4) or rectum and sigma (n = 13). Mean age was 61.5 +/- 9.7 years, mean duration of surgery took 117 +/- 30.4 minutes, realimentation started 3.5 +/- 1.3 days postoperatively and the mean stay in hospital lasted 11.8 +/- 2.9 days. In all patients an ano-rectal pressure-measurement and EMG were carried out. There was a significant lower resting-pressure of the anal sphincter in comparison to a normal collective of healthy patients with 67.8 +/- 21.6 cm H2O (p < 0.006). Postoperatively one severe complication with a generalized peritonitis and a resulting ARDS occurred. No perioperative mortality had to be remarked. Our results show that laparoscopic resection in patients with a rectal intussusception and outlet obstruction is safe. Wether rectal intussusception apart of rectal prolapse is an entity of its own, has to been shown in further investigations.     

Gasless,video endoscopic transanal excision for carcinoid and laterally spreading tumors of the rectum

Background: The aim of this study is to determine whether gasless, video endoscopic transanal–rectal tumor excision (gasless VTEM) is a valid treatment for rectal carcinoid and laterally spreading tumors (LST). Methods: Eighty-four patients with an adenoma, adenocarcinoma (Tis/T1), or carcinoid tumor of the rectum were divided into three groups: (i) LST (n = 17 patients), (ii) carcinoid (n = 11), and (iii) control with other types of tumors (n = 56). Results: The LST group had a longer median operating time than in the control group, whereas the carcinoid group had a shorter operating time. Two patients (11.7%) in LST group developed peritoneal entry during the operation, while 2 patients (3.6%) in the control group experienced postoperative complications. During a median follow-up length of 55.2 months, one patient in the LST group developed a recurrence. Conclusions: Gasless VTEM is a simple, minimally invasive procedure used to treat LST and carcinoid tumors of the rectum. However, resection for the LST group had a high risk of peritoneal entry during operation.