[PANCREATIC NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS (PNET): THE DILEMMA OF SURGERY VS. WATCHFUL WAITING APPROACH].

INTRODUCTION: Neuroendocrine tumors (NEN) originate from hormone producing cells located in various organs and tissues. NEN are unique tumors in terms of their diverse and particular clinical presentations, growth pattern, location and relatively good prognosis. NEN can be either secreting or non-secreting tumors. The clinical presentation and symptoms are according to the specific hormone produced by the tumor. A non-secreting tumor will eventually cause symptoms that relate to a mass-effect or a metastatic disease. There are various familial and genetic syndromes that are related to NEN. The most common neuroendocrine genetic syndrome is Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 1 (MEN 1). The clinical approach and treatment of NEN are unlike any other cancer. The gold standard management is surgery but unlike other cancerous diseases, surgical intervention is also indicated in cases of metastatic disease. There are several surgical approaches, and they all depend on tumor size, location, grade, stage, lymph node involvement, remote metastases and patients' age and comorbidities. Besides surgery, some cases are also treated with systemic therapies such as Somatostatin analogues, chemotherapy, immunotherapies, targeted therapies and occasionally radiation therapy is used. In the last decade there is a significant increase in the number of patients diagnosed with small non-secreting pancreatic tumors (PNET) due to advanced imaging techniques and diagnostic tools. This incidental increase is the reason for the emerging dilemma of whether to operate or merely conduct a watchful waiting policy. Small non-secreting tumors are commonly not considered malignant and thus the question is if surgery is always the right approach. The benefits of surgery must be carefully considered against the potential damage that may occur during these complex and radical procedures. Moreover, new and progressive systemic pharmacological therapies are now available to efficiently suppress tumor hormonal secretion. Recent studies have challenged surgery as the only treatment of choice, and in some cases suggest conservative treatment and follow up. The aim of this present literature review is to describe PNET diagnostic tools and evaluation, and to examine the different approaches of PNET treatment.

Artificial intelligence for phase recognition in complex laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The potential role and benefits of AI in surgery has yet to be determined. This study is a first step in developing an AI system for minimizing adverse events and improving patient's safety. We developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm and evaluated its performance in recognizing surgical phases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) videos spanning a range of complexities. METHODS: A set of 371 LC videos with various complexity levels and containing adverse events was collected from five hospitals. Two expert surgeons segmented each video into 10 phases including Calot's triangle dissection and clipping and cutting. For each video, adverse events were also annotated when present (major bleeding; gallbladder perforation; major bile leakage; and incidental finding) and complexity level (on a scale of 1-5) was also recorded. The dataset was then split in an 80:20 ratio (294 and 77 videos), stratified by complexity, hospital, and adverse events to train and test the AI model, respectively. The AI-surgeon agreement was then compared to the agreement between surgeons. RESULTS: The mean accuracy of the AI model for surgical phase recognition was 89% [95% CI 87.1%, 90.6%], comparable to the mean inter-annotator agreement of 90% [95% CI 89.4%, 90.5%]. The model's accuracy was inversely associated with procedure complexity, decreasing from 92% (complexity level 1) to 88% (complexity level 3) to 81% (complexity level 5). CONCLUSION: The AI model successfully identified surgical phases in both simple and complex LC procedures. Further validation and system training is warranted to evaluate its potential applications such as to increase patient safety during surgery.

The outcome of transanal endoscopic microsurgery and adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with high-risk T1 rectal cancer.

Introduction: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is considered the technique of choice for adenoma and low-risk T1 rectal cancer. The adequacy of such treatment for high-risk T1 tumours, however, is still controversial. The aim of the study is to evaluate our results with local excision of high-risk T1 cancers. and Methods: Demographic, clinical data pertaining to patients undergoing TEM for T1 rectal cancer between 1999 and 2015 was retrospectively collected. Long-term outcomes were assessed for the entire cohort. Patients were classified into two groups: favourable and high-risk cancer features. Results: Three hundred and fifty-five TEM procedures were recorded in the study period. Forty-three patients were included in the present study. There were 20 females and 23 males, the median age was 69 ± 9. The median tumour distance from the anal verge was 6 cm (range 1-13 cm). Post-operative histopathology showed well/moderately differentiated T1 adenocarcinoma in 30 patients and poorly differentiated in 13. The overall survival for patients with favourable and high-risk features groups were 93.5% and 77%, respectively, while the local recurrence (LR) was 3.5% and 23.1%, respectively. Nine patients with high-risk features received adjuvant radiotherapy; one (11.1%) of them experienced LR. Conclusions: Local excision by TEM augmented by adjuvant radiotherapy may be a feasible alternative for selected patients with high-risk T1 rectal cancer. The addition of radiotherapy seems to decrease the rates of LR.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery under spinal anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is considered the procedure of choice for rectal adenomas non-amendable for endoscopic excision and for early rectal cancer. TEM may gain more importance in patients who are considered unfit for major surgery. The option of spinal anaesthesia may offer many advantages for patients undergoing TEM while maintaining the principles of complete tumour excision. The aim of this study is to report the outcome of patients undergoing TEM under spinal anaesthesia. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data pertaining patients undergoing TEM under spinal anaesthesia between 2004 and 2015 were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: A total of 158 TEM procedures were recorded in the study period. Twenty-three patients (15%) underwent the procedure under spinal anaesthesia and were included in the study; 13 of them were male and ten were female. The mean age of the patients was 69.1 ± 10.6 years. Seventeen (74%) rectal lesions were adenomas, two (9%) were adenocarcinoma and four (17%) had involved margins after polypectomy. The mean tumour size was 2.1 cm (range, 0.5-3). Distance from the anal verge was 7.7 ± 2.2 cm. Seventeen (74%) lesions were in the posterior wall. The operative time was 73 min (range, 46-108) No adverse anaesthesia-related events were recorded, and the post-operative pain was reduced. The median time of hospitalisation was 2 days (range, 1-4). No major complications were noted, and the minor complications were treated conservatively. The surgical margins were free of tumour in all cases. CONCLUSION: TEM under spinal anaesthesia had short duration of surgery, no increase in operative and post-operative complications or hospital length of stay. Avoiding the use of general anaesthesia, in such challenging procedure, may open new opportunities for patients determined to be unfit for general anaesthesia.

Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision Following Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery for Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients' selection for transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) depends on diagnostic modalities; however, there are still some limitations in the preoperative diagnosis of rectal lesions, and in some reports, up to third of the adenomas resected by TEM were found to be adenocarcinoma; therefore, salvage radical resection (RR) remains necessary for achieving oncological resection. Salvage RR may encounter some technical problems as the violation of the mesorectum and the scar formation. In this study, we aimed to report the outcome in patients undergoing salvage RR in terms of morbidity and oncological results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic and clinical data pertaining to patients undergoing RR following TEM between 2004 and 2014 were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: One hundred forty one TEM were performed in the study period, 53 (38%) for malignant rectal lesions. Indication for TEM: 15 (28%) benign adenoma, 25 (47%) early rectal cancer, and 13 (25%) had clinical complete response after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Ten (19%) patients had no residual tumor in TEM specimen, 15 (28%) had T1, and 2 of them underwent salvage low anterior resection (LAR). Ten (19%) had T2, 4 had LAR, and 1 had abdominoperineal resection (APR). Five (9%) had a T3, 3 underwent LAR, and 2 had APR. Among the 13 (25%) after chemo-radiotherapy (CRT), 4 had salvage AR. The time from TEM to RR was 47 days (range32-70). Of 16 salvage surgeries, 8 (50%) were laparoscopic. The median operative time was 210 minutes (range165-360). Five patients had protective ileostomy. Rectal perforation occurred in 2 (12%) patients; both had a posterior location, one after CRT. Two (12%) postoperative small-bowl obstruction and three wound infections occurred. There was no perioperative mortality in any of the patients who underwent RR. The final pathology was no residual disease in 9, T3N1 in 1, T3N0 in 3, T2N1 in 1, and T2N0 in 2 patients. Eight (50%) had adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision following TEM seems to be safe, and with no negative impact of the completeness of the resection. The concern of intraoperative specimen perforation is real, and should be dealt with meticulous technique and careful dissection, particularly after CRT.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery Implementation in Ultra-Low Anterior Resection.

BACKGROUND: Distal rectal cancer resection is an ongoing challenge for the colorectal surgeon. In recent years new technical approaches, especially with implementation of transanal platforms were developed to help in the visualization and resection of these tumors. Nevertheless, the use of these platforms is demanding with significant complications during the onset phase. METHODS: Patients with very low rectal cancer were operated on in a single tertiary center with a combined abdominal and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) approach. Demographic, pathological, and surgical data were collected retrospectively with an emphasis on distal margin involvement. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were operated on during the study period. All patients had negative distal resection margins with a low complication rate. The distant metastasis and local recurrence rates were low with a mean follow-up of 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: TEM provides an appealing and viable option for the resection of low rectal cancer in a combined transabdominal and transanal approach in patients with a good response after neoadjuvant treatment. This is one of the available platforms a colorectal surgeon might benefit from having in his armamentarium. It has a very low complication rate with maintenance of oncological principles, enabling a clear visualization of the distal rectum, and thus ensures free distal resection margins.

A necktie fashion vascular loop seton tie may simplify the treatment of perianal fistula / O seton para alça vascular com laçada em forma de nó de gravata pode simplificar o tratamento da fístula perianal

ABSTRACT Seton for treatment of perianal fistula can be of the cutting or a loose type. We adopted a simple technique for tighten the seton by applying a necktie shape tie on the vascular loop, hence it can be used for drainage on the beginning, and for cutting purpose later on. In this retrospective study we report our experience on this seton tie method. Material and methods: Patients operated for perianal fistula between 2012 and 2014 were reviewed. Results: Of 63 patients operated, 23 (35%) had a necktie-tie seton. There were 15 (65%) men. Age 34.1 ± 10.6. Six (26%) had a recurrent fistula, 2 (9%) with loose seton in place. The external opening: anterior four (17%), lateral fifteen (65%), posterior three (13%), one patient (4%) had two opening. The internal opening was identified: posterior seventeen (74%), anterior four (17%) and right posterior two (8%). Nineteen (82%) had a trans-sphenteric tract, four (17%) females had an anterior location. Operative time was 32 min (range 22-55). The seton was tightened 4 times (range 2-5) with 2 weeks interval. Healing was achieved in 7 weeks (range 5-11). In 24 months (range 12-35) follow-up, no reported anal incontinence. Recurrence was observed in one patient (4%). Conclusion: The necktie tightening of the vascular loop seton is a simple, safe, easily performed and may simplify the seton management of perianal fistulae.

RESUMO Setons para o tratamento de fístula perianal podem ser do tipo de corte ou do tipo frouxo. Adotamos uma técnica simples para apertar o seton, pela aplicação, na alça vascular, de uma laçada em forma de nó de gravata. Desse modo, inicialmente a laçada pode ser utilizada para drenagem e, subsequentemente, para as finalidades de corte. Neste estudo retrospectivo, relatamos nossa experiência com este método de aplicação da laçada do Seton em nó de gravata. Material e métodos: Foram revisados pacientes operados para fístula perianal entre 2012-2014. Resultados: Dos 63 pacientes operados, 23 (35%) receberam um Seton em nó de gravata. Desse total, 15 (65%) eram homens, com média de idade de 34,1 ± 10,6 anos. Seis (26%) tiveram fístula recorrente, e dois (9%) tiveram afrouxamento do seton in loco. Foram identificadas aberturas externas: anteriores, quatro (17%); laterais, 15 (65%); posteriores, três (13%); e duas aberturas em um paciente (4%). Também foram identificadas aberturas internas: posteriores, 17 (74%); anteriores, quatro (17%); e posteriores direitas, duas (8%). Em 19 (82%) havia um trato trans-esfinctérico, e quatro pacientes mulheres (17%) tiveram localização anterior. O tempo de cirurgia foi de 32 minutos (variação, 22-55). O seton foi apertado 4 vezes (variação, 2-5) a intervalos de 2 semanas. A cicatrização ocorreu em sete semanas (variação, 5-11). Ao longo dos 24 meses (variação, 12-35) de seguimento dos pacientes, não houve relato de incontinência anal. Houve recorrência em um paciente (4%). Conclusão: O aperto do Seton em alça vascular pela técnica do nó de gravata é método simples, seguro, de fácil realização e que pode simplificar o tratamento de fístulas perianais com Seton.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery Combined with Laparoscopic Colectomy for Synchronous Colorectal Tumors: A Word of Caution.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of malignant synchronous colorectal tumors (SCRT) is between 2% and 5%, and the association of synchronous adenomatous polyps in colon cancer has been reported to be 15%-50%. Surgical resection is the primary treatment option for SCRT not amendable to endoscopic resection. Lesions in adjacent segments are usually treated with more extensive resection; however, there is still some controversy on how to best treat synchronous lesions in separate segments, especially when the rectum is involved. In this study, we aimed to report the outcome of patients with SCRT treated by laparoscopic colectomy combined with Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery. METHODS: Data pertaining patients undergoing combined colectomy and Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) between 2004 and 2014 were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: 141 TEM performed in the study period, 9 (6.5%) with combined laparoscopic colectomy were included. Mean age was 69.1 ± 10.6 years. There were 6 (66%) right, 2 (22%) left, and one (11%) sigmoid colectomy. All rectal lesions were benign adenomas, with mean tumor size 2.5 cm, and distance from the verge 9 ± 2.5 cm. Lesions were located in lateral rectal wall in 4, posterior in 4, and anterior in one case. Seven patients had the colectomy before TEM, and 2 had the TEM first. Mean operative time was 245 minutes (range 185-313) for the combined procedures. Median time of hospitalization was 6 days (range 4-11). Six patients (66%) had prolonged postoperative diarrhea. The final rectal pathology reports were adenoma with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in 5 patients and adenoma with low-grade dysplasia in four cases. The colon pathology was T1 N0 in 3, T2 N0 in one, T3 N1 in one, adenoma with HGD in 2, and no residual tumor in 2 patients. Two patients underwent re-TEM for recurrent adenoma of rectum at 14 and 18 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The combination of TEM with laparoscopic colectomy is feasible and should be kept in mind as an alternative procedure in case of SCRT. However, more strict selection criteria should be considered and the disadvantages should be discussed with the patient.

Massive and recurrent diverticular hemorrhage, risk factors and treatment.

AIM: Diverticular hemorrhage may be massive or recurrent, requiring surgical management. The aim of our study is to define risk factors that predict rebleeding or need for urgent operation in patients with diverticular hemorrhage. METHODS: Retrospective study was conducted on patients who were admitted for diverticular hemorrhage. Data pertaining to patient and bleeding characteristics, method of diagnosis, blood transfusion and type of operation were collected. Multivariate analysis model compared patients who experienced single bleeding episode with those with recurrent episodes, and patients who underwent surgery with those who did not. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients met the inclusion criteria. Thirty four patients experienced more than one bleeding episode. Ten patients needed surgery for recurrent bleeding. Five patients presented with hemodynamic instability, none of them required surgical treatment. Neither patients' comorbidity nor anticoagulant and antiaggregant treatments were associated with increased risk for recurrent hemorrhage. Diabetes mellitus was correlated with decreased risk for recurrent hemorrhage, OR = 0.21, (CI 95% (0.06-0.73)); p = 0.014. Independent risk factor for massive recurrent diverticular hemorrhage requiring surgery was right sided diverticulosis, OR = 4.6(CI 95% (2.1-19)); p = 0.006. CONCLUSIONS: Right colon diverticulosis rather than patient characteristics and medical treatment should prompt for aggressive management with lower threshold for surgical intervention.

Water-Soluble Enema Prior to Ileostomy Closure in Patients Undergoing Low Anterior Resection: Is It Necessary?

BACKGROUND: Diverting ileostomy is recommended in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and low anterior resection for low-rectal cancer. Prior to ileostomy reversal, water-soluble enema is performed to assess the low colorectal anastomosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether performance of routine water-soluble enema prior to ileostomy takedown is necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All mid-low rectal cancer patients who underwent low anterior resection with temporary diverting ileostomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, between 2006 and 2013, were identified, retrospectively. The colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy takedown was evaluated by digital rectal exam, rigid proctoscopy, and water-soluble enema. The rectal exam and proctoscopy findings were compared to those of the water-soluble enema. The efficacy of routine water-soluble enema was assessed. RESULTS: Three hundred and twelve (184 male) patients (mean age 62.2 ± 17 years) met the inclusion criteria. Ten patients (3 %) experienced a contained anastomotic leak in the early postoperative period, of whom six had a positive intraoperative air leak test at the index operation. At follow-up, 12 patients (4 %) presented with anastomotic stricture, which was diagnosed by rectal exam and proctoscopy. In 11 of them, water-soluble enema showed anastomotic stricture. In terms of anastomotic defects, sinus was documented in two patients (0.6 %), yet digital rectal exam and proctoscopy were normal. No late septic complications related to the colorectal anastomosis after ileostomy closure were reported. The sensitivity of rectal exam, and proctoscopy for the diagnosis of anastomotic stricture was 100 %, while its negative predictive value for the diagnosis of anastomotic defect was 99 %. CONCLUSION: Routine water-soluble enema for the evaluation of colorectal anastomosis before ileostomy takedown does not provide additional information that changes patient management. The efficacy of this test in patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and low anterior resection should be reassessed.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: Current and Future Perspectives.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is part of the colorectal surgeons' armamentarium for over 2 decades. Since its first implementation for the resection of benign and T1 malignant lesions in the rectum several new indications were developed and it carries additional promise for further extension in upcoming years. Herein we review the technique, its current indications, novel implications, and future perspectives.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for large benign rectal tumors; where are the limits?

INTRODUCTION: Local excision is the treatment of choice for large benign rectal lesions. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is recommended. The excision of large lesions >4 cm has been previously described. We report our series of lesions >5 cm that have been excised via the transanal endoscopic microsurgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal tumors, between the years 2002-2012, were identified. Patients with tumors greater than 5 cm consisted the study group. Tumor diameter was determined based on fresh specimen measurements. Data pertaining to patients and tumor characteristics, operative and histopathology findings, postoperative outcomes were collected. Local recurrence and effects on anal sphincter function were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty five patients (14 female) with mean age of 70.3 ± 10.1 years, met the inclusion criteria. The mean tumor size was 5.7 ± 0.9 cm. The median distance from anal verge was 8 cm (range 1-17). Preoperative biopsy of the rectal tumor revealed adenoma with/without dysplasia in 24 patients. Postoperative findings were adenoma with/without dysplasia in 20 patients, T1 rectal cancer in 4 patients and tail gut cyst in one patient. Free margins were documented in 17 patients, in 7 it was involved and in one patient it could not be determined. In 2 cases the procedure was discontinued. Except for nonspecific transient fever no postoperative complications were reported. After a median follow up of 24.2 months, the 3-year LR rate was 10.9%. CONCLUSION: TEM is feasible for the treatment of large benign rectal tumors. It may be an alternative method for proctectomy in selected patients with large rectal lesions.

Factors associated with the location of local rectal cancer recurrence and predictors of survival.

PURPOSE: The location of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) may influence survival. This study examines factors affecting the location of LRRC, the effect of LRRC location on survival, and predictive factors for survival in patients with LRRC. METHODS: Patients undergoing initial proctectomy and subsequent management of LRRC at the Cleveland Clinic (1980-2011) were included. Data regarding index surgery, LRRC, and survival were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-seven patients were identified with a mean follow-up 59.8 ± 50.1 months and time to LRRC of 31.7 ± 30.1 months. Sixty patients underwent surgery with curative intent. Anastomotic leak and retrieving less than 12 lymph nodes at index proctectomy were associated with posterior (P = 0.019) and lateral (P = 0.036) recurrences, respectively. Having an axial relative to an anterior, posterior, or lateral recurrence was associated with improved overall survival (P = 0.001). On multivariable analysis, undergoing primarily palliative treatment (OR, 5.2; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 3.2-8.4; P < 0.001), age at LRRC >60 years (OR, 1.9; 95 % CI, 1.3-2.7, P < 0.001), advanced primary tumour stage (OR, 1.5; 95 % CI, 1.1-2.1; P = 0.021), and anastomotic leak at index surgery (OR, 1.8; 95 % CI, 1.2-2.7; P = 0.008) were associated with reduced LRRC 5-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that features of the primary tumour and technical factors at the time of index proctectomy influence both the location of LRRC and survival.

Fast-track rehabilitation accelerates recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Fast-track (FT) rehabilitation protocols have been shown to be successful in reducing both hospital stay and postoperative complications, as well as enhancing overall postoperative patient recovery. We are reporting the outcomes of our first group of patients undergoing colorectal surgery following the FT protocol. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of patients, between January 1, 2007 and January 31, 2010, who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resections in accordance with the guidelines of FT rehabilitation protocol. Recovery parameters including time to removal of naso-gastric tube and urinary catheter, time to bowel function and to resume diet, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. Postoperative outcomes, that is, postoperative complications and mortality, reoperations, and readmissions were also studied. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients, 30 women and 41 men, underwent FT rehabilitation for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The mean age of the patients was 60 ± 16 years. The most common surgical procedures were right hemicolectomy 30% and anterior resection 27%. Liquid and regular diet were initiated on postoperative day 1.2 ± 0.4 and 2.1 ± 0.4, respectively. Overall postoperative morbidity was 8.5%. The mean length of stay was 4.4 ± 1.7 days, with only 3 readmissions. Forty-five patients fulfilled the FT care plan and were discharged on postoperative day 3. No reoperations or mortality were observed. CONCLUSIONS: FT rehabilitation results in favorable postoperative outcomes. Our data provides evidence and suggests that FT protocols should be implemented as a reliable method of preparation and recovery for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Frozen section examination may facilitate reconstructive surgery for mid and low rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Distal margin >1 cm provides an oncologic safety in low-lying rectal cancers. We evaluated the accuracy of frozen section (FS) examination in estimating distal margins, and its impact on intraoperative decision making regarding restorative proctectomy. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent surgery for adenocarcinoma of the mid or lower rectum during 2001-2010 and for whom a distal margin specimen was examined intraoperatively by FS, to confirm microscopically free margins. Intraoperative findings, and frozen and final paraffin section findings were retrieved from patient charts. A distal margin of ≤1 cm was compared with >1 cm, for free margins at final pathology and local recurrence (LR). The impact of a distal margin ≤5 mm was also assessed. The impact of FS on intraoperative decision making, in patients who did and did not receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy, was assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of the 63 patients studied was 66.4 ± 11.8 years, and median tumor distance from the anal verge 6 cm (range 1-10 cm). Seven patients underwent abdominoperineal resection, 54 anterior resection, and two Hartman procedures. FS sensitivity and specificity were 83% and 98%, respectively. Accuracy of FS was high for the 41 patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy, and the 22 who were not. Distal margin >5 mm at FS examination ensured a free margin at final pathology. LR rate was comparable between patients with distal margin >10 mm and ≤10 mm, 8% vs 11%, P = 0.65. CONCLUSIONS: FS examination may help determine free distal margin and consequently, in selected cases, may facilitate a restorative procedure in patients with low rectal cancer.

Pneumoperitoneum in the presence of acute and chronic kidney injury: an experimental model in rats.

PURPOSE: There is evidence that pneumoperitoneum induces transient changes in renal function in healthy individuals. Its effect on malfunctioning kidneys is not well known. We investigated effects caused by pneumoperitoneum in animals with impaired renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats underwent subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy in 2 sequential steps to induce renal failure. Two and 10 weeks postoperatively rats were classified with acute and chronic kidney injury, respectively. At those time points all rats were exposed to 0, 5 and 8 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum for 60 minutes. Changes in creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine clearance were measured. Histopathological changes and apoptosis were also evaluated in the subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 18 rats with acute and 18 with chronic kidney injury completed the study. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen did not change after applying pneumoperitoneum in the different pressure subgroups but creatinine clearance significantly decreased in the 5 and 8 mm Hg subgroups in rats with acute and chronic kidney injury. Histopathological findings in the acute kidney injury subgroups that underwent 5 and 8 mm Hg pressure revealed ischemic changes while compensatory hypertrophy was noticed in the chronic injury pressurized subgroups. The apoptotic count was significantly higher in the chronic injury subgroups compared to their acute injury pressurized counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumoperitoneum seems feasible in rats with impaired baseline renal function. Particularly chronic cases should not be considered a contraindication to pneumoperitoneum while in acute cases pneumoperitoneum might be detrimental.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for upper rectal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Compared with traditional rectal resection, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is faster and safer. This retrospective study sought to assess the efficacy of TEM for lesions located in the upper rectum, ≥10 cm from the anal verge. METHODS: Data from all patients who underwent TEM for rectal lesions ≥10 cm from the anal verge between 2001 and 2010 at two medical centers in Israel were retrospectively analyzed. The study group comprised 96 patients (57 men, 39 women) who underwent 99 TEM procedures. Collected data included patient demographics, tumor characteristics, indications for surgery, operative findings and details, postoperative outcomes, and histopathologic findings. Long-term outcomes including local recurrence (LR) for benign lesions and LR and overall survival (OS) for malignant lesions were calculated. Categorical variables were calculated by frequency tables, and linear variables were represented by averages and standard deviation or median with the spread of variables. Survival and LR analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods. RESULTS: The mean tumor distance from the anal verge was 11.3 ± 2 cm and the median tumor size was 2 cm. Early postoperative outcomes were favorable, and no early postoperative mortality was reported. The postoperative morbidity rate was 10%. For long-term outcomes, in the subgroup with benign lesions, after a median follow-up of 8.7 years, the LR rate was 5.1%. In the group with malignant lesions, LR and OS rates were 6.9 and 87%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TEM for upper rectal lesions is feasible and may be safe in selected cases. Low morbidity rate, shorter operative time and length of stay, no mortality events, and favorable long-term outcomes support the use of TEM for the treatment of lesions in the upper rectum.

Risk and location of cancer in patients with preoperative colitis-associated dysplasia undergoing proctocolectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of preoperative dysplasia grade, appearance, and site on risk and location of cancer in patients with colitis. BACKGROUND: The ability to predict the presence and location of cancer in colitis patients with dysplasia is essential to facilitate recommendations regarding the necessity and type of surgery. METHODS: Ulcerative and indeterminate colitis patients who underwent proctocolectomy for dysplasia were retrospectively selected. Patient characteristics and findings at colonoscopic surveillance were associated with findings on the surgical specimen by regression analysis. RESULTS: From 1984 to 2007, 348 proctocolectomy specimens with preoperative dysplasia showed cancer in 51 (15%) and dysplasia in 172 (49%) cases. Patients with preoperative high-grade dysplasia (HGD) had cancer in 29% compared with 3% in low-grade dysplasia (LGD) (P < 0.001). Patients with preoperative dysplasia-associated lesion/mass (DALM) had cancer in 25% compared with 8% in flat dysplasia (P < 0.001). In LGD with DALM, the risk of cancer was not significantly higher than in flat LGD (7% vs 2%, P = 0.3), but risk of cancer or HGD was higher with a threefold increase (29% vs 9%, P = 0.015). On multivariate analysis, HGD, DALM, and disease duration were independent risk factors for postoperative cancer. In patients with isolated colonic dysplasia above the sigmoid level, postoperative rectal involvement was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of cancer for patients with HGD or DALM is substantial. Despite low risk of cancer in patients with flat LGD, threshold for surgery should be low given the high prevalence of postoperative pathologic findings. Only in selected cases, colonoscopic surveillance after discussion of associated risks may be acceptable, provided high patient compliance can be assured. Surgery should be considered in all other cases, because it is the only modality that can eliminate the risk of cancer. The location of preoperative dysplasia may allow for the clarification of the need for proctectomy especially in the poor risk surgical patient.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: also for the treatment of retrorectal tumors.

Retrorectal tumors are an uncommon pathological entity. Their clinical importance arises from their occasional malignant nature or malignant transformation. The treatment of choice for most presacral tumors is surgical excision. The approach depends upon the upper limit of the lesion and the presumptive pathology. We reviewed the main features of these tumors with emphasis on transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) as a viable surgical approach for the treatment of the lesions, undertaken in our institution. We present our small case series, consisting of six patients with retrorectal lesions who underwent local excision via TEM. Early and late postoperative outcomes are presented. TEM for retrorectal lesions appears to be a feasible and safe approach. A remarkably low morbidity favors TEM in selected patients.

Repeated transanal endoscopic microsurgery is feasible and safe.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for the excision of benign and low-grade malignant lesions in the low and middle rectum are well recognized. This study examined the feasibility and safety of a repeated TEM procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent a repeat TEM for excision of rectal lesions, either for involved resection margins or for local recurrence, between the years 2000 and 2010, were identified. Rectal lesion characteristics were retrieved. Mean operative times, length of hospital stay, and intra- and postoperative complications were compared between primary and repeated procedures. The postoperative histopathology reports were reviewed, and the adequacy of resection was determined. All patients completed a questionnaire based on the Wexner score for anal sphincter function evaluation. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (3 female, 11 male) underwent a repeat TEM operation during the study period. All procedures were completed endoscopically. Indications for repeated TEM were involved margins in 12 patients and recurrence of benign tumor in 2. Mean operative time, mean length of hospital stay, and rate of postoperative complications were similar for primary and repeated TEM procedures (62.5 ± 17 versus 55 ± 23 minutes, P=.181; 1.7 ± 1.3 versus 1.7 ± 1.12 days, P=.99; and 35.7% versus 21.4%, P=.66, respectively). The Wexner score was comparable at baseline and after the first and the second TEM procedures (1.5 ± 2.3, 1.5 ± 2.3, and 3.3 ± 3.1, respectively; P=.188). No cases of fecal incontinence following a repeat TEM were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated TEM is feasible and safe and may be appropriate for selected patients.