ABSTRACT
AIM: Total mesorectal excision with adequate free margins is the gold standard for rectal surgery. Applying a linear stapler in a narrow pelvis can be challenging and the proper distal margin difficult to assess. In selected cases the colorectal eversion technique combined with single-stapled double-purse-string anastomosis (SSDP) can be a practical solution. METHOD: Eleven patients, six men and five women, mean body mass index 27 ± 1.3 kg/m2, underwent total mesorectal excision with the colorectal eversion technique combined with modified SSDP between September 2022 and January 2023. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 190 min. The mean hospital stay was 4 days. There were no postoperative complications. The final histology showed complete mesorectal resection, circumferential resection margin negative, free distal resection margin, anastomotic doughnuts negative. At 7 ± 3 months follow-up there was no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: The colorectal eversion technique combined with modified SSDP is a reproducible and safe technique in selected patients. Prospective randomized trials with large patient series are needed to confirm our preliminary results.
