Intracorporeal antimesenteric ancillary trocar: an anastomotic technique facilitating natural orifice specimen extraction in left-sided colorectal surgery.

AIM: Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) in left-sided colorectal surgery requires application of the circular stapler anvil to the proximal bowel without exteriorization through an additional abdominal incision. We describe an intracorporeal method to secure the stapler anvil, termed the intracorporeal antimesenteric ancillary trocar (IAAT) technique. METHOD: The ancillary trocar is attached to the stapler anvil before introduction into the abdominal cavity through the anal or vaginal orifice. The colon is incised before the trocar spike is brought out through the antimesenteric surface 3-4 cm within the cut edge. A linear stapler is used to seal the bowel end. The ancillary trocar is detached and retrieved via the NOSE conduit. Following the NOSE procedure, a side-to-end colorectal anastomosis is performed with the transanal circular stapler. RESULTS: Ten consecutive patients underwent elective left-sided colorectal resection with IAAT for NOSE (seven transanal, three transvaginal) from January to June 2023. Median age and body mass index were 66 (range 47-74) years and 24.3 (range 17.9-30.8) kg/m2 respectively. Two (20%) patients underwent sigmoid colectomy for sigmoid volvulus while eight (80%) underwent anterior resection for colorectal cancer. Median operating time, operative blood loss and postoperative length of hospital stay were 170 (range 140-240) min, 20 (range 10-40) mL and 1 (range 1-3) day respectively. There were no postoperative complications, readmissions or reoperations. Median follow-up duration was 3 (range 1-6) months. CONCLUSION: The IAAT double-stapling side-to-end anastomotic technique is safe and feasible for patients undergoing left-sided colorectal resection with NOSE, resulting in good outcomes.

Robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus robotic transabdominal specimen extraction surgery for early-stage rectal cancer: a multicenter propensity score-matched analysis (in China).

BACKGROUND: Despite the global increase in the adoption of robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (R-NOSES), its advantages over robotic transabdominal specimen extraction surgery (R-TSES) for treating early-stage rectal cancer remain debated. There is scant nationwide, multicenter studies comparing the surgical quality and short-term outcomes between R-NOSES and R-TSES for this condition. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective cohort study was conducted nationally across multiple centers to compare the surgical quality and short-term outcomes between R-NOSES and R-TSES in early-stage rectal cancer. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort trial. SETTING: Eight experienced surgeons from 8 high-volume Chinese colorectal cancer treatment centers. PATIENTS: The study included 1086 patients who underwent R-NOSES or R-TSES from October 2015 to November 2023 at the 8 centers. Inclusion criteria were: (1) histologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma; (2) robotic total mesorectal excision; (3) postoperative pathological staging of TisN0M0 or T1-2N0M0; (4) availability of complete surgical and postoperative follow-up data. Patients were matched 1:1 in the R-NOSES and R-TSES groups using the propensity score matching (PSM) technique. RESULTS: After PSM, 318 matched pairs with well-balanced patient characteristics were identified. The operation time for the R-NOSES group was significantly longer than that for the R-TSES group [140 min (125-170 min) vs. 140 min (120-160 min), P = 0.032]. Conversely, the times to first flatus and initial oral intake in the R-NOSES group were significantly shorter than those in the R-TSES group [48 h (41-56 h) vs. 48 h (44-62 h), P = 0.049 and 77 h (72-94 h) vs. 82 h (72-96 h), P = 0.008], respectively. Additionally, the length of postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the R-NOSES group compared with the R-TSES group [7 day (7-9 day) vs. 8 day (7-9 day), P = 0.005]. The overall postoperative complication rates were similar between the groups (10.7% in the R-NOSES group vs. 11.9% in the R-TSES group, P = 0.617). However, the R-NOSES group had a lower incidence of wound complications compared to the R-TSES group (0.0% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.015). Regarding surgical stress response, the R-NOSES group showed superior outcomes. Additionally, patients in the R-NOSES group required fewer additional analgesics on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5 and reported lower pain scores compared to the R-TSES group. The body image scale (BIS) and cosmetic scale (CS) scores were also significantly higher in the R-NOSES group. Furthermore, the R-NOSES group demonstrated significantly better outcomes in functional dimensions such as physical, role, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning, and in symptoms like fatigue and pain, when compared to the R-TSES group. LIMITATIONS: It is imperative to ensure the safe and standardized implementation of R-NOSES through the establishment of a uniform training protocol. CONCLUSIONS: These results affirm that R-NOSES is a safe and effective treatment for early-stage rectal cancer when meticulously executed by skilled surgeons.

Transvaginal versus transabdominal specimen extraction in minimally invasive surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) is an alternative to conventional transabdominal retrieval. We aimed to compare outcomes following transvaginal specimen extraction (TVSE) and transabdominal specimen extraction (TASE) in minimally invasive abdominal surgery. METHODS: An electronic database search of PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL was performed from inception until March 2023. Comparative studies evaluating TVSE versus TASE in adult female patients were included. Studies involving transanal NOSE, endoluminal surgery, or TVSE with concomitant hysterectomy were excluded. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and odds ratio were estimated for continuous and dichotomous outcomes respectively. Primary outcomes were postoperative day 1 (POD1) pain and length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were operative time, rescue analgesia, morbidity, and cosmesis. A review of sexual, oncological, and technical outcomes was performed. RESULTS: Thirteen studies (2 randomised trials, 11 retrospective cohort studies), involving 1094 patients (TASE 583, TVSE 511), were included in the analysis. Seven studies involved colorectal disease and six assessed gynaecological conditions. TVSE resulted in significantly decreased POD1 pain (WMD 1.08, 95% CI: 0.49, 1.68) and shorter LOS (WMD 1.18 days, 95% CI: 0.14, 2.22), compared to TASE. Operative time was similar between both groups, with fewer patients requiring postoperative rescue analgesia with TVSE. Overall morbidity rates, as well as both wound-related and non-wound related complication rates were better with TVSE, while anastomotic morbidity rates were comparable. Cosmetic scores were higher with TVSE. TVSE did not result in worse sexual or oncological outcomes. CONCLUSION: TVSE may be feasible and beneficial compared to TASE when performed by proficient laparoscopic operators, using appropriate selection criteria. Continued evaluation with prospective studies is warranted.

Total laparoscopic segmental resection with transanal natural orifice specimen extraction for treatment of colorectal endometriosis: Descriptive analysis from the TrEnd study database.

OBJECTIVE: To report our 3-year institutional experience of total laparoscopic (TL) segmental sigmoid colon/rectal resection for treatment of bowel endometriosis (BE). DESIGN: The TrEnd trial is a single-institutional retrospective/prospective study conducted with the aim of systematically collecting data from consecutive patients undergoing segmental colorectal resection for BE. This paper reports the outcomes of patients undergoing intracorporeal anastomosis and transanal natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) from this database. Primary endpoints were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this approach in terms of: complications, conversion to conventional technique/open surgery, endometriosis-free bowel resection margins, recurrence. Secondary endpoints were to assess: intraoperative blood loss, operating time, gastrointestinal function recovery, duration of hospital stay, reproductive outcomes. SETTING: Malzoni Research Hospital, Avellino, Italy. PARTICIPANTS: Only patients undergoing TL colorectal resection with transanal NOSE were included in the present analysis. Patients were considered non-eligible if they had received concomitant hysterectomy and/or transvaginal NOSE. INTERVENTIONS: Results presented here are descriptive. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were included in the present analysis. Post-operative severe complications occurred in 3.7%. No cases of intraoperative complications or conversion to conventional technique/open surgery occurred. Final pathology showed endometriosis-free resection margins in all colorectal specimens. After a median follow-up of 21 months, all patients were free from BE. Median blood loss was 20 mL. Median length of surgery was 160 minutes. Median hospital length of stay was 3 days. All patients achieved the first passage of flatus on post-operative day 1. Median time to first defecation was 4 days. Twenty-six patients attempted to conceive. Nine of them achieved a pregnancy and 2 gave birth to a healthy child. CONCLUSION: This study represents the main experience on TL segmental colorectal resection for BE treatment. The observed optimal outcomes seem to recommend further studies to assess safety and efficacy of said surgical technique in women with BE. Clinical trial registry name: ClinicalTrials.gov.

Progress, challenges, and future perspectives of robot-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery for colorectal cancer: a review.

With the continuous advancements in precision medicine and the relentless pursuit of minimally invasive techniques, Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery (NOSES) has emerged. Compared to traditional surgical methods, NOSES better embodies the principles of minimally invasive surgery, making scar-free operations possible. In recent years, with the progress of science and technology, Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery has been widely applied in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Robotic surgical systems, with their clear surgical view and high operational precision, have shown significant advantages in the treatment process. To further improve the therapeutic outcomes for colorectal cancer patients, some scholars have attempted to combine robotic technology with NOSES. However, like traditional open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, the use of the robotic platform presents both advantages and limitations. Therefore, this study reviews the current research status, progress, and controversies regarding Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery for colorectal cancer, aiming to provide clinicians with more options in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus small-incision assisted laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy.

Conventional laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy requires a small abdominal incision to extract the specimen, which becomes an important source of postoperative complications and impairs perioperative experience. Transvaginal natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES VIIIA) avoids this small incision by extracting the specimen through the vagina. Here we describe the design of a multicenter, open-label, parallel, noninferior, phase III randomized controlled trial (NCT05495048). The aim of this study is to confirm that the NOSES VIIIA procedure is not inferior to small-incision assisted right hemicolectomy in long-term oncological efficacy. A total of 352 female patients with right colon adenocarcinoma/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia will be randomly assigned to the NOSES VIIIA arm and the small-incision arm in a 1:1 ratio. The primary end point of this trial is 3 year disease-free survival. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05495048 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Clinical outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction colectomy using a Cai tube for left-sided colon cancer: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction (LA-NOSE) colectomy in the treatment of left-sided colon cancer has not been well defined, and there remains confusion about how to conveniently exteriorize specimens through natural orifices. Therefore, we introduced a homemade invention, the Cai tube, to facilitate the extraction of specimens and compared the clinical outcomes of LA-NOSE with conventional laparoscopic (CL) colectomy for left-sided colon cancer. METHODS: From March 2015 to August 2017, patients with left-sided colon cancer were randomly divided into LA-NOSE and CL groups. Specimens were extracted through the anus with the help of a Cai tube (Patent Number: ZL201410168748.2) in the LA-NOSE group. The primary outcome measure was postoperative pain. Secondary outcomes were the duration of operation, postoperative recovery, surgical morbidity, pathological quality of the specimen, and long-term outcomes, including 3-year overall survival, disease-free survival, local recurrence, and overall recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients (30 per group) were recruited for this study. None of the patients required emergency conversion to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery during the operation. The postoperative maximum pain score was significantly lower in the LA-NOSE group (mean 2.5 vs. 5.1, P = 0.001), as was the additional analgesia requirement (mean 2/30 vs. 10/30, P = 0.021). Patients in the LA-NOSE group experienced a shorter first time to passage of flatus (mean 2.2 vs. 3.1 days, P = 0.026). All patients could control their defecation at 6 months after surgery. The comparison between the two groups showed no significant differences in the operative time, bleeding volume, postoperative hospital stay, surgical morbidity rates, number of lymph nodes harvested, or resection margin status. The mean follow-up was 48 months (range 7-59) and was similar in both groups. The results showed no differences in long-term outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of left-sided colon cancer, compared with conventional laparoscopic colectomy, LA-NOSE colectomy using the Cai tube exhibited lower postoperative pain, shorter recovery of gastrointestinal function, and similar long-term outcomes. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-OOR-15007060 ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/ ).

Robotic-assisted rectosigmoid resection rectopexy with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE): technical notes, short-term results, and functional outcome.

PURPOSE: Rectosigmoid resection rectopexy has been established as an effective therapy for obstructive defecation syndrome. The addition of the NOSE-technique provides an even less invasive approach avoiding minilaparotomy, but can be technically challenging. Application of a robotic platform has been proposed to facilitate the specimen extraction and fashioning of the intracorporeal anastomosis and has been proven to be effective in left-sided colectomies. METHODS: After establishing laparoscopic rectosigmoid-resection-rectopexy with NOSE, we modified our technique by addition of the robotic platform. Whenever robotic capacity was available, elective patients scheduled for rectosigmoid resection rectopexy for obstructive defecation syndrome were operated robotically assisted. Demographic and intraoperative data were prospectively collected. Follow up was assessed using the Wexner constipation score, Wexner incontinence score, and Altomare ODS score. RESULTS: The NOSE-RRR technique was completed in all 31 patients. The mean operative time was 166 min (range 67-230). No conversion was required. The median hospital stay was 5 days (range 3-28). Four patients had minor complications (Clavien I). Two patients were reoperated (Clavien IIIb). Functional scores improved significantly postoperatively. Mean Wexner incontinence score was 7.1 preoperatively, 6.9 after 1 month, and decreased significantly to 3.93 after 3 months (p < 0.001). Mean Altomare ODS score was 17.47 preoperatively and 6.93/5.03 after 1/3 months (p < 0.001). Wexner constipation score (12.83) also showed a significant improvement after 1/3 months (6.97/6.67; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NOSE-RRR can be performed safely with a low rate of manageable complications. The technique provides a significant improvement for ODS-Symptoms.

Comparison of short-term efficacy analysis of medium-rectal cancer surgery with robotic natural orifice specimen extraction and robotic transabdominal specimen extraction.

BACKGROUND: With the development of minimally invasive technology, the trauma caused by surgery get smaller, At the same time, the specimen extraction surgery through the natural orifice is more favored by experts domestically and abroad, robotic surgery has further promoted the development of specimen extraction surgery through the natural orifice. The aim of current study is to compare the short-term outcomes of robotic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSES ) and transabdominal specimen extraction(TRSE ) in median rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: From January 2020 to January 2023, 87 patients who underwent the NOSES or TRSE at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were included in the study, 4 patients were excluded due to liver metastasis. Of these, 50 patients were in the TRSE and 33 patients in the NOSES. Short-term efficacy was compared in the two groups. RESULTS: The NOSES group had less operation time (P < 0.001), faster recovery of gastrointestinal function (P < 0.001), shorter abdominal incisions (P < 0.001), lower pain scores(P < 0.001). lower Inflammatory indicators of the white blood cell count and C-reactive protein content at 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery (P < 0.001, P = 0.037). There were 9 complications in the NOSES group and 11 complications in the TRSE group(P = 0.583). However, there were no wound complications in the NOSES group. The number of postoperative hospital stays seems to be same in the two groups. And there was no significant difference in postoperative anus function (P = 0.591). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that NOSES and TRSE can achieve similar radical treatment effects, NOSES is a feasible and safe way to take specimens for rectal cancer surgery in accordance with the indication for NOSES.

Utility of transversus abdominis plane block on patients undergoing transanal total mesorectal excision.

Objective: To evaluate the analgesic effect of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) on patients undergoing transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME). Methods: Medical records of patients who were eligible to receive proctectomy surgery in Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (From January 2019 to December 2021) were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to the included cases. A total of 120 cases were divided into three groups based on the different operation and anesthesia methods used. Group-A (Lap, n=40) included patients that underwent laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. Group- B (ta, n=40) included patients who received taTME surgery under general anesthesia. Group-C (ta+TAPB, n=40) included patients who received taTME surgery under general anesthesia combined with TAPB. The dosage of sufentanil, time of postoperative revival and extubation, anal exhaust time and other adverse events were recorded. Pain assessment using the visual analogue scale (VAS) was performed at 12, 24,48 and 72 hours after the operation. Results: There were no significant differences in the general parameters, operative conditions, and anesthetic administration between the three groups (P>0.05). The dosage of sufentanil was significantly reduced in Group-C, compared with Group-A and Group-B, with no difference between the groups A and B. There was no significant difference between the three groups in postoperative recovery time and extubation time. VAS score was lower in Group-C than Group-A and Group-B. This difference was more obvious in the early postoperative period and gradually diminished with time. VAS score became similar in all three groups 72 hours after the surgery. Conclusion: Transanal total mesorectal excision was associated with less pain, compared to laparoscopic TME. TAPB with general anesthesia in patients undergoing taTME is safe and effective. It can significantly reduce the use of sufentanil and has optimal analgesic effect.

Laparoscopic radical transverse colectomy with transrectal specimen extraction: A novel natural orifice specimen extraction procedure: A case report.

Transverse colon cancer accounts for about 10% of all colonic cancers. The resection of cancers in the transverse colon is technically more challenging, compared with other cancer locations in the colon because the variable anatomy of the middle colic vessels demands excellent surgical skills and the anatomical location of the transverse colon is related to major organs. We report a novel laparoscopic technique for the first time used in surgery of transverse colon cancer which combines a total intracorporeal anastomosis with natural orifice specimen extraction to solve the problems of traditional laparoscopic surgery. A 48-year-old male patient, whose diagnosis was transverse colon adenocarcinoma, was admitted to the hospital. The surgery was performed in accordance with the procedure of totally laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and the specimen was extracted by opening the rectum. Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery has many advantages, including less pain, better cosmesis and minimising risks of complications and also has comparable long-term outcomes compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Gastrectomy Using an Auxiliary Incision-Free Tube for Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction (LA-NOSE) gastrectomy effectively avoids the need for an abdominal incision, unlike conventional laparoscopic gastrectomy. In this study, we documented our experience with LA-NOSE gastrectomy using an auxiliary incision-free tube (Cai tube, a homemade invention: ZL201410168748.2) in 9 gastric cancer patients and summarized the clinical results. METHODS: From July 2018 to June 2020, a total of 9 patients with gastric cancer were recruited for this study. LA-NOSE gastrectomy (subtotal or total) using the auxiliary incision-free tube and D2 lymph node dissection were performed. Specimens were extracted through the anterior wall of the upper rectum in 4 male patients and the posterior fornix of the vagina in 5 female patients using the auxiliary incision-free tube. RESULTS: All 9 patients underwent successful laparoscopic gastrectomy with NOSE using the auxiliary incision-free tube. No perioperative death, re-admission within 60 days post operation, natural orifice wound infection or tumor implantation was observed. The mean operating time was 365.3±41.7 min, and the mean estimated blood loss was 87.8±39.3 ml. The mean duration of hospital stay was 11.3±1.2 days, while the mean maximum pain score (visual analogue score, VAS) was 2.3±0.9 on postoperative day (POD) 1, and the mean time to ambulation was 1.3±0.5 days. The 60-day postoperative morbidity rate was 11.1% (1/9). After a mean follow-up of 14.7±9.6 months, there was no transrectal or transvaginal access-site recurrence, no anterior rectectomy or posterior fornix colpotomy-related complications, and no local recurrence or distant metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experience indicates that this new technique, LA-NOSE gastrectomy using the auxiliary incision-free tube, is feasible for selected patients with gastric cancer.

Transrectal natural orifice specimen extraction in left hemicolectomy for tumours around the splenic flexure: Old wine in new bottles.

AIM: Laparoscopic anterior resection with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) has favourable short-term outcomes. However, NOSE is rarely adopted for left hemicolectomy procedures. This study aimed to review the feasibility, safety and short-term outcomes of transrectal NOSE in patients undergoing laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. METHOD: All consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy surgery with transrectal NOSE in a single institution between January 2018 and December 2020 were reviewed. Transrectal NOSE was performed with an enterotomy at the upper rectum. The specimen was brought out via a transanal endoscopic microsurgery scope inserted through the anus. A supplementary video demonstrates this technique. Surgical outcomes, including complications, postoperative short-term recovery and the level of pain intensity, are presented. RESULTS: Twenty patients were reviewed. There were no immediate postoperative complications and no wound infections in these patients. The average time to tolerate a soft diet was 3.6 days, and the average postoperative hospital stay was 4.5 days. The average score on the numerical rating scale of postoperative pain was 3.0 on postoperative day 1. The median follow-up time was 23.5 months. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with transrectal NOSE is a safe and feasible procedure that leads to early postoperative recovery and a short hospital stay.

Natural orifice versus conventional mini-laparotomy for specimen extraction after reduced-port laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: propensity score-matched comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Although reduced port laparoscopic surgery (RPLS), defined as laparoscopic surgery performed with the minimum possible number of ports and/or small-sized ports, is less invasive than conventional laparoscopic surgery by reducing the number of surgical wounds, an extension of the incision is still needed for specimen extraction, which can undermine the merits of RPLS. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) in patients undergoing RPLS for colorectal cancer. The endpoints were perioperative outcome and oncologic safety at 3 years. SETTING: Single-center experience (2013-2019). PATIENTS: We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively collected patient records (American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I-III sigmoid or upper rectal cancer (tumor diameter ≤ 5 cm) who underwent curative anterior resection via RPLS. We excluded patients who did not undergo intestinal anastomosis. INTERVENTIONS: Perioperative and oncologic outcomes were compared between patients undergoing natural orifice (RPLS-NOSE) or conventional (mini-laparotomy) specimen extraction (RPLS-CSE). Patients were matched by propensity scores 1:1 for tumor diameter, AJCC stage, American Society of Anesthesiologists score and tumor location. RESULTS: Of 119 eligible patients, 104 were matched (52 RPLS-NOSE; 52 RPLS-CSE) by propensity scores. Compared with RPLS-CSE, RPLS-NOSE was associated with longer operative time (223.9 vs. 188.7 min; p = 0.003), decreased use of analgesics (morphine dose 33.9 vs. 43.4 mg; p = 0.011) and duration of hospital stay (4.2 vs. 5.1 days; p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in morbidity or wound-related complication rates between the two groups. After a median follow-up of 34.3 months, no local recurrence was observed in RPLS-NOSE. The 3-year disease-free survival did not differ statistically significantly between groups (90.9 vs. 90.5%; p = 0.610). CONCLUSION: NOSE enhances the advantages of RPLS by avoiding the need for abdominal wall specimen extraction in patients with tumor diameter ≤ 5 cm. Surgical and oncologic safety are comparable to RPLS with CSE.

Peritoneal contamination and associated post-operative infectious complications after natural orifice specimen extraction for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal contamination is a major concern during natural orifice specimen extraction after laparoscopic colorectal resection (LCR-NOSE), but few data are available. We explored the prevalence, risk factors, and association between clinical outcomes and infectious complications in patients with positive peritoneal drain fluid culture (PDFC) after LCR-NOSE. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed patient records in our prospectively maintained registry database who underwent LCR-NOSE between 2011and 2020. Peritoneal drain fluid was collected within 12 h post-operative and cultures for microorganisms were obtained. The relationships between PDFC, clinical variables, and infectious complications were examined by univariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Of 241 consecutive patients who underwent LCR-NOSE and drainage fluid culture, 59 (24.5%) had PDFC. Anterior resection (Odds ratio OR 2.40) was identified as an independent predictor for PDFC. Twenty-eight patients (11.6%) developed infectious complications. Multivariable analysis identified low anterior resection (OR 2.74), prolonged operative time (OR 3.20), and PDFC (OR 5.14) as independent risk factors. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently found microorganism (OR 5.19) responsible for infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Microorganisms are commonly present in the peritoneum after LCR-NOSE and play a critical role in the development of infectious complications and related morbidity. Specific caution is warranted in patients contaminated with specific types of microorganisms.

The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery versus laparoscopic NOSE for sigmoid and rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery with natural orifice specimen extraction (La-NOSE) is being performed more frequently for the minimally invasive management of sigmoid and rectal cancer. The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical and oncological safety and efficacy of La-NOSE versus conventional laparoscopy (CL). METHODS: A search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases was performed for studies that compared clinical or oncological outcomes of conventional laparoscopic resection using NOSE with conventional laparoscopic resection for sigmoid and rectal cancer. RESULTS: Compared with CL group, the length of hospital stay and the pain score on the first day were shorter in the La-Nose group. The La-NOSE group had a lower incidence of total perioperative complications (OR 0.46; 95% CI [0.32 to 0.66]; I2 = 0%; P < 0.0001) and a lower incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) (OR 0.11; 95% CI [0.04 to 0.29]; I2 = 0%; P < 0.0001) than the CL group, while the anastomotic leakage showed no significant difference between the La-Nose group and the CL group (P = 0.19). 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and 5-year overall survival (OS) were no significant difference between the La-Nose group and the CL group (P = 0.43, P = 0.40, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: La-NOSE can achieve oncological and surgical safety comparable to that of CL for patients with sigmoid and rectal cancer. La-NOSE in patients was associated with a shorter hospital stay, shorter time to first flatus or defecation, less postoperative pain, and fewer surgical site infections (SSIs) and total perioperative complications. In general, the operative time in La-NOSE was longer than that in CL. The long-term oncological efficacy of La-NOSE seems to be equivalent to that of CL.

Cosmesis and feasibility of transvaginal natural orifice Specimen extraction (NOSE) for large organ specimen: a prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate cosmetic outcomes and feasibility of transvaginal natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) in patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic surgery for the treatment of benign or malignant diseases of the kidney, liver, stomach, adrenal gland, and bladder. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital between March 2015 and May 2020. The main outcome was cosmetic outcomes of scars assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) 1 and 8 weeks after surgery. The secondary outcomes were postoperative pain, operating time, and complications. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire 6 months after surgery in 17 patients who were sexually active at the time of surgery. RESULTS: A total of 38 transvaginal NOSE procedures were performed for the extraction of 33 kidneys, 2 livers, 1 stomach, 1 adrenal gland, and 1 bladder. Observers rated pigmentation and relief scores as most deviant from normal skin (2.9 ± 1.7, 3.0 ± 2.1 at postoperative 1 week; 3.6 ± 1.9, 3.5 ± 2.2 at postoperative 8 weeks, respectively), but the overall scores of each item were low. The patients' overall satisfaction with postoperative scars was high, and the mean scores for pain and itching were low, with significant improvement from the first week to the eighth week (P = 0.014 and P = 0.006, respectively). Patients also reported low scores on vaginal assessment items, indicating better symptoms, and bleeding improved significantly between the two time points (P = 0.001). Postoperative pain was reduced from moderate during the first 24 h after surgery to mild after 24 h. The mean operative time of the transvaginal NOSE procedure was 28.3 ± 13.3 min. No postoperative complications were associated with the procedure. The mean FSFI total score was 21.2 ± 8.7 (cutoff score for dysfunction is 21), with higher scores indicating better sexual functioning. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal NOSE seems to be a feasible procedure with promising cosmetic benefits, for patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery for large organs including the kidney, liver, stomach, adrenal gland, and bladder. A prospective randomized clinical trial is needed to provide solid evidence to support transvaginal NOSE. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05113134).

Technical feasibility and perioperative outcome of laparoscopic resection rectopexy with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) and intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA).

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection rectopexy (LRR) is the most effective treatment of obstructive defecation syndrome but is associated with a higher postoperative morbidity compared to transanal approaches. Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) has been described as a promising technique to lower morbidity in colorectal cancer surgery. In this study, we analyze the technical challenges of adapting this technique to LRR and compare the perioperative results to the conventional laparoscopic technique with specimen extraction via minilaparotomy and extracorporeal anastomosis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 45 patients who underwent laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection rectopexy due to obstructive defecation syndrome at our institutions. From September 2020 to July 2021, we treated 17 consecutive patients with NOSE-LRR and compared the results to a historic cohort of 28 consecutive patients treated with conventional laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection rectopexy plus minilaparotomy (LAP-LRR) for specimen extraction between January 2019 and July 2020. Assessed were patient- and disease-specific parameters, operative time, hospital and postoperative complications and subjective patient satisfaction after 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of gender distribution, age, and comorbidities. The median operating time was similar and the perioperative morbidity was comparable in both groups. The length of stay in hospital was significantly shorter in the NOSE-LRR group (median 6 vs 8 days). CONCLUSION: NOSE-LRR can be implemented safely, performed in a comparable operating time, and is associated with a comparable rate of postoperative complications. The technique offers the a potentially fast postoperative recovery compared to the conventional laparoscopic technique.

The feasibility, safety and short-term clinical efficacy of laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal cancer with left colonic artery (LCA) preservation and natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE).

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has the advantages of less postoperative pain, fast bowel function recovery, reduced hospital stay and better cosmetic effects. In our centre, anterior resection of rectal cancer with preservation of the left colonic artery (LCA) was performed using NOSES. The feasibility, safety and short-term clinical efficacy of the technique were discussed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 19 patients who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal cancer with left colonic artery preservation and natural orifice specimen extraction in the Gastrointestinal Surgery Center of Sichuan Cancer Hospital from September 2018 to December 2019. General information about the patients, perioperative data and short-term postoperative results were analysed. RESULTS: All operations were completed smoothly, with an average operation duration of 304.36 ± 45.04 min, intraoperative bleeding of 76.31 ± 61.12 ml, first time off bed of 14.42 ± 3.56 h, first time to anus exhaust of 15.26 ± 8.92 h, first time to liquid diet of 2.94 ± 1.12 days, and average postoperative stay of 10.21 ± 3.13 days. Two patients developed temporary intestinal obstruction, and one patient developed pulmonary infection. All of them recovered well after active supportive treatment and were successfully discharged. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic NOSES for rectal cancer with left colon artery preservation is safe and feasible, with satisfactory short-term results, and is worthy of further clinical investigation.

Long-term oncologic outcomes of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus conventional laparoscopic-assisted resection in the treatment of rectal cancer: a propensity-score matching study.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has been increasingly applied in radical surgery of abdominal and pelvic organs, but it is still in the exploratory stage. There is insufficient evidence to prove its efficacy. METHODS: From January 2013 to June 2017, a total of 351 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer were eventually included in this study. Patients who underwent NOSES were assigned to the NOSES group, while patients undergoing conventional laparoscopic assisted resection were assigned as to the LAP group. Propensity score matching was used to align clinicopathological features between the two groups. RESULTS: From the perioperative data and postoperative follow-up results of both groups, patients in the NOSES group had less intraoperative bleeding (47.0 ± 60.4 ml vs 87.1 ± 101.2 ml, P = 0.011), shorter postoperative gastrointestinal recovery (50.7 ± 27.3 h vs 58.6 ± 28.5 h, P = 0.040), less postoperative analgesic use (36.8% vs 52.8%, P = 0.019), lower postoperative pain scores (P < 0.001), lower rate of postoperative complications (5.7% vs 15.5%, P = 0.020), more satisfaction with body image (P = 0.001) and cosmesis (P < 0.001) postoperatively. The NOSES group had a higher quality of life. Moreover, there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: NOSES could be a safe and reliable technique for radical resection of rectal cancer, with better short-term outcomes than conventional laparoscopy, while long-term survival is not significantly different from that of conventional laparoscopic surgery.