Prophylactic Clipping After Colorectal Endoscopic Resection Prevents Bleeding of Large, Proximal Polyps: Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The benefits of prophylactic clipping to prevent bleeding after polypectomy are unclear. We conducted an updated meta-analysis of randomized trials to assess the efficacy of clipping in preventing bleeding after polypectomy, overall and according to polyp size and location. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for randomized trials that compared the effects of clipping vs not clipping to prevent bleeding after polypectomy. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis to generate pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs. Multilevel random-effects metaregression analysis was used to combine data on bleeding after polypectomy and estimate associations between rates of bleeding and polyp characteristics. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 9 trials, comprising 71897 colorectal lesions (22.5% 20 mm or larger; 49.2% with proximal location). Clipping, compared with no clipping, did not significantly reduce the overall risk of postpolypectomy bleeding (2.2% with clipping vs 3.3% with no clipping; RR, 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-1.08; P = .072). Clipping significantly reduced risk of bleeding after removal of polyps that were 20 mm or larger (4.3% had bleeding after clipping vs 7.6% had bleeding with no clipping; RR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.33-0.78; P = .020) or that were in a proximal location (3.0% had bleeding after clipping vs 6.2% had bleeding with no clipping; RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.35-0.81; P < .001). In multilevel metaregression analysis that adjusted for polyp size and location, prophylactic clipping was significantly associated with reduced risk of bleeding after removal of large proximal polyps (RR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.22-0.61; P = .021) but not small proximal lesions (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.48-1.62; P = .581). CONCLUSIONS: In a meta-analysis of randomized trials, we found that routine use of prophylactic clipping does not reduce risk of postpolypectomy bleeding overall. However, clipping appeared to reduce bleeding after removal of large (more than 20 mm) proximal lesions.

Radial incision and cutting method using a transanal approach for treatment of anastomotic strictures following rectal cancer surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Development of an anastomotic stricture following rectal cancer surgery is not uncommon. Such strictures are usually managed by manual or instrumental dilatation techniques that are often insufficiently effective, as evidenced by the high recurrence rate. Various surgical procedures using minimally invasive approaches have also been reported. One of these procedures, endoscopic radial incision and cutting (RIC), has been extensively reported. However, RIC by transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is yet to be reported. We here report a novel application of TAMIS for performing RIC for anastomotic rectal stenosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old man had suffered from constipation for 6 years after undergoing low anterior resection for stage II rectal cancer 7 years ago. Colonoscopy showed a 1-cm diameter stricture in the lower rectum. Balloon dilatation was performed many times because of repeated recurrences. Thus, surgical management was considered and the stricture was successfully excised via a RIC method using a TAMIS approach. Postoperatively, the patient had minimal leakage that resolved with conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A RIC method using a TAMIS approach is an effective minimally invasive means of managing anastomotic strictures following rectal cancer surgery.

[Robotic Rectal Cancer Surgery]. / Roboterassistierte Rektumkarzinomchirurgie.

BACKGROUND: The oncological outcome of patients with rectal cancer has improved considerably over the past few decades. This is mainly due to the introduction of the surgical concept of total mesorectal excision (TME) and the implementation of multimodal treatment strategies. Additionally, it has recently been demonstrated that the oncological results of open and laparoscopic TME are comparable. For some time there has been an ongoing debate on the potential relevance of robotic assistance systems in visceral surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the operative and perioperative outcomes of patients with rectal or rectosigmoid cancer, who were operated on using the Da Vinci Surgical System. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analysed the outcomes of 202 consecutive patients, who were operated between September 2010 and November 2015 in three Surgical Centers. The cohort consisted of 136 men and 66 women with a mean BMI of 28. We performed the following procedures: 49 anterior rectal resections, 119 low anterior rectal resections, and 34 abdominoperineal excisions. Conversion to an open procedure was required in 13 patients. Non-surgical complications (n = 27) occurred in 24 patients (12%) and surgical complications (n = 67) in 62 patients (31%). Most complications were due to abdominal or sacral wound infections (n = 25) and anastomotic leaks (n = 18). The mortality rate within 30 days was 2%. The rate of R0 resections was 95%, with circumferential resection margins being negative in 98% of the patients. The quality of the mesorectal resection was scored as good in 91% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Da Vinci Surgical System can be used safely and with a low complication rate for surgical treatment of rectal cancer. While primary evidence suggests that the outcome of robotic-assisted surgery is comparable with open and laparoscopic surgery, its definitive value has to be determined upon publication of the prospective randomized ROLARR trial. The main advantages of the Da Vinci system are its endowristed instruments with multiple degrees of freedom and its optimised visualisation (3D, stable camera platform controlled by the surgeon). Another positive feature is the significant ergonomic advantage for the surgeon.

Estadiaje local del carcinoma rectal: imágenes de ecografía versus resonancia magnética. Revisión sistemática de la literatura y metaanálisis.

New surgical techniques in the treatment of rectal cancer have improved survival mainly by reducing local recurrences. A preoperative staging method is required to accurately identify tumor stage and planning the appropriate treatment. MRI and ERUS are currently being used for the local staging (T stage). In this review, the accuracy of MRI and ERUS with rigid probe was compared against the gold standard of the pathological findings in the resection specimens. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. The accuracy was 91.0% to ERUS and 86.8% to MRI (p=0.27). The result has no statistical significance but with pronounced heterogeneity between the included trials as well as other published reviews. We can conclude that there is a clear need for good quality, larger scale and prospective studies.

An outcome and cost analysis of anal fistula plug insertion vs endorectal advancement flap for complex anal fistulae.

AIM: The study aimed to compare the rate of success and cost of anal fistula plug (AFP) insertion and endorectal advancement flap (ERAF) for anal fistula. METHOD: Patients receiving an AFP or ERAF for a complex single fistula tract, defined as involving more than a third of the longitudinal length of of the anal sphincter, were registered in a prospective database. A regression analysis was performed of factors predicting recurrence and contributing to cost. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (AFP 31, ERAF 40) were analysed. Twelve (39%) recurrences occurred in the AFP and 17 (43%) in the ERAF group (P = 1.00). The median length of stay was 1.23 and 2.0 days (P < 0.001), respectively, and the mean cost of treatment was €5439 ± €2629 and €7957 ± €5905 (P = 0.021), respectively. On multivariable analysis, postoperative complications, underlying inflammatory bowel disease and fistula recurring after previous treatment were independent predictors of de novo recurrence. It also showed that length of hospital stay ≤ 1 day to be the most significant independent contributor to lower cost (P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Anal fistula plug and ERAF were equally effective in treating fistula-in-ano, but AFP has a mean cost saving of €2518 per procedure compared with ERAF. The higher cost for ERAF is due to a longer median length of stay.

In vivo diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution microendoscopy in differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic colorectal polyps: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: High-resolution microendoscopy (HRME) is a low-cost, "optical biopsy" technology that allows for subcellular imaging. The purpose of this study was to determine the in vivo diagnostic accuracy of the HRME for the differentiation of neoplastic from non-neoplastic colorectal polyps and compare it to that of high-definition white-light endoscopy (WLE) with histopathology as the gold standard. METHODS: Three endoscopists prospectively detected a total of 171 polyps from 94 patients that were then imaged by HRME and classified in real-time as neoplastic (adenomatous, cancer) or non-neoplastic (normal, hyperplastic, inflammatory). RESULTS: HRME had a significantly higher accuracy (94%), specificity (95%), and positive predictive value (PPV, 87%) for the determination of neoplastic colorectal polyps compared with WLE (65%, 39%, and 55%, respectively). When looking at small colorectal polyps (less than 10 mm), HRME continued to significantly outperform WLE in terms of accuracy (95% vs. 64%), specificity (98% vs. 40%) and PPV (92% vs. 55%). These trends continued when evaluating diminutive polyps (less than 5 mm) as HRME's accuracy (95%), specificity (98%), and PPV (93%) were all significantly greater than their WLE counterparts (62%, 41%, and 53%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this in vivo study demonstrates that HRME can be a very effective modality in the differentiation of neoplastic and non-neoplastic colorectal polyps. A combination of standard white-light colonoscopy for polyp detection and HRME for polyp classification has the potential to truly allow the endoscopist to selectively determine which lesions can be left in situ, which lesions can simply be discarded, and which lesions need formal histopathologic analysis.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal neoplasia during the clinical learning curve.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been reported mainly from Japanese referral centers. However, ESD is technically difficult and associated with a higher risk of adverse events than endoscopic mucosal resection, especially for novices performing colorectal ESD with little experience in gastric ESD. The current study evaluated the results of colorectal ESD during the clinical learning curve by retrospectively examining the results of colorectal ESD performed by four endoscopists who had experience with fewer than five cases of gastric ESD. METHODS: The study retrospectively investigated the first 20 cases managed by each endoscopist, for a total of 80 cases. The main outcome measurements were procedural time, en bloc resection rate with tumor-free margins (R0 resection rate), and adverse events rate. From among clinicopathologic characteristics, factors that affected main outcome measurements were identified. RESULTS: Of the 80 cases (56 colonic and 24 rectal lesions; 44 granular laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) and 23 nongranular LSTs, 5 depressed, and 8 protruding), 54 cases (67.5%) had resection using a standard tip-type knife, and 26 cases (32.5%) had resection using a small scissors-type knife. The mean tumor diameter was 34.9 ± 14.1 mm, and the mean procedural time was 108.8 ± 53.4 min. The resection in 75 cases (93.8%) was performed en bloc, and the R0 resection rate was 75% (60/80). Perforation occurred in six cases (7.5%) and postoperative hemorrhage in three cases (3.8%). Multivariate analyses showed that colonic lesions and larger lesions (≥40 mm) were significantly associated with prolonged procedural time (≥90 min). Use of the scissors-type knife was significantly associated with a higher R0 resection rate. Perforation occurred only in colonic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: For novices in colorectal ESD, beginning with rectal and smaller lesions may be advisable. Also, using scissors-type knives may increase the R0 resection rate.

[TEO: minimally invasive surgery of the rectum. A short review]. / TEO: Minimálisan invazív rectumsebészet. Rövid áttekintés.

The equipment and technique of transanal endoscopic microsurgery was developed by Buess in the early 80s. The technique was more refined, and the indication was widened since then. Excellent oncological results can be achieved with good patient selection with this less invasive technique and the complication rate is very low in contrast to conventional techniques. Nowadays the transanal endoscopic microsurgery is the "gold standard" in the treatment of benign lesions and low risk T1 cancer of the rectum.

Robotic transanal endoscopic microsurgery: technical details for the lateral approach.

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a minimally invasive approach reserved for the resection of selected rectal tumors. However, this approach is technically demanding. Although robotic technology may overcome the limitations of this approach, the system can be difficult to dock, especially in the lithotomy position. OBJECTIVE: The study aim is thus to report the technical details of robotic transanal endoscopic microsurgery with the use of a lateral approach. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: This study is a prospective evaluation of robotic transanal endoscopic microsurgery in a single tertiary institution, under a protocol approved by our local ethics committee. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent a routine mechanical bowel preparation and were placed in the left or right lateral position according to the tumor location. A circular anal dilatator was used together with the glove port technique. The robotic system was then docked over the hip. A 30° optic and 2 articulated instruments were used with an additional assistant trocar. The tumor excision was realized with an atraumatic grasper and an articulated cautery hook, and the defect was closed with barbed continuous stiches in each case. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was the safety and feasibility of the procedure. RESULTS: Three patients underwent a robotic transanal endoscopic microsurgery with the use of the lateral approach. Mean operative time was 110 minutes, including 20 minutes for the docking of the robot. There was 1 intraoperative complication (a pneumoperitoneum without intraabdominal lesion) and no postoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was 3 days. Margins were negative in all the cases. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by the small number of patients. CONCLUSION: Robotic transanal endoscopic microsurgery with use of the lateral approach is feasible and may facilitate the local resection of small lesions of the mid and lower rectum. It might assume an important place in sphincter-preserving surgery, especially for selected and early rectal cancer (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A114).

Comparison of endoscopic resection therapies for rectal carcinoid tumor: endoscopic submucosal dissection versus endoscopic mucosal resection using band ligation.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has been the endoscopic treatment of choice for rectal carcinoid tumors <10 mm in size. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) may cause more severe complications, longer operation time, and higher cost than EMR. AIM: : To compare EMR using band ligation (EMR-B) method with ESD for the endoscopic treatment of rectal carcinoid tumors. METHODS: From November 2008 to September 2011, we enrolled consecutive patients with rectal carcinoid tumors <10 mm in diameter and without lymph node enlargement. Rate of complete resection rate, incidence of complications, and length of procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty patients were enrolled (31 ESD cases and 29 EMR-B cases). The mean age was 48.03±13.09 years. Both groups had similar mean tumor diameter (EMR-B 4.34±1.75 vs. ESD 5.22±2.09 mm; P=0.084). Resection time was longer in the ESD group than in the EMR-B group (15.09±5.73 vs. 6.37±5.52 min; P<0.001). The complete resection rate was 80.6% (25 of 31) in the ESD group and 82.8% (24 of 29) in the EMR-B group (P=0.833). In incomplete resection cases, neither local recurrence nor distant metastasis was detected during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with ESD, EMR-B resulted in a comparable histologically complete resection rate and took less time to perform. Given the advantages of easier and shorter procedure time, EMR-B may be considered the treatment of choice for small rectal carcinoid tumors.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery.

The aim of oncologic surgery is radical cancer treatment with preservation of function and quality of life. Almost 30 years ago, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) revolutionised the technique and outcomes of transanal surgery, first becoming the standard of treatment for large rectal adenomas, then offering a possibly curative treatment for early rectal cancer, and finally generating discussion on its potential role in combination with neoadjuvant therapies for the treatment of more invasive cancer. TEM afforded the advantage of combining a less invasive transanal approach with low recurrence rates thanks to enhanced visualization of the surgical field, which allows more precise dissection. We describe the current indications, the preoperative work-up, the surgical technique (with the aid of a video), postoperative management and results obtained in an over 20-year-long experience. Designed as an accurate means to allow excision of benign rectal neoplasms with a very low morbidity rate, TEM today is indicated as a curative treatment of malignant neoplasms that are histologically confirmed as pT1 sm1 carcinomas. T1 sm2-3 and T2 lesions should at present be included in prospective trials. Accurate preoperative staging is essential for optimal selection of patients. Patients with clear indication for TEM should be referred to specialized medical centres experienced with the technique.

The use of a detachable anvil enables an easier and safer stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

Following the excision of hemorrhoidal nodes during hemorrhoidectomy, intense pain is reported to be the main postoperative problem, which can last for several weeks. Hemorrhoidopexy, an alternative treatment for hemorrhoids introduced in the late nineties, replaced hemorrhoid excision by a reduction of the hemorrhoids to their normal anatomical position, via an excision of a mucosal ring above the internal hemorrhoidal cushions. The latter excision results in minimal or no postoperative pain. In 2010, a new variant of the hemorrhoidopexy set was introduced in the European market. The variations of this set, including a detachable anvil and a lined proctoscope, aid the surgeon in performing an easier and safer hemorrhoidopexy.

Treatment of rectal cancer by transanal endoscopic microsurgery: review of the literature.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive technique that was introduced by Buess in the early 1980s. The TEM procedure employs a dedicated rectoscope with a 3D binocular optic and a set of endoscopic surgical instruments. Since the beginning its advantages have been evident: magnification of the operative field, better access to proximal lesions with lower margin positivity and fragmentation over traditional transanal excision techniques. A non-systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed database to identify all original articles on rectal cancer treated by TEM. Only series including at least ten cases of adenocarcinoma with two years' mean minimum follow-up and published in English were selected. Nowadays more than two decades of scientific data support the use of TEM in the treatment of selected patients with non-advanced rectal cancer. This paper describes the indications and the surgical technique of TEM in the treatment of rectal cancer.

Combined transanal and laparoscopic approach for the treatment of deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum.

BACKGROUND: Two surgical approaches are employed in the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum (DIER): colorectal resection and nodule excision. In 2009, we introduced a new technique for transanal full thickness disc excision of endometriotic nodules infiltrating the low and middle rectum, using the Contour® Transtar™ stapler (Ethicon Endo-Surgery inc., Cincinnati, OH, USA). The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the technique and to present data on the feasibility of this technique. METHODS: From April 2009 to October 2010, all patients presenting with DIER and undergoing full thickness excision using the Contour® Transtar™ stapler were enrolled in the study. Pre-, intra- and post-operative data were collected and reported. RESULTS: Six nulliparous women were managed using this technique during the study period. The rectal wall discs removed measured from 40 × 45 to 60 × 50 mm. In two cases, microscopic foci were noted on one of the margins but in four cases the limits were clear. Operating time varied from 180 to 450 min. Four women were completely free of post-operative digestive complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small numbers in this series, our data suggest that the new technique of transanal rectal disc excision using the contour stapler may be applied in patients with infiltrating endometrial nodules of the rectum up to 10 cm from the anal margin and up to 5 cm in diameter. This new procedure promises to be a useful addition to the surgeon's armamentarium in a multidisciplinary approach to deep pelvic endometriosis.

Transanal glove port is a safe and cost-effective alternative for transanal endoscopic microsurgery.

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive technique for excision of rectal tumours that avoids conventional pelvic resectional surgery along with its risks and side-effects. Although appealing, the associated cost and complex learning curve limit TEM utilization by colorectal surgeons. Single-port laparoscopic principles are being recognized as transferable to transanal work and hybrid techniques are in evolution. Here the clinical application of a new technique for transanal access is reported. METHODS: Consecutive non-selected patients eligible for TEM over a 3-month period (and selected patients thereafter) were offered a procedure performed via a 'glove TEM port'. This access device was constructed on-table using a circular anal dilator (CAD), wound retractor and standard surgical glove, along with standard, straight laparoscopic trocar sleeves and instruments. RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent full-thickness resection of benign (8) or malignant (6) rectal pathology. CAD insertion failed in one patient and conventional TEM assistance was needed in another, leaving 12 procedures completed successfully by glove TEM alone as planned (completion rate 86 per cent overall, 92 per cent after initiation). The median (range) duration of operation and resected specimen area were 93 (30-120) min and 12 (3-152) cm(2) respectively. There was no intraoperative and minimal postoperative morbidity, with a median follow-up of 5.7 (2.7-9.4) months. CONCLUSION: The glove TEM port is a safe, inexpensive and readily available access tool that may obviate the use of specialized equipment for transanal resection of rectal lesions.

Submucosal endoscopy with mucosal resection: a hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection in the porcine rectum and distal colon.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has appeal for en bloc resection of large flat colorectal polyps but carries appreciable risk and demands a high level of expertise and training. Undermining flat and laterally spreading colorectal polyps by using submucosal endoscopy with the mucosal safety valve flap (SEMF) may be combined with ESD to offer a hybrid technique that is easier and safer. OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of combining SEMF and ESD for the removal of progressively larger areas of the mucosa in the porcine rectum and colon. DESIGN: Two-phase ex vivo and in vivo study using domestic pig rectum and distal colon. SETTING: Developmental endoscopy unit/animal research unit. INTERVENTIONS: Progressively larger targeted mucosal dissections were performed by using the basic principles of ESD, which included margination of the targeted area of mucosa, submucosal fluid cushion, and needle-knife dissection. These were combined with the SEMF method of predissection with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) gas and balloon-based blunt dissection of the submucosa undermining the targeted and isolated mucosa. The hybrid technique was first applied to ex vivo porcine rectums and distal colons, then in vivo in an acute animal study. Progressively larger staged dissections were performed with 2-, 4-, and 6-cm diameter targeted mucosal sites. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Success with associated difficulty or failure of the hybrid method in the rectum and distal colon to achieve complete resection of a progressively larger targeted area of mucosa. RESULTS: The ex vivo phase of the experiment demonstrated the ability to use the blunt balloon dissection of the SEMF procedure to remove 2-, 4-, and 6-cm areas of rectum and distal colon with a rapid progression to the largest size resection. The colon proximal to 20 cm above the anus was unable to hold a submucosal fluid cushion and allow submucosal dissection. Successful hybrid ESD was performed in vivo with staged progression through to the largest mucosal area (6 cm) within 20 cm of the anus. Dissections became progressively easier and faster to perform and dependent on the following steps: a traditional circumferential mucosal incision into the deep submucosa, an initial needle-knife submucosal "tunnel" dissection above the muscularis propria (MP), balloon dissection, and needle-knife release of persistent tethering strands of submucosa with and without vessels. Of 16 hybrid resections, 3 failures and 2 very difficult resections were attributed to attempts at resection too proximal in the colon, excessive flexibility of the balloon catheter, and electrosurgical device subperformance. There were no mucosal perforations or coagulation injuries to the MP. A single uninflated balloon catheter perforation of the MP occurred in a dissection site just above 20 cm from the anus with a suboptimal fluid cushion. LIMITATIONS: Animal study. Procedures performed by a single endoscopist with long-standing familiarity with the SEMF method. CONCLUSIONS: Large mucosal target sites in the rectum and distal colon of the pig can be safely removed en bloc by means of a hybrid technique, ie, submucosal endoscopy with mucosal resection, combining elements of ESD with our SEMF method.

Novel technique of endoscopic submucosal dissection by using external forceps for early rectal cancer (with videos).

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is more difficult for rectal cancer than for gastric cancer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of an ESD procedure by using external forceps for early rectal cancer. DESIGN: A case series. SETTING: A tertiary medical center. PATIENTS: Thirteen patients with early-stage rectal cancer were enrolled. Twelve of the 13 lesions were granular-type laterally spreading tumors and 1 was a protruding tumor. INTERVENTIONS: After circumferential incision around the lesion with a dual-knife or a flex-knife, bendable external forceps were introduced with the help of grasping forceps inserted through the accessory channel and anchored at the anal margin of the lesion. After the forceps were bent, they were locked. With gentle anal traction and bending applied with the forceps, the lesion was elevated, the submucosal layer was opened, and the submucosal layer was dissected from the grasped side, facilitating dissection of the submucosal layer under direct vision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Technical success, complication rates. RESULTS: The mean lesion size was 33.0 mm (range 20-80 mm), and the mean operating time was 60 minutes (range 20-150 minutes). All lesions could be resected en bloc with tumor-free margins. Major bleeding after ESD occurred in only 1 patient (7.7%), who did not require blood transfusion. Perforation did not occur in any patient. LIMITATIONS: Single-center experience, small number of patients. CONCLUSION: This ESD procedure using external forceps for early-stage rectal cancers is feasible and safe.

Balloon dilatation of benign rectal anastomotic strictures -- a review.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of anastomotic stricture at the level of the rectum gives rise to three broad therapeutic options, namely major pelvic and abdominal revisional surgery, faecal diversion (stoma), or local revision by transanal approaches (including endoscopic and fluoroscopic). This article updates the current evidence and focuses on the results of the balloon dilatation technique. METHODS: A Medline search was carried out using the search terms (dilatation OR dilatation) AND (stricture OR strictures OR stenosis OR stenotic) AND (rectum OR rectal). In an effort to lessen publication bias, articles included at least 10 patients who were consecutively referred for treatment. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: This review would suggest that probably relatively short strictures have been chosen for balloon dilatation and that the results have had a very low major morbidity (0.45%) and mortality (0%) rate.