Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal tumors: experience at Korea’s National Cancer Center

Background

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive alternative to transanal excision, enabling complete local excision of selected benign or malignant rectal tumors. This study aimed to determine the surgical and oncologic results for rectal tumors excised by TEM.

Methods

From November 2001 to October 2007, 45 patients underwent TEM for excision of adenoma (13 patients), carcinoid tumor (6 patients), and carcinoma (26 patients). The patients included 27 men and 18 women with a median age of 52 years (range, 22–72 years).

Results

The median tumor distance from the anal verge was 7 cm (range, 3–15 cm), and the median tumor size was 17 mm (range, 2–60 mm). There was no procedure-related morbidity or mortality. However, one patient with rectal carcinoma died of lung cancer during the follow-up period. Of 13 patients with adenomas, 1 patient (7.7%, 1/13) experienced local recurrence 5 months after surgery. No recurrence occurred for six patients with carcinoid tumors. Histologic examination of the carcinomas showed pathologic tumor (pT) stage 0 (ypT0) in 2 patients, pT1 in 17 patients (including ypT1 in 1 patient), pT2 in 6 patients, and pT3 in 1 patient. Immediate salvage surgery was performed for five patients (19%, 5/26). During a median follow-up period of 37 months (range, 5–72 months), one patient (3.8%, 1/26) experienced local recurrence. The overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates for patients with carcinoma were 96.2% and 88.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

The TEM procedure is a safe and appropriate surgical treatment option for benign rectal tumors. With strict patient selection, it is oncologically safe for early-stage rectal carcinomas.     

经肛门内窥镜下微创外科技术治疗直肠肿瘤120例临床经验

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的应用效果。方法分析评价2005年5月至2009年2月120例TEM手术的临床资料。结果本组患者肿瘤直径中位值2．5cm，肿瘤下缘距齿状线距离（8．4±3．2）cm，肿瘤侵犯直肠周径范围（32．3±18．5）％。平均手术时间（80±45）min。平均住院日5．2d。无围手术期死亡。手术并发症有直肠穿孔、创面裂开和短暂性大便失禁。病理示直肠腺瘤72例、直肠腺癌34例、直肠类癌12例、直肠间质瘤2例。34例腺癌中pTis9例，pT119例和pT26例。直肠癌术前腔内超声分期符合率为83．3％。平均随访21个月，有2例患者有局部复发。结论TEM手术创伤小、痛苦少、住院时间短、保留肛门括约肌；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。     

Local excision of rectal tumours by transanal endoscopic microsurgery

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows locally complete excision of rectal tumours and provides an alternative to conventional surgery for benign tumours. However, its role in the curative treatment of invasive carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the morbidity and long-term results for rectal tumours excised by TEM. METHODS: Between February 1993 and January 2005, 200 patients underwent TEM for excision of adenomas (148) or carcinomas (52). The median tumour distance from the anal verge was 8 (range 1-16) cm. RESULTS: Mortality and morbidity rates were 0.5 and 14.0 per cent respectively. At a median follow-up of 33 (range 2-133) months, local recurrence had developed in 11 patients (7.6 per cent) with an adenoma. Histological examination of carcinomas revealed pathological tumour (pT) stage 1 in 31 patients, pT2 in 17 and pT3 in four. Immediate salvage surgery was performed in seven patients (13 per cent). At a median follow-up of 34 (range 1-102) months, eight patients (15 per cent) with carcinomas had developed local recurrence. The overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates for patients with carcinomas were 76 and 65 per cent respectively. CONCLUSION: TEM is an appropriate surgical treatment option for benign rectal tumours. For carcinomas, it is oncologically safe provided that resection margins are clear, but strict patient selection is required.     

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.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for carcinoma of the rectum

Background The authors present their experience with rectal cancers managed by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). Methods This prospective study investigated patients undergoing primary TEM excision for definitive treatment of rectal cancer between January 1996 and December 2003 by a single surgeon in a tertiary referral colorectal surgical unit. Results For this study, 52 patients (30 men and 22 women) underwent TEM excision of a rectal cancer. Their mean age was 74.3 years (range, 48–93 years). The median diameter of the lesions was 3.44 cm (range, 1.6–8.5 cm). The median distance of the lesions from the anal verge was 8.8 cm (range, 3–15 cm), with the tumor more than 10 cm from the anal verge in 36 patients. The median operating time was 90 min (range, 20–150 min), and the median postoperative stay was 2 days. All patients underwent full-thickness excisions. There were 11 minor complications, 2 major complications, and no deaths. The mean follow-up period was 40 months (range, 22–82 months). None of the pT1 rectal cancers received adjuvant therapy. Eight patients with pT2 rectal cancer and two patients with pT3 rectal cancer received postoperative adjuvant therapy. The overall local rate of recurrence was 14%, and involved cases of T2 and T3 lesions, with no recurrence after excision of T1 cancers. Three patients died during the follow-up period, but no cancer-specific deaths occurred. Conclusions The findings warrant the conclusion that TEM is a safe, effective treatment for selected cases of rectal cancer, with low morbidity and no mortality. The TEM procedure broadens the range of lesions suitable for local resection to include early cancers (pTis and pT1) and more advanced cancers only in frail people.     

Analysis of national database for TEM resected rectal cancer

Objective:  Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive alternative to rectal resection for cancer. Patients benefit from rapid recovery, excellent function and stoma avoidance.
Method:  The national TEM database has prospectively collated data from 21 centres since 1993. Details of preoperative evaluation, neoadjuvant therapy, technical aspects of surgery, postoperative complications, pathological staging, salvage, recurrence and survival have been recorded for 454 cases of rectal cancer, median follow up 35 months.
Results:  Intention was curative in 69%, for compromise in 22% and palliative in 5%. The morbidity and mortality of TEM was 17.2% and 1.5%. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy was administered in 8% of cases. Pathological staging: pT0 (1.8%), pT1 (52.9%), pT2 (32.8%), pT3 (9.9%) and pTx (3.1%). Margin positivity (<1 mm) occurred in 20%; this was markedly stage dependent. 18% received adjuvant radiotherapy while 13% progressed to major surgery. 5 year disease free survival was 77% pT1, 74% pT2 and 35% pT3 with local recurrence rates of 20%, 25% and 59% respectively. Age ( P  = 0.01), tumour area ( P  = 0.02) and pT stage ( P  = 0.07) predicted for relapse (Cox regression model).
Conclusion:  TEM offers a safe alternative to major surgery curing three quarters of patients with pT1 disease. Although classical surgery must remain the standard of care we envisage future studies of TEM combined with adjuvant therapy.     

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??Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal tumors: diagnostic challenges, indications and short term results in 42 consecutive patients LIU Bo, XIA Li-jian, YANG Ming-yu, et al. Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Subsidiary Qianfoshan Hospital of Shandong University,Jinan250031,China Correspond author: XIA Li-jian, E-mail: xiaalbert@163.com Abstract Objective To study the application value of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in the surgery of rectal cancer. Methods Between May 2006 and May 2007, TEM was performed in 42 patients at Subsidiary Qianfoshan Hospital of Shandong University. The histologic diagnosis was adenoma in 31 and adenocarcinoma in 11 patients. Results Clear resection margins were achieved in 41 of 42 patients (97.6%). During the follow-up, benign tumor recurrence was detected in 1 patients (3.2%). The recurrence rates among patients with malignant tumors were 9.8%. Conclusion Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a safe and feasible technique with low incomplete excision rates and may be the preferred method in patients with benign rectal cancer. Its role in the management of malignant tumors should be limited to selected patients with T1 lesions.     

Decision for salvage treatment after transanal endoscopic microsurgery

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has emerged as an alternative to classic radical operation for early rectal cancer. Early rectal cancer can be treated by adequate local excision such as TEM. If there are adverse risk factors, especially poor cellular differentiation, close resection margin, or positive lymphovascular invasion or incomplete excision, a radical resection is indicated. This study aimed to clarify the factors related to recurrence for patients required to undergo a salvage operation after TEM. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 167 patients who underwent TEM for rectal cancer between 1994 and 2004. Of these patients, 36 with poor differentiation, mucinous carcinoma, proper muscle invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and positive resection margin were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Of the 36 patients, 12 underwent a salvage operation, and the remaining 24 did not because of poor physical condition or refusal of radical surgery. There were a total of 6 (16.7%) recurrences. One (8.3%) of the 12 patients who underwent salvage surgery had systemic recurrence. Five (20.8%) of the 24 patients who did not receive surgery had recurrence (3 local recurrences, 2 distant recurrences). Analysis of the subgroups showed that 2 (28.6%) of 7 patients with lymphovascular invasion had recurrence, and that 1 patient (100%) had a T3 lesion. Three (17.6%) of 17 patients had T2 lesions. CONCLUSIONS: For high-risk patients, TEM followed by radical surgery is the most beneficial in preventing local recurrence. Radical salvage surgery is strongly recommended if pathologic results after TEM show T3 lesion or lymphovascular invasion.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the treatment of selected patients with distal rectal cancer: 15 years experience

Background  Local therapy for early rectal cancer is a valid alternative to the classical radical operation, which has a higher morbidity and mortality rate. The use of high-dose preoperative radiation appears to enhance the options for sphincter-saving surgery even for T2–T3 rectal cancer patients with effective local control. The authors report their experience with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) used to manage selected cases of distal rectal cancer without evidence of nodal or distant metastasis (N0–M0). Methods  The study enrolled 196 patients with rectal cancer (51 T1, 84 T2, and 61 T3). All the patients staged preoperatively as T2 and T3 underwent preoperative high-dose radiotherapy, and since 1997, patients younger than 70 years in good general condition also have undergone preoperative chemotherapy. Results  Minor complications were observed in 17 patients (8.6%) and major complications in only 3 patients (1.5%). The definitive histology was 33 pT0 (17%), 73 pT1 (37%), 66 pT2 (34%), and 24 pT3 (12%). Eight patients (5 pT2 and 3 pT3) experienced local recurrence (4.1%). The rectal cancer-specific survival rate at the end of the follow-up period was 100% for pT1, 90% for pT2, and 77% for pT3 patients. Conclusions  Patients with T1 cancer and favorable histologic features may undergo local excision alone, whereas those with T2 and T3 rectal cancer require preoperative radiochemotherapy. The results in the authors’ experience after TEM appear not to be substantially different in terms of local recurrence and survival rate from those described for conventional surgery.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: a review

Rectal adenomas and cancers occur frequently. Small adenomas can be removed colonoscopically, whereas larger polyps are removed via conventional transanal excision. Owing to technical difficulties, adenomas of the mid- and upper rectum require radical resection. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was first designed as an alternative treatment for these lesions. However, since its development TEM has been also used for a variety of rectal lesions, including carcinoids, rectal prolapse and diverticula, early stage carcinomas and palliative resection of rectal cancers. The objective of this review is to describe the current status of TEM in the treatment of rectal lesions. Since the 1980s, TEM has advanced substantially. With low recurrence rates, it is the method of choice for resection of endoscopically unresectable adenomas. Some studies have shown benefits to its use in treating early T1 rectal cancers compared with radical surgery in select patients. However, for more advanced rectal cancers TEM should be considered palliative or experimental. This technique has also been shown to be safe for the treatment of other uncommon rectal tumours, such as carcinoids. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery may allow for new strategies in the treatment of rectal pathology where technical limitations of transanal techniques have limited endoluminal surgical innovations.     

Indikation und Technik der transanal endoskopischen Operation

Transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) is a minimally invasive treatment option for certain rectal tumors. The TEO procedure has evolved as a new technique from transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) which was developed by G. Bue?. Apart from the excision of benign lesions this method can also be applied in patients with low-risk T1 carcinoma if size and localization permit complete resection (R0). Using these strict criteria for patient selection one can expect an excellent oncological outcome. However, it must to be stressed that local excision is always part of the diagnostic work-up and that the definitive histology needs to be appreciated. In cases of unfavorable histology (i.e. high risk or higher T stage) radical salvage resection should be performed. Functional results and quality of life are very good following TEO or TEM procedures, especially when comparing the outcome with that of radical rectal resection or abdominoperineal excision.     

直肠癌经肛门内镜显微手术疗效及复发危险因素分析

目的 分析直肠癌经肛门内镜显微手术（TEM）疗效及复发危险因素,以探讨直肠癌TEM适应证.方法 对2006年6月至2009年6月间山东省千佛山医院胃肠外科收治的60例行TEM的直肠癌患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析.结果 本组直肠癌pTis期12例,pT1期38例 pT2期10例.全部病灶均一次性全层整块切除,标本切缘均阴性.手术时间30～190（65.0±36.5）min,术中失血量9～75（10.5±5.8）ml,住院时间3～9（4.5±2.7）d,无手术死亡和严重并发症出现.随访时间12～48（平均28.5）个月,无一例死亡.pTis患者均未现复发 38例pT1期患者中1例（2.6%）出现局部复发 10例pT2期患者中有4例（40.0%）出现局部复发,显著高于pT1期患者（P＜0.05）.肿瘤直径大于3 cm的21例患者中有4例复发,显著高于肿瘤直径小于3 cm者（1/39,P＜0.05）.多因素复发危险因素分析证实,浸润深度和肿瘤大小是TEM术后复发的独立风险因素.结论 对pTis、pT1期及肿瘤小于3 cm的早期直肠癌患者,TEM安全有效,值得推广.     

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.     

Quelles sont les bonnes indications d’exérèse locale des petits cancers du rectum ?

Rectal resection with mesorectum excision is the standard operation for rectal tumors. Local surgery is an alternative with excellent operative results and no risk of functional troubles but with no lymph nodes staging. Then, unfavorable pathologic criteria must be assessed on local rectal specimen: depth of submucosal invasion (T1sm3), positive resection margins, vascular and/or lymphatic invasion. Further radical surgery is required in case of unfavorable criteria. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows locally complete excision of rectal tumors with high surgical excision quality (R0 resection), especially for mid and upper lesions, which are inaccessible by conventional local surgery.     

Long-term results in patients with T2-3 N0 distal rectal cancer undergoing radiotherapy before transanal endoscopic microsurgery

BACKGROUND: Local excision after radiotherapy for node-negative low rectal cancer may be an alternative to radical excision. This study evaluated the results of local excision in patients with small (less than 3 cm in diameter) T2 and T3 distal rectal tumours following neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: One hundred patients with rectal cancer (54 uT2 and 46 uT3 uN0 tumours) were enrolled. All patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy followed by local excision by means of transanal endoscopic microsurgery. RESULTS: Definitive histological examination revealed nine pT1, 54 pT2 and 19 pT3 tumours. A complete response (R0) or microscopic residual tumour (R1mic) was found in three and 15 patients respectively. Minor complications occurred in 11 patients and major complications in two. At a median follow-up of 55 (range 7-120) months, the local failure rate was 5 per cent and metastatic disease was found in two patients. The cancer-specific survival rate at 90 months' follow-up was 89 per cent, and the overall survival rate 72 per cent. Salvage abdominoperineal resection was performed in three patients, two of whom were disease free at 15 and 19 months. CONCLUSION: Treatment of small uT2 and uT3 uN0 rectal cancers with preoperative high-dose radiotherapy followed by transanal endoscopic microsurgery is an acceptable alternative to conventional radical resection.     

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.     

Initial Experience with Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: the Need for Understanding the Limitations

Introduction  

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is an alternative to transanal excision or radical surgery for benign and carefully selected malignant rectal tumors. Advantages over transanal excision include better visualization, access to more proximal lesions, higher likelihood of negative margins, and lower recurrence rates. Compared to radical resection, patients experience lower rates of morbidity and mortality but may have higher rates of local recurrence.     

经肛门内镜微创手术与传统经肛门局切术治疗早期直肠肿瘤的疗效对比

目的 对比经肛门内镜微创手术(TEM)与传统经肛门局切术(TAE)治疗早期直肠肿瘤的应用指征、安全性、疗效.方法 回顾性分析上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院普外科2003年1月- 2006年7月完成的76例传统经肛门局切术及2006年9月- 2010年2月完成的53例经肛门内镜微创手术的临床资料.结果 两组患者性别、年龄...     

Cost analysis of transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal tumours

OBJECTIVE: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for selected rectal neoplasms. We demonstrate that in addition to the recognized clinical benefits of the less invasive TEM approach, there are substantial economic benefits. METHOD: We reviewed our prospective database of patients undergoing TEM excision of a rectal lesion between July 1997 and December 2003. A cost analysis was undertaken, including procedural and related costs of TEM and compared with the relevant open procedures. RESULTS: 124 patients (80 men, 44 women) with a median age of 71.5 years underwent TEM excision of rectal lesions (52 cancers and 72 adenomas). The morbidity rate was 8% and mortality was zero. A controlled case series of 52 patients undergoing open resection for early rectal cancers with similar characteristics as above was compared in terms of clinical outcome. The morbidity rate in these patients was 29.5%. The cost analysis comparison was undertaken using National Health Service mean reference costs for major large intestinal surgery, Intensive care unit/high dependency unit and hospital accommodation for each procedure. The average cost of open resection was 4135 pound, vs 567 pound for TEM excision. Our total saving over the series was 525,576 pound. Although the initial capital cost of the TEM equipment is high at approximately 40,000 pound given the massive cost savings, these initial equipment costs are recovered within a rapid time frame. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that TEM is a safe and extremely cost-effective approach for excision of selected rectal tumours including rectal adenomas and early well differentiated rectal cancers (pTis & pT1).     

Postoperative morbidity and recurrence after local excision of rectal adenomas and rectal cancer by transanal endoscopic microsurgery

OBJECTIVE: Tumours in the middle and upper part of the rectum are not easy accessible to local excision. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been recommended for excision of sessile adenomas in the middle and upper part of the rectum, and for small cancers in patients not fit for major surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative morbidity and local recurrence after TEM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients were treated by TEM in the period 1994-2001. The median age was 74 years. The indications for TEM were rectal adenoma in 72 patients and rectal cancer in 7 patients. The tumours were located within 18 cm from the dentate line, median 10 cm. There were performed 69 transmural and 10 mucosal excisions. Mean follow up was 24 months (range 1-95 months). Twenty (25%) patients died during the follow up period, two because of metastases and 18 of other causes. RESULTS: Seven patients had complications. Two (2.5%) patients had peroperative perforation in the intra-abdominal part of the rectum treated by laparotomy. Five (6%) patients had postoperative cardiopulmonal or surgical complications. Eight patients with benign pre-operative histopathological examination had cancer. The local recurrence rate (13%) was similar for adenomas and for carcinomas. CONCLUSION: TEM is a safe technique well tolerated also by high-risk patients, and should be the preferred method in patients with benign tumours in the middle and upper part of the rectum, and in selected cases of early rectal cancer. Benign pre-operative histology does not preclude malignancy and some patients may need further treatment for unexpected malignancy.