Robot-assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma.

This is a video vignette of a 57-year-old asymptomatic female patient. The patient underwent a screening colonoscopy which revealed a 10 mm scar in the rectum. Biopsy resulted in a well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging confirmed tumor characteristics without distant or lymph nodal metastasis. A minimally invasive robotic transanal resection using the Da Vinci Xi platform was performed, achieving full-thickness lesion excision with uneventful recovery. Histopathology revealed intramucosal adenocarcinoma with free margins. Local resection is advocated for selected T1 lesions and demands a thorough preoperative assessment. Robotic-assisted surgery presents a valuable alternative for early rectal adenocarcinoma management.

Brazil-TNT: A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Followed by FOLFIRINOX Versus Chemoradiation for Stage II/III Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant radiation and oxaliplatin-based systemic therapy (total neoadjuvant therapy-TNT) have been shown to increase response and organ-preservation rates in localized rectal cancer. However, trials have been heterogeneous regarding treatment protocols and few have used a watch-and-wait (WW) approach for complete responders. This trial evaluates if conventional long-term chemoradiation followed by consolidation of FOLFIRINOX increases complete response rates and the number of patients managed by WW. METHODS: This was a pragmatic randomized phase II trial conducted in 2 Cancer Centers in Brazil that included patients with T3+ or N+ rectal adenocarcinoma. After completing a long-course 54 Gy chemoradiation with capecitabine patients were randomized 1:1 to 4 cycles of mFOLFIRINOX (Oxaliplatin 85, irinotecan 150, 5-FU 2400)-TNT-arm-or to the control arm, that did not include further neoadjuvant treatment. All patients were re-staged with dedicated pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and sigmoidoscopy 12 weeks after the end of radiation. Patients with a clinical complete response were followed using a WW protocol. The primary endpoint was complete response: clinical complete response (cCR) or pathological response (pCR). RESULTS: Between April 2021 and June 2023, 55 patients were randomized to TNT and 53 to the control arm. Tumors were 74% stage 3, median distance from the anal verge was 6 cm, 63% had an at-risk circumferential margin, and 33% an involved sphincter. The rates of cCR + pCR were (31%) for TNT versus (17%) for controls (odds ratio 2.19, CI 95% 0.8-6.22 P = .091) and rates of WW were 16% and 9% (P = ns). Median follow-up was 8.1 months and recurrence rates were 16% versus 21% for TNT and controls (P = ns). CONCLUSIONS: TNT with consolidation FOLFIRINOX is feasible and has high response rates, consistent with the current literature for TNT. This trial was supported by a grant from the Brazilian Government (PROADI-SUS - NUP 25000.164382/2020-81).

Does Tri-Staple™ technology reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery? A propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the Tri-Staple™ technology in colorectal anastomosis. METHODS: Patients who underwent rectosigmoidectomy between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two groups: EEA™ (EEA) or Tri-Staple™ (Tri-EEA). The groups were matched for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and neoadjuvant radiotherapy using propensity score matching (PSM). RESULT: Three hundred and thirty-six patients were included (228 EEA; 108 Tri-EEA). The groups were similar in sex, age, and neoadjuvant therapy. The Tri-EEA group had fewer patients with ASA III/IV scores (7% vs. 33%; p < 0.001). The Tri-EEA group had a lower incidence of leakage (4% vs. 11%; p = 0.023), reoperations (4% vs. 12%; p = 0.016), and severe complications (6% vs. 14%; p = 0.026). There was no difference in complications, mortality, readmission, and length of stay. After PSM, 108 patients in the EEA group were compared with 108 in the Tri-EEA group. The covariates sex, age, neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and ASA were balanced, and the risk of leakage (4% vs. 12%; p = 0.04), reoperation (4% vs. 14%; p = 0.014), and severe complications (6% vs. 15%; p = 0.041) remained lower in the Tri-EEA group. CONCLUSION: Tri-Staple™ reduces the risk of leakage in colorectal anastomosis. However, this study provides only insights, and further research is warranted to confirm these findings.

Implementation of the Fast-track Protocol for Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Public Hospital in the State of São Paulo - Brazil.

Objective Evaluate the results of the implementation of the Fast Track Protocol (FTP), a medical practice based on scientific evidence, for elective total hip arthroplasty surgery, mainly comparing the National Average Hospital Admission Rate of 7.1 days. Methods 98 patients who underwent elective total hip arthroplasty surgery via the direct anterior approach, anterolateral approach and posterior approach were included in the FTP from December 2018 to March 2020, being followed up preoperatively, intraoperatively and immediately postoperatively. Results The average length of hospital stay was 2.8 days, being 2.1 days for the direct anterior approach, 3.0 days for the anterolateral access approach and 4.1 days for the posterior access approach. The average surgery time was 90 minutes, 19 (19.39%) of the patients were referred to the ICU in the postoperative period, however, none of them underwent surgery using the direct anterior approach. We had no cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PTE) or neurological injury, 19 (19.39%) patients had postoperative bleeding requiring dressing change, 4 (4.08%) needed blood transfusion, 2 (2.04%) patients had implant instability, 1 (1.02%) patient had a fracture during surgery and 1 (1.02%) patient died of cardiac complications. Conclusion FTP may be a viable alternative to reduce the length of stay and immediate postoperative complications for elective total hip arthroplasty surgery decreasing the length of stay of patients by 2 to 3 times when compared to the national average of 7.1 days.

Penis metastasis in colon cancer: A case report of an unusual site of dissemination.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is estimated that approximately 1.93 million new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed and almost one million global colorectal cancer-caused deaths in 2020. The incidence of colorectal cancer has been dramatically rising at alarming rates worldwide in the last decades. The most often sites of metastases are lymph nodes, liver, lung, and peritoneum. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare case of a 63-year-old male patient presenting with a nodule in the penis after being treated for cancer in the hepatic flexure of the colon. Biopsy showed colorectal cancer recurrence in the penis. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Metastasis from colorectal cancer to the penis is rare and poorly discussed, with scarce data in the literature. CONCLUSION: A high level of suspicion should be adopted for the correct diagnosis and early treatment.

Rectal stimulation with prebiotics and probiotics before ileostomy reversal: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Ileostomy closure is associated with a high rate of postoperative morbidity, and adynamic ileus is the most common complication, with an incidence of up to 32%. This complication is associated with delayed initiation of oral diet intake, abdominal distention, prolonged hospital stay, and more significant patient discomfort. The present study aims to evaluate the rectal stimulus with prebiotics and probiotics before ileostomy reversal. METHODS: This is a protocol study for an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial. Ethical approval was received (CAAE: 56551722.6.0000.0071). The following criteria will be used for inclusion: adult patients with rectal cancer stages cT3/4Nx or cTxN+ that underwent loop protection ileostomy, patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic total mesorectal excision. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups. The intervention group (with rectal stimulus): the patients will apply 500 ml of saline solution with 6 g of Simbioflora® rectally, once a day, for 15 days before ileostomy closure. The control group (without rectal stimulation): the patients will close the ileostomy with no previous rectal stimulus. The primary outcomes will be the adynamic ileus (need for postoperative nasogastric tube insertion; nausea/vomiting; or intolerance to oral feedings within the first 72 h) and intestinal transit (time to first evacuation/flatus). RESULTS: The patient's enrollment starts in January 2023. We expect to finish in July 2025. DISCUSSION: The findings of this randomized clinical study may have important implications for managing patients undergoing ileostomy reversal. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered in the Brazilian Trial Registry (ReBEC) under RBR-366n64w. Registration date: 19/07/2022.

The impact of the institutional abdominoperineal resections volume on short-term outcomes and expenses: a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the institutional volume of abdominoperineal resections (APR) on the short-term outcomes and costs in the Brazilian Public Health system. METHODS: This population-based study evaluated the number of APRs by institutions performed in the Brazilian Public Health system from January/2010 to July/2022. Data were extracted from a public domain from the Brazilian Public Health system. RESULTS: Four hundred and twelve hospitals performed APRs and were included. Only 23 performed at least 5 APRs per year on average and were considered high-volume institutions. The linear regression model showed that the number of hospital admissions for APRs was negatively associated with in-hospital mortality (Coef. = - 0.001; p = 0.013) and length of stay in the intensive care unit (Coef. = - 0.006; p = 0.01). The number of hospital admissions was not significantly associated with personnel, hospital, and total costs. The in-hospital mortality in high-volume institutions was significantly lower than in low-volume institutions (2.5 vs. 5.9%; p: < 0.001). The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was shorter in high-volume institutions (1.23 vs. 1.79 days; p = 0.021). In high-volume institutions, the personnel (R$ 952.23 [US$ 186.64] vs. R$ 11,129.04 [US$ 221.29]; p = 0.305), hospital (R$ 4078.39 [US$ 799.36] vs. R$ 4987.39 [US$ 977.53]; p = 0.111), and total costs (R$ 5030.63 [US$ 986.00] vs. R$ 6116.71 [US$ 1198.88]; p = 0.226) were lower. CONCLUSIONS: Higher institutional APR volume is associated with lower in-hospital mortality and less demand for intensive care. The findings of this nationwide study may affect how Public Health manages APR care.

Outcomes of redo for failed colorectal or coloanal anastomoses: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to review the outcomes of redo procedures for failed colorectal or coloanal anastomoses. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and LILACS databases. The inclusion criteria were adult patients undergoing colectomy with primary colorectal or coloanal anastomosis and studies that assessed the postoperative results. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42021267715). RESULTS: Eleven articles met the eligibility criteria and were selected. The studied population size ranged from 7 to 78 patients. The overall mortality rate was 0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0%-0.01%). The postoperative complication rate was 40% (95% CI, 40%-50%). The length of hospital stay was 13.68 days (95% CI, 11.3-16.06 days). After redo surgery, 82% of the patients were free of stoma (95% CI, 75%-90%), and 24% of patients (95% CI, 0%-39%) had fecal incontinence. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (P=0.002) was associated with a lower probability of being free of stoma in meta-regression. CONCLUSION: Redo colorectal and coloanal anastomoses are strategies to restore colonic continuity. The decision to perform a redo operation should be based on a proper evaluation of the morbidity and mortality risks, the probability of remaining free of stoma, the quality of life, and a functional assessment.

Timing of resection of synchronous colorectal liver metastasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The resection of the primary colorectal tumor and liver metastases is the only potentially curative strategy. In such cases, there is no consensus on whether the resection of the primary tumor and metastases should be performed simultaneously or whether a staged approach should be performed (resection of the primary tumor and after, hepatectomy, or the "liver first" approach). The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of hepatectomy associated with colectomy in colorectal neoplasms, comparing simultaneous and staged resection. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Lilacs, and manual reference search. The last search was in July/2021. Inclusion criteria were: studies that compared simultaneous and staged hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis; studies that analyze short and/or long-term outcomes. Exclusion criteria were reviews, letters, editorials, congress abstract, and full-text unavailability. Perioperative outcomes and overall survival were evaluated and, for staged resections, the outcomes associated with each procedure were added. The ROBINS-I and GRADE tools were used to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence. Synthesis was performed using Forest plots. The PRISMA criteria (PROSPERO: CRD42021243762) were followed. RESULTS: The initial search collected 5655 articles and, after selection, 33 were included, covering 6417 patients. Simultaneous resection was associated with shorter length of stay (DR: -3.48 days [95% confidence interval {CI}: -5.64, -1.32]), but with a higher risk of postoperative mortality (DR: 0.02 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.02]). There was no difference between groups for blood loss (risk difference [RD]: -141.38 ml [95% CI: -348.84, 66.09]), blood transfusion (RD: -0.06 [95% CI: -0.14, 0.03]) and general complications (RD: 0.01 [95% CI: -0.06, 0.04]). The longest operating time in staged surgery was not statistically significant (RD: -50.44 min [95% CI: -102.38, 1.49]). Regarding overall survival, there is no difference between groups (hazard ratio: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.71-1.04). CONCLUSION: Patients must be well selected for each strategy. Simultaneous approach to patients at high surgical risk should be avoided due to increased perioperative mortality. However, when the patient presents a low surgical risk, the simultaneous approach reduces the hospital stay and guarantees long-term results equivalent to staged surgery.

Interesfincterial ligation of fistula tract (lift) for patients with anal fistulas: a brazilian bi-institutional experience / Ligadura interesfincteriana do trato fistuloso (lift) para fístulas anais: uma experiência brasileira bi-institucional

ABSTRACT Background : The best treatment for anal fistula should extirpate infection and promote healing of the tract, whilst preserving the anal sphincter complex and full continence. Aim: To analyze the success rate after a modified technique for ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for patients with anal fistulas. Methods: A prospective (observational cohort study) Brazilian bi-institutional experience with a modified (ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract without excision) LIFT technique was undertaken. A clinical database was settled for the following variables: age, gender, BMI, comorbidities, distance between external orifice and the anus, previous fistula surgery, type of fistula, operative time, intra- and postoperative complications, duration of follow-up, and success rate. Results: Between November 2015 and January 2017, 38 patients with transsphincteric fistulas were operated on using the modified LIFT procedure. Seventeen (44.7%) were men. Median age was 41 (18-67) years. Median BMI was 26.4 (22-38) kg/m2. Five (13.2%) had undergone previous surgery. The fistula was transsphincteric in all cases. Median follow-up was 32 (range, 14-56) weeks. Success was observed in 30 (79%) patients. Conclusions: The LIFT technique without excision of the fistula tract proved to be safe and effective for transsphincteric anal fistulas.

RESUMO Racional : O melhor tratamento para a fístula anal deve eliminar a infecção e promover a cicatrização do trato, preservando o esfíncter anal e a continência completa. Objetivo: Determinar a taxa de sucesso após o uso da técnica modificada de ligadura interesfincteriana do trato fistuloso (LIFT) para pacientes com fístulas anais. Métodos: Estudo de coorte observacional brasileiro bi-institucional com o procedimento LIFT modificado (ligadura interesfincteriana do trato fistuloso sem excisão). Foi estabelecida base de dados clínica para as seguintes variáveis: idade, gênero, IMC, comorbidades, distância entre o orifício externo e o ânus, operação anterior para fístula, tipo de fístula, tempo cirúrgico, complicações intra e pós-operatórias, duração do seguimento e taxa de sucesso. Resultados: Entre novembro de 2015 e janeiro de 2017, 38 pacientes com fístulas transesfincterianas foram operados com o procedimento LIFT modificado. Dezessete (44,7%) eram homens. A idade média foi de 41 (18-67) anos. O IMC médio foi de 26,4 (22-38) kg/m2. Cinco (13,2%) tinham sido submetidos à operação anterior. A fístula era transesfincteriana em todos os casos. O acompanhamento médio foi de 32 (14-56) semanas. Sucesso foi observado em 30 (79%) pacientes. Conclusões: A técnica LIFT sem excisão do trato da fístula provou ser segura e eficaz para fístulas anais transesfincterianas.

INTERESFINCTERIAL LIGATION OF FISTULA TRACT (LIFT) FOR PATIENTS WITH ANAL FISTULAS: A BRAZILIAN BI-INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE.

BACKGROUND: The best treatment for anal fistula should extirpate infection and promote healing of the tract, whilst preserving the anal sphincter complex and full continence. AIM: To analyze the success rate after a modified technique for ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for patients with anal fistulas. METHODS: A prospective (observational cohort study) Brazilian bi-institutional experience with a modified (ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract without excision) LIFT technique was undertaken. A clinical database was settled for the following variables: age, gender, BMI, comorbidities, distance between external orifice and the anus, previous fistula surgery, type of fistula, operative time, intra- and postoperative complications, duration of follow-up, and success rate. RESULTS: Between November 2015 and January 2017, 38 patients with transsphincteric fistulas were operated on using the modified LIFT procedure. Seventeen (44.7%) were men. Median age was 41 (18-67) years. Median BMI was 26.4 (22-38) kg/m2. Five (13.2%) had undergone previous surgery. The fistula was transsphincteric in all cases. Median follow-up was 32 (range, 14-56) weeks. Success was observed in 30 (79%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The LIFT technique without excision of the fistula tract proved to be safe and effective for transsphincteric anal fistulas.

LONG TERM RESULTS AFTER STAPLED HEMORRHOIDOPEXY ALONE AND COMPLEMENTED BY EXCISIONAL HEMORRHOIDECTOMY: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY.

Background: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is associated with less postoperative pain and faster recovery. However, it may be associated with a greater risk of symptomatic recurrence. We hypothesized that undertaking a limited surgical excision of hemorrhoid disease after stapling may be a valid approach for selected patients. Aim: To compare long-term results after stapled hemorrhoidopexy with and without complementation with closed excisional technique. Method: In a retrospective uni-institutional cohort study, sixty-five (29 men) patients underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy and 21 (13 men) underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy with excision. The same surgeons operated on all cases. Patients underwent stapled hemorrhoidectomy associated with excisional surgery if symptoms attributable to external hemorrhoid piles were observed preoperatively, or if residual prolapse or bulky external disease was observed after the firing of the stapler. A closed excisional diathermy hemorrhoidectomy without vascular ligation was utilized in all complemented cases. All clinical variables were obtained from a questionnaire evaluation obtained through e-mail, telephone interview, or office follow-up. Results: The median duration of postoperative follow-up was 48.5 (6-40) months. Patients with grades 3 and 4 hemorrhoid disease were operated on more frequently using stapled hemorrhoidopexy complemented with excisional technique (95.2% vs. 55.4%, p=0.001). Regarding respectively stapled hemorrhoidopexy and stapled hemorrhoidopexy complemented with excision, there was no difference between the techniques in relation to symptom recurrence (43% and 33%, p=0.45) and median interval between surgery and symptom recurrence (30 (8-84) and 38.8 (8-65) months, p=0.80). Eight (12.3%) patients were re-operated after stapled hemorrhoidopexy and 2 (9.6%), after hemorrhoidopexy with excision (p=0.78). Patient distribution in both groups according to the degree of postoperative satisfaction was similar (p=0.97). Conclusion: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy combined with an excisional technique was effective for more advanced hemorrhoid disease. The combination may have prevented symptomatic recurrence associated to stapled hemorrhoidopexy alone.

Racional: A hemorroidopexia com grampeador está significativamente associada a menor dor pós-operatória e recuperação mais rápida. No entanto, há evidência de que possa ter maior taxa de recorrência sintomática. A hipótese é que empreender excisão cirúrgica limitada da doença hemorroidária após o grampeamento pode ser abordagem válida para pacientes selecionados. Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados comparativos a longo prazo após a técnica de grampeamento isolada ou associada à complementação por técnica excisional fechada. Método: Coorte retrospectiva, com 65 (29 homens) pacientes submetidos à hemorroidopexia por grampeamento e 21 (13 homens) a ela complementada por técnica excisional. Os pacientes foram submetidos à complementação do grampeamento se sintomas atribuíveis às hemorróidas externas fossem observados no pré-operatório, ou se prolapso residual ou doença externa volumosa existisse após o disparo do grampeador. A hemorroidectomia excisional fechada por eletrocauterização sem ligadura vascular foi utilizada em todos os casos de complementação. Todas as variáveis ​​clínicas foram obtidos a partir de um questionário eletrônico, entrevista por telefone, ou em consulta. Resultados: A duração média do seguimento pós-operatório foi de 48,5 (6-40) meses. Os pacientes com graus hemorroidários 3 e 4 foram operados com mais frequência usando grampeamento complementado por técnica excisional (95,2% vs. 55,4% - p=0,001). Os pacientes operados por grampeamento sem e com complementação por técnica excisional, não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto a recidiva dos sintomas (43% vs. 33%, p=0,45, respectivamente) ou quanto ao intervalo médio entre a opração e a recorrência dos sintomas (30 (8-84) vs. 38,8 (8-65) meses, p=0,80). Oito (12,3%) pacientes foram reoperados após grampeamento isolado e 2 (9,6%), após grampeamento complementado por técnica excisional (p=0,78). O grau de satisfação pós-operatória foi semelhante entre as técnicas (p=0,97). Conclusão: A hemorroidopexia por grampeamento combinada com técnica excisional foi eficaz para a doença hemorróida mais avançada. A combinação pode ter impedido a recorrência sintomática associada a hemorroidopexia isolada.

Long term results after stapled hemorrhoidopexy alone and complemented by excisional hemorrhoidectomy: a retrospective cohort study / Resultados tardios após hemorroidopexia mecânica isolada e complementada por operação excisional

ABSTRACT Background: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is associated with less postoperative pain and faster recovery. However, it may be associated with a greater risk of symptomatic recurrence. We hypothesized that undertaking a limited surgical excision of hemorrhoid disease after stapling may be a valid approach for selected patients. Aim: To compare long-term results after stapled hemorrhoidopexy with and without complementation with closed excisional technique. Method: In a retrospective uni-institutional cohort study, sixty-five (29 men) patients underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy and 21 (13 men) underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy with excision. The same surgeons operated on all cases. Patients underwent stapled hemorrhoidectomy associated with excisional surgery if symptoms attributable to external hemorrhoid piles were observed preoperatively, or if residual prolapse or bulky external disease was observed after the firing of the stapler. A closed excisional diathermy hemorrhoidectomy without vascular ligation was utilized in all complemented cases. All clinical variables were obtained from a questionnaire evaluation obtained through e-mail, telephone interview, or office follow-up. Results: The median duration of postoperative follow-up was 48.5 (6-40) months. Patients with grades 3 and 4 hemorrhoid disease were operated on more frequently using stapled hemorrhoidopexy complemented with excisional technique (95.2% vs. 55.4%, p=0.001). Regarding respectively stapled hemorrhoidopexy and stapled hemorrhoidopexy complemented with excision, there was no difference between the techniques in relation to symptom recurrence (43% and 33%, p=0.45) and median interval between surgery and symptom recurrence (30 (8-84) and 38.8 (8-65) months, p=0.80). Eight (12.3%) patients were re-operated after stapled hemorrhoidopexy and 2 (9.6%), after hemorrhoidopexy with excision (p=0.78). Patient distribution in both groups according to the degree of postoperative satisfaction was similar (p=0.97). Conclusion: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy combined with an excisional technique was effective for more advanced hemorrhoid disease. The combination may have prevented symptomatic recurrence associated to stapled hemorrhoidopexy alone.

RESUMO Racional: A hemorroidopexia com grampeador está significativamente associada a menor dor pós-operatória e recuperação mais rápida. No entanto, há evidência de que possa ter maior taxa de recorrência sintomática. A hipótese é que empreender excisão cirúrgica limitada da doença hemorroidária após o grampeamento pode ser abordagem válida para pacientes selecionados. Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados comparativos a longo prazo após a técnica de grampeamento isolada ou associada à complementação por técnica excisional fechada. Método: Coorte retrospectiva, com 65 (29 homens) pacientes submetidos à hemorroidopexia por grampeamento e 21 (13 homens) a ela complementada por técnica excisional. Os pacientes foram submetidos à complementação do grampeamento se sintomas atribuíveis às hemorróidas externas fossem observados no pré-operatório, ou se prolapso residual ou doença externa volumosa existisse após o disparo do grampeador. A hemorroidectomia excisional fechada por eletrocauterização sem ligadura vascular foi utilizada em todos os casos de complementação. Todas as variáveis ​​clínicas foram obtidos a partir de um questionário eletrônico, entrevista por telefone, ou em consulta. Resultados: A duração média do seguimento pós-operatório foi de 48,5 (6-40) meses. Os pacientes com graus hemorroidários 3 e 4 foram operados com mais frequência usando grampeamento complementado por técnica excisional (95,2% vs. 55,4% - p=0,001). Os pacientes operados por grampeamento sem e com complementação por técnica excisional, não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto a recidiva dos sintomas (43% vs. 33%, p=0,45, respectivamente) ou quanto ao intervalo médio entre a opração e a recorrência dos sintomas (30 (8-84) vs. 38,8 (8-65) meses, p=0,80). Oito (12,3%) pacientes foram reoperados após grampeamento isolado e 2 (9,6%), após grampeamento complementado por técnica excisional (p=0,78). O grau de satisfação pós-operatória foi semelhante entre as técnicas (p=0,97). Conclusão: A hemorroidopexia por grampeamento combinada com técnica excisional foi eficaz para a doença hemorróida mais avançada. A combinação pode ter impedido a recorrência sintomática associada a hemorroidopexia isolada.

Laparo-endoscopic Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TATME): evidence of a novel technique.

Current available evidence regarding transanal total mesorectal excision (TATME) was analyzed including perioperative and immediate oncologic outcomes. A literature search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane was performed. Thirty-two studies were identified, reporting on 721 patients who underwent TATME. TATME represents a feasible and reproducible technique. Nevertheless, the results of the present review are limited by the design of the included studies, which are mostly case reports and case series. Little is known about long-term oncologic outcomes, intestinal, sexual, urinary function and quality of life after TATME. Multicenter large sample randomized controlled trials are required for further investigation of these issues.

Advantages of the robotic approach to deep infiltrating rectal endometriosis: because less is more.

For symptomatic deep infiltrating endometriosis, surgery is often required to achieve symptom relief and restore fertility. A minimally invasive approach using laparoscopy is considered the gold standard. However, specific limitations of the laparoscopic approach deep in the pelvis keep challenging even surgeons with a solid experience with minimally invasive techniques. Robotic surgery has the potential to compensate for technical drawbacks inherent in conventional laparoscopic surgery, such as limited degree of freedom, two-dimensional vision, and the fulcrum effect. In the present report, we aim at demonstrating the central role of robotic surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis, with special emphasis in the ability to practice organ (rectal) preservation. A 45-year-old white female with a 4-month history of chronic pelvic pain, dyschezia, and dysmenorrhea, refractory to hormonal therapy was referred to our unit. MRI findings were diagnostic of deep infiltrating endometriosis (retrocervical and rectovaginal) extending to the anterior rectal serosal layer (partial-thickness rectal invasion). Using a fully robotic approach, appropriate dissection of the rectovaginal septum and of the extraperitoneal rectum followed by complete excision of the endometriotic rectal nodule with organ (rectal) preservation was undertaken. It is our belief that using a robotic approach, the potential to boost rectal preservation might be established. Moreover, it is possible that in many cases, a robotic operation may allow the surgeon to perform the intervention with greater accuracy and comfort. As a result, more patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis may benefit from rectal sparing procedures.

Left colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis: technical aspects.

Oncologic laparoscopic colectomy represents a fully validated surgical approach to the management of colorectal cancer. However, laparoscopic surgery for distal transverse and descending colon lesions remains a challenging procedure. A total laparoscopic approach to the left colectomy is an interesting option for critically ill patients although reports in the literature on this subject are scarce and its approach still not standardized because of its selective nature for indication. There are several advantages associated with conduction of totally laparoscopic approach to the left colon. Intracorporeal vessel sealing ensures an adequate lymph node dissection. Moreover, it enables the construction of a well-vascularized anastomosis. Ultimately, the occurrence of late wound complications are possibly reduced for the placement of a low abdominal incision exclusively used for specimen extraction. This paper aimed at describing our technique for a totally laparoscopic left colectomy for distal transverse and descending colon lesions.

Robotic surgery for rectal cancer: current immediate clinical and oncological outcomes.

Laparoscopic rectal surgery continues to be a challenging operation associated to a steep learning curve. Robotic surgical systems have dramatically changed minimally invasive surgery. Three-dimensional, magnified and stable view, articulated instruments, and reduction of physiologic tremors leading to superior dexterity and ergonomics. Therefore, robotic platforms could potentially address limitations of laparoscopic rectal surgery. It was aimed at reviewing current literature on short-term clinical and oncological (pathological) outcomes after robotic rectal cancer surgery in comparison with laparoscopic surgery. A systematic review was performed for the period 2002 to 2014. A total of 1776 patients with rectal cancer underwent minimally invasive robotic treatment in 32 studies. After robotic and laparoscopic approach to oncologic rectal surgery, respectively, mean operating time varied from 192-385 min, and from 158-297 min; mean estimated blood loss was between 33 and 283 mL, and between 127 and 300 mL; mean length of stay varied from 4-10 d; and from 6-15 d. Conversion after robotic rectal surgery varied from 0% to 9.4%, and from 0 to 22% after laparoscopy. There was no difference between robotic (0%-41.3%) and laparoscopic (5.5%-29.3%) surgery regarding morbidity and anastomotic complications (respectively, 0%-13.5%, and 0%-11.1%). Regarding immediate oncologic outcomes, respectively among robotic and laparoscopic cases, positive circumferential margins varied from 0% to 7.5%, and from 0% to 8.8%; the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was between 10 and 20, and between 11 and 21; and the mean distal resection margin was from 0.8 to 4.7 cm, and from 1.9 to 4.5 cm. Robotic rectal cancer surgery is being undertaken by experienced surgeons. However, the quality of the assembled evidence does not support definite conclusions about most studies variables. Robotic rectal cancer surgery is associated to increased costs and operating time. It also seems to be associated to reduced conversion rates. Other short-term outcomes are comparable to conventional laparoscopy techniques, if not better. Ultimately, pathological data evaluation suggests that oncologic safety may be preserved after robotic total mesorectal excision. However, further studies are required to evaluate oncologic safety and functional results.