Surgical and postoperative evaluations of rectal adenomas excised with a rigid proctoscope.

PURPOSE: This study presents the surgical and postoperative results achieved with a rigid proctoscope using the transanal endoscopic technique to excise rectal adenomas. The results are compared to the results obtained with other currently employed transanal techniques. METHODS: We investigated the medical records of patients who underwent transanal endoscopic operations from April 2000 to June 2018 at two tertiary referral centers for colorectal cancer. RESULTS: This study included 99 patients. The mean age was 65.3 ± 13.3 years. The average size of the adenomas was 4.6 ± 2.3 cm, and their average distance to the anal border was 5.6 ± 3.3 cm. The average operative time was 65.3 ± 41.7 min. In 48.5% of the operations, the specimen was fragmented, and in 59.6% of the cases, the microscopic margins were free. The rates of postoperative complications and relapse were 5% and 19%, respectively. The mean follow-up was 80 ± 61.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: The described proctoscope proved to be a viable technique with results similar to other techniques, with the advantage that it allowed greater accessibility for surgeons. Therefore, its use could be implemented and become widespread in surgical practice.

Surgical and postoperative evaluations of rectal adenomas excised with a rigid proctoscope

Abstract Purpose This study presents the surgical and postoperative results achieved with a rigid proctoscope using the transanal endoscopic technique to excise rectal adenomas. The results are compared to the results obtained with other currently employed transanal techniques. Methods We investigated the medical records of patients who underwent transanal endoscopic operations from April 2000 to June 2018 at two tertiary referral centers for colorectal cancer. Results This study included 99 patients. The mean age was 65.3 ± 13.3 years. The average size of the adenomas was 4.6 ± 2.3 cm, and their average distance to the anal border was 5.6 ± 3.3 cm. The average operative time was 65.3 ± 41.7 min. In 48.5% of the operations, the specimen was fragmented, and in 59.6% of the cases, the microscopic margins were free. The rates of postoperative complications and relapse were 5% and 19%, respectively. The mean follow-up was 80 ± 61.5 months. Conclusions The described proctoscope proved to be a viable technique with results similar to other techniques, with the advantage that it allowed greater accessibility for surgeons. Therefore, its use could be implemented and become widespread in surgical practice.

High-risk Human Papilloma Virus Testing Improves Diagnostic Performance to Predict Moderate- to High-grade Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Men Who Have Sex With Men in Low-to-Absent Cytological Abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: Screening methods for anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) are suboptimal. We aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of a composite endpoint comprising anal liquid-based cytology (aLBC) and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing to predict histological high-grade SILs (hHSILs). METHODS: From the SeVIHanal cohort, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) who had an aLBC with concomitant HR-HPV testing were included. hHSILs were determined by high-resolution anoscopy (HRA)-guided biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 705 visits obtained from 426 patients were included. The prevalence of HR-HPV among aLBC results were 51.9% (133/215) normal, 87.9% (20/232) low-grade SILs (LSILs), and 90.9% (149/164) high-grade SILs; P (linear association) < .001. Low prevalence of hHSILs was only observed for the composite aLBC/HR-HPV testing endpoint "normal/noHR-HPV" (10%) and "LSIL/noHR-HPV" (4%). The prognostic values (95% confidence interval) for HR-HPV to predict hHSILs in normal cytology were positive predictive value (PPV), 29.3% (25.6%-33.3%); negative predictive value (NPV), 90.2% (82.8%-94.7%); sensitivity, 83% (69.2%-92.4%); and specificity, 44.1% (36.4%-51.9%). Corresponding figures for cytologic LSILs were PPV, 39.2% (37.4%-41.1%); NPV, 96.4% (78.9%-99.5%); sensitivity, 98.8% (93.3%-99.9%); and specificity, 17.9% (12.1%-24.9%). A positive interaction and a synergistic effect for the composite endpoint were observed (relative excess risk = 1.50, attributable proportion of histological results to interaction = 0.17, synergy index = 1.24). CONCLUSIONS: HRA should not be indicated in the setting of LSILs/noHR-HPV following aLBC-based screening. In contrast, HIV-infected MSM with normal aLBC/HR-HPV infection should be considered for HRA. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT03713229.

Mucopexy-recto anal lifting: a standardized minimally invasive method of managing symptomatic hemorrhoids, with an innovative suturing technique and the HemorPex System®.

BACKGROUND: Conservative surgery of hemorrhoidal disease is less painful than traditional hemorrhoidectomy, and mucopexy has less risk of serious postoperative complications than stapled hemorrhoidopexy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a standardized, modified hemorrhoidopexy, named Mucopexy-Recto Anal Lifting (MuRAL) with the HemorPex System (HPS) in patients with symptomatic III and IV degree hemorrhoids. METHODS: Patients were enrolled from May 2013 to Dec 2015 and operated on with the MuRAL technique, based on arterial ligation and mucopexy at 6 locations, using a standardized clockwise/anti-clockwise rotation sequence of the HPS anoscope. Follow-up controls were carried out by independent observers, as follows: a digital exploration 3 weeks after the intervention, digital exploration plus proctoscopy at 3 and 12 months and repeated at a 12 months interval. Patients who did not strictly follow the postoperative controls were excluded from the study. Primary outcome measurement was the recurrence rate. Secondary measurements were: operative time, hospital stay, postoperative pain, postoperative symptoms and satisfaction score. RESULTS: We operated on 126 patients (72 males, mean age 53.9, range 29-83): 87 (69.6%) with III degree and 39 with IV degree hemorrhoids; 13 patients had a MuRAL as a revisional procedure of a previous operation for hemorrhoids. Mean duration of follow-up was 554 days (range 281-1219). Four patients were excluded from the study. One-year recurrence rate was 4.1%. The mean duration of the intervention was 29.5 minutes (range 23-60) and 92 patients (73%) were discharged during the same day of the operation. Pain VAS Score in the first, second and third postoperative day was 3.9, 2.5, and 1.9, respectively. Twenty-two patients (18%), all submitted to spinal anesthesia, had postoperative acute urinary retention. Fecal urgency, observed in 18.8% of patients at the first control, disappeared within one year after the operation. Mean time to return to normal activity was 8 days (range 5 -10). The patient satisfaction scores at one-year follow up were 31.1% excellent, 57.4% good, 7.4% fairly good and 4.1% poor. In patients with III degree hemorrhoids operative time was significantly shorter, postoperative pain better and transient fecal urgency lower than in IV degree patients. In our experience the standardization of MuRAL operation with HPS, turned out to be a safe and effective minimally invasive approach in managing symptomatic III and IV degree hemorrhoids, avoiding the risk of severe complications, with the possibility to perform a redo-MuRAL in the event of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In our series up to 88% of the patients reported a good, or excellent one-year satisfaction score. Further comparative randomized studies with longer follow-up period are needed.

Quality indicators for cervical cancer care in Japan / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to propose a set of quality indicators (QIs) based on the clinical guidelines for cervical cancer treatment published by The Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and to assess adherence to standard-of-care as an index of the quality of care for cervical cancer in Japan. METHODS: A panel of clinical experts devised the QIs using a modified Delphi method. Adherence to each QI was evaluated using data from a hospital-based cancer registry of patients diagnosed in 2013, and linked with insurance claims data, between October 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014. All patients who received first-line treatment at the participating facility were included. The QI scores were communicated to participating hospitals, and additional data about the reasons for non-adherence were collected. RESULTS: In total, 297 hospitals participated, and the care provided to 15,163 cervical cancer patients was examined using 10 measurable QIs. The adherence rate ranged from 50.0% for ‘cystoscope or proctoscope for stage IVA’ to 98.8% for ‘chemotherapy using platinum for stage IVB’. Despite the variation in care, hospitals reported clinically valid reasons for more than half of the non-adherent cases. Clinically valid reasons accounted for 75%, 90.9%, 73.4%, 44.5%, and 88.1% of presented non-adherent cases respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed variations in pattern of care as well as an adherence to standards-of-care across Japan. Further assessment of the causes of variation and non-adherence can help identify areas where improvements are needed in patient care.

Five year experience of the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.

OBJECTIVES: The best treatment of early stage anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is under debated. Wide local excision (WLE) may be considered adequate for stage 1 anal margin cancer. This study demonstrates our experience in treatment of patients with SCC over 5 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who had undergone anal screening or anal cancer surveillance between October 2010 and 2015 in our department. Each patient underwent anal Pap test, HPV test PCR HPV DNA and cytology by Thin Prep. The examinations were performed by Proctostation THD©. Data were collected and analysed. RESULTS: We included 25 patients, 16 male (64%) and 9 female (36%). Twenty-four patients had SCC and 1 patient had adenocarcinoma. Of this cohort: 10 underwent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) because T3-4 N1-2 M0, 13 underwent only surgery because T1/T2 and 2 patients had CRT and surgery because they already have had anal cancer treated in the past with CRT. Seventeen patients (68%) of this cohort, including 5 with micro-invasive SCCs, had regular follow-up without recurrences. Four patients (17%) died from metastatic disease and 4 patients (17%) had recurrent disease. CONCLUSIONS: In this small cohort we demonstrated satisfactory results in treatment of SCCs, underlining the effective role of surgery in early stages of SCC. Screening program and follow up were fundamental to identify early stage and recurrent disease. Also we found the High-resolution video-proctoscopy a valid diagnostic tool.

Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) for hemorrhoidal disease: a single-center study on 1000 consecutive cases and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) Doppler procedure is a minimally invasive technique to treat symptomatic hemorrhoids. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical efficacy and the satisfaction of patients in a large series treated with THD and to review the relevant literature. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-institution, study consecutive patients with grade 2, 3, or 4 hemorrhoidal disease were treated with the THD Doppler procedure. Dearterialization was performed in all cases and mucopexy in case of prolapse. The dearterialization procedure evolved from "proximal artery ligation" to "distal Doppler-guided dearterialization." Follow-up was scheduled at 15 days, 1, 3, 12 months, and once a year thereafter. Complications were recorded. Clinical efficacy was assessed comparing both frequency of symptoms and disease grading (Goligher's classification) at baseline versus last follow-up. Uni-/multivariate analysis evaluated factors affecting the outcome. RESULTS: There were 1000 patients (619 men; mean age: 48.6 years, range 19-88 years). Acute postoperative bleeding was observed in 14 patients (1.4%), pain/tenesmus in 31 patients (3.1%), and urinary retention in 23 patients (2.3%). At mean follow-up duration of 44 ± 29 months, the symptomatic recurrence rate was 9.5% (95 patients; bleeding in 12 (1.2%), prolapse in 46 (4.6%), and bleeding and prolapse in 37 (3.7%) patients). The recurrence rate was 8.5, 8.7, and 18.1% in patients with grade 2, 3, and 4 hemorrhoids, respectively. Seventy out of 95 patients with recurrence needed surgery (reoperation rate: 7.0%). At final follow-up and taking into account the reoperations, 95.7% of patients had no hemorrhoidal disease on examination. Younger age, grade 4 disease, and high artery ligation affected the outcome negatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the THD Doppler procedure is safe and effective in patients with hemorrhoidal disease and associated with low morbidity and recurrence rates and a high rate percentage of treatment success.

[Comparison of Doppler-assisted dearterialization with mucopexy and hemorrhoidectomy].

AIM: To compare two methods of hemorrhoid treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included 240 patients with hemorrhoids stage III-IVA. Stages III and IVA were diagnosed in 156 (65%) and 84 (35%) patients respectively. Randomization was performed using envelopes method in one to one distribution. In group 1 (n=120) Doppler-assisted dearterialization of internal hemorrhoids with mucopexy was performed (DDM), in group 2 (n=120) - hemorrhoidectomy using harmonic scalpel (HE). RESULTS: Duration of surgery was 17.9±6.1 and 34.5±10.1 minutes in DDM and HE groups respectively (p<0.01). Postoperative pain severity was higher in group 2 (4.8 compared with 2.5 scores of the first group (p<0.01). Narcotic analgesics were used less often in DDM group (1.3 doses compared with 6.1 doses in HE group (p<0.01). Disability period was 14.4±5.2 and 30.3±5.4 days in both groups respectively (p<0.01). Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 9 (7.5%) and 19 (15.8%) patients of DDM and HE groups respectively. Recurrent prolapse of internal hemorrhoids was diagnosed in 2 (1.7%) patients of the 1st group in terms of up to 45 days. CONCLUSION: DDM is reliable minimally invasive method of hemorrhoids stage III-IVA treatment and has similar efficacy with HE. DDM reduces postoperative pain severity, hospital stay and disability period.

The Ferguson Operating Anoscope for Resection of T1 Rectal Cancer.

The Ferguson Operating Anoscope (FOA) is a surgical instrument, which can facilitate transanal excision of appropriate rectal tumors within 15 cm of the anal verge. Previous work showed low recurrence (4.3%) for favorable T1 tumors (no lymphovascular invasion, well/moderate differentiation, negative margins). This follow-up study evaluates outcomes in rectal cancer excised with FOA at a tertiary care center. T1 rectal cancer patients were identified in a prospectively maintained database. Tumor pathology and patient characteristics were reviewed. Primary outcomes include tumor recurrence and patient and disease-free survival. Secondary outcomes are quality of excision (intact specimen). Twenty-eight patients had pathologic stage T1 rectal cancer (average 8 ± 2.6 cm from the anal verge). Final path demonstrated 14 per cent to be well differentiated, 82 per cent moderately differentiated, and 93 per cent without angiolymphatic invasion. All specimens removed were intact. One patient had a true local recurrence and underwent a salvage operation 24 months after her index operation. Patient survival was 96.4 per cent (n = one death from primary lung cancer) at median follow-up 64 ± 35 months. With appropriate tumor selection and quality of initial resection, FOA has demonstrated utility in achieving optimal oncologic resection of T1 rectal tumors.

Transanal endoscopic proctectomy and nerve injury risk: bottom to top surgical anatomy, key points.

The transanal approach for rectal resection is a promising approach, because it increases the circumferential radial margin, especially for difficult cases. Meanwhile, functional sequelae are frequent after rectal cancer surgery and are often due to neurological lesions. There is little literature describing surgical anatomy from bottom to top. We combined our surgical experience with our fetal and adult anatomical research to provide a bottom-up surgical description focusing on neurological anatomy (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A148).

THD Doppler procedure for hemorrhoids: the surgical technique.

Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is an effective treatment for hemorrhoidal disease. The ligation of hemorrhoidal arteries (called "dearterialization") can provide a significant reduction of the arterial overflow to the hemorrhoidal piles. Plication of the redundant rectal mucosa/submucosa (called "mucopexy") can provide a repositioning of prolapsing tissue to the anatomical site. In this paper, the surgical technique and perioperative patient management are illustrated. Following adequate clinical assessment, patients undergo THD under general or spinal anesthesia, in either the lithotomy or the prone position. In all patients, distal Doppler-guided dearterialization is performed, providing the selective ligation of hemorrhoidal arteries identified by Doppler. In patients with hemorrhoidal/muco-hemorrhoidal prolapse, the mucopexy is performed with a continuous suture including the redundant and prolapsing mucosa and submucosa. The description of the surgical procedure is complemented by an accompanying video (see supplementary material). In long-term follow-up, there is resolution of symptoms in the vast majority of patients. The most common complication is transient tenesmus, which sometimes can result in rectal discomfort or pain. Rectal bleeding occurs in a very limited number of patients. Neither fecal incontinence nor chronic pain should occur. Anorectal physiology parameters should be unaltered, and anal sphincters should not be injured by following this procedure. When accurately performed and for the correct indications, THD is a safe procedure and one of the most effective treatments for hemorrhoidal disease.

Devices for the endoscopic treatment of hemorrhoids.

Multiple endoscopic methods are available to treat symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. Because of its low cost, ease of use, low rate of adverse events, and relative effectiveness, RBL is currently the most widely used technique.

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

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

Desarterialización hemorroidal transanal. Una nueva alternativa quirúrgica / Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization. A new surgical alternative

La desarterialización hemorroidal es una técnica desarrollada en la última década, que consiste en la ligadura de la arteria hemorroidal a través de un proctoscopio que contiene un Doppler, con la subsecuente pexia de la mucosa. Objetivo: Analizar la factibilidad de la generalización de este procedimiento, mencionando sus ventajas y posibles desventajas en la utilización del mismo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el cual se incluyeron 41 pacientes (20 masculinos y 21 femeninas) en edades entre 23 y 55 años, con hemorroides II, III sintomáticas y IV sin síntomas de defecación obstruida, intervenidos en el Servicio de Cirugía 2 del Hospital Domingo Luciani y en la Unidad de Colon, Recto y Ano del Centro Clínico Leopoldo Aguerrevere, desde junio de 2012 hasta marzo de 2014. La técnica consiste en la ligadura de las ramas terminales de las arterias hemorroidales en radiales 1, 3, 5, 7,9 y 11. El tiempo promedio del procedimiento fue de 39.26 minutos. El seguimiento de los pacientes se realizó a la semana, a los quince días, al mes y a los 3 meses, valorando satisfacción de la técnica en base a dolor, reducción del prolapso y complicaciones. Resultados: Se logró el seguimiento de 41 pacientes en consulta, el 48.8% con rango de edad entre 31-40 años, 61% con hemorroides III, 27% hemorroides II y el 12% hemorroides IV. Durante el procedimiento quirúrgico se realizaron 6 pexias en el 80.5%. Los plicomas se resecaron en todos los pacientes que lo presentaban. Los síntomas referidos en los primeros 7 días en forma individual o asociado a otro síntoma fueron tenesmo 68.3%, molestia perianal en 39%, dolor moderado en 21.9%, dolor intenso en 14.6%, dolor leve y sangrado en 9.7% y trombosis en 2.4%, igualmente 14.6% no refirieron ninguna sintomatología. Al relacionar la exéresis de los plicomas con el dolor perianal observamos dolor intenso en 15.4% de los pacientes a quienes se le retiraron los plicomas y en el 25% de los pacientes a quien no se le realizó exéresis. El grado de satisfacción de la técnica en el post operatorio inmediato es bueno en 39% y muy bueno en 34%, solo fue malo en 3%. Al aplicar una escala de visualización análoga del dolor se observa una tendencia progresiva en los controles sucesivos en EVA 0-1 19.5% a los 15 días, 78% a los 30 días y 85.3% a los 90 días. En los pacientes sometidos a manometría anorrectal se evidencio un incremento en las presiones de reposo. El 83% se reintegró a sus actividades habituales en promedio a las 3 semanas del postoperatorio. No se presentaron complicaciones mayores, el prolapso de algún paquete hemorroidal se presentó en el 29.4% de los pacientes. Conclusiones: THD es un método seguro, poco invasivo, con buenos resultados para el tratamiento de pacientes, bien seleccionados, con hemorroides II, III y IV. Se deben realizar futuros ensayos controlados comparando con otros procedimientos, para demostrar la ventaja real y definir las indicaciones adecuadas realizando pruebas fisiológicas, además de llevar un control a largo plazo(AU)

Hemorrhoid dearterialisation is a technique developed in the last decade, consisting of ligation of hemorrhoidal artery through a proctoscope which contains a Doppler, with the subsequent mucosal pexy. Objective: To analyze the feasibility of the generalization of this procedure, mentioning its advantages and possible disadvantages in the use of the same. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study which included 41 patients (20 male and 21 female) ages between 23 and 55 years, with II, symptomatic III and IV haemorrhoids without symptoms of obstructed defecation, operated in the service of Surgery 2 of the Hospital Domingo Luciani and Unit of Colon, Rectum and Anus at the Centro Clínico Leopoldo Aguerrevere, from June 2012 to March 2014. The technique involves the ligation of terminal branches of the hemorrhoidal arteries in radial 1, 3, 5, 7.9 and 11. The average time of the procedure was 39.26 minutes. The follow-up of the patients was carried out a week, fifteen days, a month and three months, assessing satisfaction of the technique based on pain, reduction of prolapse and complications. Results: Were follow-up 41 patients in consultation, the 48.8% with age range between 31-40 years, 61% with hemorrhoids III, 27% hemorrhoid II and 12% hemorrhoid IV. During the surgical procedure were 6 pexy the 80.5%. The plicomas be resected in all patients presenting with it. The symptoms referred to in the first 7 days individually or associated to other symptoms were tenesmus 68.3%, 39%, moderate in 21.9 pain perianal discomfort %, severe pain in 14.6%, bleeding and mild pain in 9.7% and thrombosis in 2.4%, also 14.6% not reported any symptoms. To relate the resection of plicomas with perianal pain it was observed severe pain in 15.4% of the patients resected to 25% of patients not resected. Immediate postoperative satisfaction was good at 39 % and very good at 34 %, it was just bad at 3 %. To apply a scale of analog display of pain there is a progressive tendency in the successive controls at 0-1 19.5% at 15 days, 30 days 78% and 85.3% at 90 days. In patients undergoing anorectal manometry were demonstrated an increase in resting pressures. 83% returned to their usual activities on average at 3 weeks of the postoperative period. There were no major complications, some package hemorrhoidal prolapse was presented at the 29.4% of the patients. Conclusions: THD is a safe method, minimally invasive, with good results in the treatment of well selected patients with hemorrhoids II, III and IV. Future controlled trials comparing with other procedures, to demonstrate the real advantage and define appropriate physiological indications, as well as to control long-term studies should be performed(AU)

Transrectal robotic natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) applied to intestinal anastomosis in a porcine intestine model.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a minimally invasive operation using devices such as flexible endoscopes and linear or circular staplers. Nevertheless, hand-sewn anastomosis in NOTES remains challenging. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of transrectal robotic NOTES requiring intracorporeal small intestinal anastomosis and closure of the rectal anterior wall incision in a relevant human model. METHODS: The authors developed a flexible rectal proctoscope with a diameter of 43 mm for transrectal robotic NOTES. Small intestinal anastomosis was performed in a porcine intestinal transrectal NOTES model using two robotic arms and a camera inserted through the proctoscope and a rectal anterior wall incision. The quality of transrectal small intestinal anastomosis using the da Vinci surgical system (transrectal robotic NOTES group) was compared with that of transabdominal anastomosis using the da Vinci surgical system (transabdominal robot-assisted surgery group) and transrectal anastomosis using traditional transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) instruments (TEM NOTES group). The quality of transrectal rectal anterior wall suturing in the transrectal robotic NOTES group was compared with that of the TEM NOTES group and the open surgical instruments group (open group). RESULTS: Robotic intracorporeal suturing was performed successfully in the porcine intestine model. During small intestinal anastomosis, burst pressure in the transrectal robotic NOTES group (67.7 ± 29.3 mmHg) was similar to that in the transabdominal robot-assisted surgery group (73.3 ± 18.2 mmHg) but significantly higher than in the TEM NOTES group (20.3 ± 24.0 mmHg; p < 0.01). During rectal anterior wall suturing, the burst pressure did not differ significantly between the transrectal robotic NOTES group (149.9 ± 81.1 mmHg) and the open group (195.0 ± 60.5 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary safety and efficacy of transrectal robotic NOTES was established. Further studies are required to determine the practical feasibility of this procedure.