Cirugía endoscópica endonasal durante la pandemia COVID-19: protocolo de actuación / Endoscopic endonasal surgery during COVID-19 pandemic: Management guideline

La actual pandemia por coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 está planteando una serie de desafíos al modo en que ejercemos la actividad médica y quirúrgica. En concreto, dentro de la neurocirugía se ha visto que los abordajes endoscópicos endonasales suponen un elevado riesgo de contagio para el personal sanitario que interviene en la misma, por lo que, inicialmente, la recomendación fue evitar dichas cirugías. Dado que la pandemia se ha extendido en el tiempo y desconocemos cuándo se podrá controlar, se deben proponer nuevas soluciones para continuar con la realización de dichos abordajes de manera segura. Ante la falta de protocolos establecidos, planteamos el siguiente, en el que se establecen, de modo conciso, las medidas a tomar tanto en cirugía urgente como programada, además de la descripción de un nuevo dispositivo de protección-aspirado (Maskpirator) AU)

Current SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic is challenging medical and surgical activities. Specifically, within neurosurgery, endoscopic endonasal approaches pose a high risk of contagion for healthcare personnel involved in it. Initially, the recommendation was to avoid such surgeries. However, the pandemic has dragged on and new solutions must be proposed to continue carrying out these approaches safely. Given the lack of established protocols, we propose the following one, which concisely establishes the measures to be taken in both urgent and scheduled surgery. In addition, a new protecti (AU)n-aspiration device (Maskpirator) is described.

UEG and EAES rapid guideline: Systematic review, meta­analysis, GRADE assessment and evidence­informed European recommendations on TaTME for rectal cancer

Evidence and practice recommendations on the use of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for rectal cancer are conflicting. We aimed to summarize best evidence and develop a rapid guideline using transparent, trustworthy, and standardized methodology. We developed a rapid guideline in accordance with GRADE, G-I-N, and AGREE II standards. The steering group consisted of general surgeons, members of the EAES Research Committee/Guidelines Subcommittee with expertise and experience in guideline development, advanced medical statistics and evidence synthesis, biostatisticians, and a guideline methodologist. The guideline panel consisted of four general surgeons practicing colorectal surgery, a radiologist with expertise in rectal cancer, a radiation oncologist, a pathologist, and a patient representative. We conducted a systematic review and the results of evidence synthesis by means of meta-analyses were summarized in evidence tables. Recommendations were authored and published through an online authoring and publication platform (MAGICapp), with the guideline panel making use of an evidence-to-decision framework and a Delphi process to arrive at consensus. This rapid guideline provides a weak recommendation for the use of TaTME over laparoscopic or robotic TME for low rectal cancer when expertise is available. Furthermore, it details evidence gaps to be addressed by future research and discusses policy considerations. The guideline, with recommendations, evidence summaries, and decision aids in user-friendly formats can also be accessed in MAGICapp. This rapid guideline provides evidence-informed trustworthy recommendations on the use of TaTME for rectal cancer.

Controversies and consensus in transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME): Is it a valid choice for rectal cancer?

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a novel approach to radical surgery for low rectal cancer. taTME is associated with the benefits of a higher rate of free distal resection margins (DRM) under direct visualization, better visualization of the mesorectal plane, and the feasibility of overcoming the restriction of the distal pelvis. Thus, it is increasingly used globally. In this review, we investigated whether taTME yields better short- and long-term outcomes than laparoscopic TME.

Canadian taTME expert collaboration (CaTaCO) position statement.

INTRODUCTION: Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a novel approach to surgery for rectal cancer. The technique has gained significant popularity in the surgical community due to the promising ability to overcome technical difficulties related to the access of the distal pelvis. Recently, Norwegian surgeons issued a local moratorium related to potential issues with the safety of the procedure. Early adopters of taTME in Canada have recognized the need to create guidelines for its adoption and supervision. The objective of the statement is to provide expert opinion based on the best available evidence and authors' experience. METHODS: The procedure has been performed in Canada since 2014 at different institutions. In 2016, the first Canadian taTME congress was held in the city of Toronto, organized by two of the authors. In early 2019, a multicentric collaborative was established [The Canadian taTME expert Collaboration] which aimed at ensuring safe performance and adoption of taTME in Canada. Recently surgeons from 8 major Canadian rectal cancer centers met in the city of Toronto on December 7 of 2019, to discuss and develop a position statement. There in person, meeting was followed by 4 rounds of Delphi methodology. RESULTS: The generated document focused on the need to ensure a unified approach among rectal cancer surgeons across the country considering its technical complexity and potential morbidity. The position statement addressed four domains: surgical setting, surgeons' requirements, patient selection, and quality assurance. CONCLUSIONS: Authors agree transanal total mesorectal excision is technically demanding and has a significant risk for morbidity. As of now, there is uncertainty for some of the outcomes. We consider it is possible to safely adopt this operation and obtain adequate results, however for this purpose it is necessary to meet specific requirements in different domains.

Implementing new surgical technology: a national perspective on case volume requirement for proficiency in transanal total mesorectal excision

Background: Early data suggest that transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a safe alternative to the abdominal approach for rectal cancer. This study aims to understand the approach to the management of rectal cancer in Canada and to ascertain perspectives on introducing TaTME. Methods: Surgeons were invited to complete a survey that asked about their management practices relating to rectal cancer and their opinions regarding TaTME. Results: Ninety-four surgeons completed the survey (38% response rate). The number of rectal cancer cases handled annually by surgeons varied widely (1­80 cases, median 15 cases). Twenty-seven percent of respondents performed TaTME at the time of the survey, and 43% of those who did not said they planned on learning the technique. Surgeons who performed TaTME felt that a higher annual volume of rectal cancer cases was required to maintain proficiency than did non-TaTME surgeons (median 20 cases [interquartile range (IQR) 15­25 cases] v. 15 cases [IQR 10­20 cases]). Surgeons who performed TaTME also felt that a higher annual volume of TaTME cases was required to maintain proficiency (median 12 cases [IQR 10­19 cases] v. 9 cases [IQR 5­10 cases]). Conclusion: These findings help define the current practice environment for rectal cancer surgeons in Canada and highlight the complex issues associated with learning TaTME.

Contexte: Selon des données préliminaires, l'exérèse totale du mésorectum par voie transanale (ou TaTME, pour transanal total mesorectal excision) est une solution de rechange sécuritaire à l'approche abdominale pour le cancer du rectum. Cette étude vise à faire le point sur le traitement du cancer rectal au Canada et à mesurer l'intérêt à l'endroit de la technique TaTME. Méthodes: Des chirurgiens ont été invités à répondre à un sondage sur leur façon de prendre en charge le cancer rectal et sur leur opinion au sujet de la TaTME. Résultats: Quatre-vingt-quatorze chirurgiens ont répondu au sondage (taux deréponse 38 %). Le nombre de cancer rectaux traités annuellement par chirurgien variait grandement (de 1 à 80 cas, nombre médian 15 cas). Vingt-sept pour cent des participants appliquaient la TaTME au moment du sondage et 43 % de ceux qui ne l'appliquaient pas disait avoir l'intention de s'y initier. Les chirurgiens qui appliquaient la TaTME se disaient d'avis qu'il fallait un volume annuel plus élevé de cas de cancer rectal pour garder la main comparativement aux chirurgiens qui n'appliquaient pas cette technique (nombre médian de 20 cas [éventail interquartile (ÉIQ) 15­25 cas] c. 15 cas [ÉIQ 10­20 cas]). Les chirurgiens qui appliquaient la TaTME ont aussi estimé qu'il fallait un volume annuel plus élevé de cas de TaTME pour garder la main (nombre médian de 12 cas [ÉIQ 10­19 cas] c. 9 cases (ÉIQ 5­10 cas]). Conclusion: Ces observations permettent de mieux définir les pratiques actuelles des chirurgiens qui soignent le cancer rectal au Canada et mettent en lumière les enjeux complexes inhérents à l'apprentissage de la TaTME.

Endoscopic, transanal, laparoscopic, and transabdominal management of rectal neuroendocrine tumors.

Rectal neuroendocrine tumors (RNET) are rare tumors but their prevalence is constantly increasing due to a prolonged survival and rising incidence related to a growing number of colonoscopies and improved knowledge. Their main prognostic determinant is tumor stage. While most RNET are localized, their management should be tailored depending on the presence or absence of the factors predictive of lymph-node metastases including tumor size, endoscopic aspect, T stage, grade and lymphovascular invasion. Endoscopic ultrasonography is the most relevant technique for locoregional assessment. Low-risk RNET can be treated using advanced endoscopic resection techniques or transanal endoscopic microsurgery, in expert centers because they require technicity and experience. Conversely, radical surgery with lymphadenectomy should be proposed in the presence of any pejorative factor. The long-term evolution of RNET remains to be specified, and prospective studies should be conducted in order to determine the relevance of the current management strategies.

[Chinese consensus on transanal endoscopic surgery (2019 version)].

With the promotion of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) nationwide, transanal endoscopic surgery has become more and more widely used. However, at present, there is still a situation in the domestic colorectal surgery community that is not uniform, in-depth and not standardized in the understanding of the issues related to transanal endoscopic surgery. In order to clarify the key issues of transanal endoscopic surgery, including definition, indications, contraindications, surgical classification, basic principles of surgery, prevention and treatment of complications, the experts of the writing committee based on the existing evidence combined with clinical practice to verify the definition of transanal endoscopic surgery, indications, contraindications and surgical classification, by means of voting for key issues such as intraoperative sterility, no tumor principle, surgical quality control, specimen removal method, digestive tract reconstruction, how to solve intraoperative pressure instability, how to ensure the safety of anastomosis, and prevention and treatment of complications, aiming at providing guidance for transanal endoscopic surgery in China.

Consensus on Postoperative Recommendations After Transsphenoidal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for patient behavior following transsphenoidal surgery do not exist. To gain generally recommendations, the German pituitary working group conducted a study among pituitary surgeons to elucidate their opinions and customs of patients' counselling. METHODS: Questions concerning daily activities, exertion of sports and work life were addressed. It was asked to provide the postoperative time interval after which specific activities can be resumed both after a routine or an extended approach. RESULTS: Fourteen pituitary surgeons returned the completed questionnaire. Following routine operations, washing the hair was allowed within one week, blowing the nose after 3, flying on an airplane and driving a car after one, lifting heavy weights after 4, playing wind instruments after 6, use of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device after 3, permit leisure sports after 2 to 4 weeks (except for scuba diving). Competitive sports can be resumed after 6 weeks. Occupation with mental demands was considered feasible after 2 weeks, with physical labor after 4 weeks. After extended transsphenoidal surgery, the recommended time interval was roughly twice as long compared to the routine approach. Driving a car was allowed within the first 4 weeks after surgery by some pituitary surgeons, while others allow driving only after 3 months analogous to the regulations after craniotomy. The risk of scuba diving was considered high. CONCLUSIONS: The data of our study and the literature, and expert opinions from related scientific fields resulted in a consensus on recommendations for patients' conduct to minimize risks after transsphenoidal surgery.

[How to standardize transanal total mesorectum excision].

Transanal total mesorectum excision (taTME) is a novel approach to treat rectal cancer by colorectal surgeons. How to standardize taTME is important for colorectal surgeons, especially at their initial attempt. They can start this approach cautiously only after they master skilled laparoscopic technique and pelvic anatomy, get the knowledge of taTME clearly, and are approved by healthcare department. The female patients with age <70 years old, distance of 5 to 7 cm from tumor inferior margin to anal verge, tumor size <3 cm, cTNM stage

Preservation of hormonal function by identifying pituitary gland at endoscopic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The endonasal endoscopic approach has been established for perisellar tumor surgery with a higher resection rate and reduced complications. We analyzed the potential to identify the pituitary gland under endoscopic view, at surgery and see its relation to postoperative hormonal insufficiency in endonasal endoscopic procedures. METHODS: Between January 2011 and January 2014, 70 cases of pituitary adenomas with preoperative intact pituitary function underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal procedures for intrasellar pathologies. Endocrinologists and neurosurgeons followed these patients prospectively. Special attention was paid to intraoperative identification of gland tissue, surgical complications, degree of resection and postoperative hormonal insufficiency. RESULTS: The pituitary gland was identified in 57 out of 70 procedures (81.4%). Eleven percent (8 of 70 patients) had persistent pituitary insufficiency. Two of these 8 patients belonged to the group with pituitary gland identification (2 out of 57); thus, when the pituitary gland was identified during the procedure postoperative hormonal insufficiency was seen in 3.5% of cases. Failure of pituitary gland identification presented with hormonal insufficiency of 46.2%. In analysis with Fisher's exact test, there was a high significant correlation between the identification of the pituitary gland intraoperatively and normal pituitary function postoperatively (p<0.005). On follow up radical tumor resection was seen in 88% (62 of 70 patients). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that identification and preservation of pituitary gland tissue and function is possible in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. This preservation of gland tissue is a positive predictor of postoperative normal pituitary function.

Predicting the limits of the endoscopic endonasal approach in children: a radiological anatomical study.

OBJECT The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been established as an alternative approach to craniovertebral junction (CVJ) pathology in adults. The authors have previously described the nasoaxial line (NAxL) as an accurate predictor of the lower limit of the EEA to the CVJ in adults. The surgical anatomy limiting the EEA to the pediatric CVJ has not been well studied. Furthermore, predicting the lower limit of the EEA in various pediatric age groups is important in surgical planning. To better understand the anatomy affecting the EEA to the CVJ, the authors examined the skull base anatomy relevant to the EEA in children of different age groups and used the NAxL to predict the EEA lower limit in children. METHODS Axial brain CT scans of 39 children with normal skull base anatomy were reconstructed sagittally. Children were divided into 4 groups according to age: 3-6, 7-10, 11-14, and 15-18 years old. The intersection of the NAxL with the odontoid process of C-2 was described for each group. Analyses of variance were used to estimate the effect of age, sex, interaction between age and sex on different anatomical parameters relevant to the endonasal corridor (including the length of the hard palate [HPLe]), dimensions of choana and piriform aperture, and the length of the NAxL to C-2. The effect of the HPLe on the working distance of NAxL to the odontoid was also estimated using analysis of covariance, controlling for age, sex, and their interaction. RESULTS The NAxL extended to the odontoid process in 38 of the 39 children. Among the 39 children, the NAxL intersected the upper third of the odontoid process in 25 while intersecting the middle third in the remaining 13 children. The measurements of the inferior limits did not differ with age, varying between 9 and 11 mm below the hard palate line at the ventral surface of C-2. Significant increases in the size of the piriform aperture and choana and the HPLe were observed after age 10. The HPLe predicted the length of the NAxL (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The caudal limit of the EEA extends as far as the middle third of the odontoid process in children, as predicted by the NAxL. The most prominent increase in the size of the choana and piriform aperture occurs after age 10. The HPLe is a significant predictor of the working distance to C-2. Utilizing the NAxL preoperatively may help in planning the EEA to the CVJ in children.

Transanal total mesorectal excision: a pure NOTES approach for selected patients.

BACKGROUND: The concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has stimulated the development of various "incisionless" procedures. One of the most popular is the transanal approach for rectal lesions. The aims of this study were to report how we standardized NOTES technique for transanal mesorectal excision without abdominal assistance, discuss the difficulties and surgical outcomes of this technique and report its feasibility in a small group of selected patients. METHODS: Three consecutive female patients underwent transanal NOTES rectal resection without transabdominal laparoscopic assistance for rectal lesions. Functional results were assessed with the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scale and the Wexner score. RESULTS: The technical steps are described in details and complemented with a video. All procedures were completed without transabdominal laparoscopic help. The mesorectal plane was entirely dissected without any disruption, and distal and circumferential margins were tumor-free. No major complications were observed. Functional results show a significant impairment after surgery with improvement at 6 months to levels near those of the preoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The performance and publication of NOTES procedures are subject to much discussion. Despite the small number of patients, this procedure appears feasible and can be accomplished maintaining fecal continence and respecting oncologic principles.