Primer caso de escisión mesorrectal total transanal (TaTME) para el tratamiento del cáncer de recto medio en un centro docente universitario: descripción de la técnica / First case of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for middle rectal cancer in a teaching tertiary center: technical aspects / Primeiro caso de excisão total do mesorreto transanal (TaTME) para tratamento de câncer de reto meio em um centro universitário de ensino: aspectos tecnicos

La escisión mesorrectal transanal (TaTME: transanal total mesorectal escision) es la última de una larga lista de desarrollos técnicos y tecnológicos para el tratamiento del cáncer de recto medio y bajo. Incluso para los cirujanos colorrectales experimentados, lograr una escisión mesorrectal total (emt) de calidad en cirugía oncológica no siempre es sencillo, por la dificultad de obtener un adecuado acceso a la pelvis. Los estudios realizados han mostrado resultados comparables al abordaje laparoscópico, con tasas elevadas de escisiones mesorrectales completas y bajo porcentaje de margen circunferencial radial (CRM: circumferential radial margin) y distal positivos, con un adecuado número de ganglios resecados. Como toda técnica nueva, su implementación puede traer consecuencias no intencionales. La complejidad del abordaje, la dificultad en la identificación de nuevos repères y planos anatómicos, ha llevado a complicaciones graves como la lesión uretral o la siembra tumoral pelviana. Por ello, la comunidad quirúrgica ha retrasado la implementación masiva de la técnica y desarrollado estrategias de enseñanza y monitorización de este procedimiento para su realización en centros de alto volumen. El objetivo de esta publicación es presentar el primer caso de TaTME en un centro docente universitario y difundir en nuestra comunidad científica el fundamento de la técnica, sus indicaciones, describir los principales pasos técnicos, complicaciones, resultados oncológicos y funcionales.

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is the last of a long list of technical and technological developments for treatment of middle and low rectal cancer. Even for skilled colorectal surgeons, achieving a good quality total mesorectal excision (TME) in oncology surgery is not always simple, due to the difficulty of obtaining optimal access to the pelvis. So far, studies have shown similar results to laparoscopic surgery, with high rates of complete mesorectal excisions and low rate of circumferential radial margin (CRM) and distal margin with an appropriate number of resected lymph nodes. Like every new technique, its implementation can bring unwanted consequences. The complexity of the approach, the difficulty in the identification of new landmarks and anatomic planes, has led to serious complications such as urethral injury or tumoral seeding. This has made slowdown the massive implementation of the technique among the surgical community, addressing the need of developing training programs and mentoring of this procedure that belongs to high volume centers. The aim of this publication is to present the first case of TaTME in a teaching tertiary center and spread, in our scientific community, the principles of the technique, its indications, main technical steps, complications and functional and oncologic results.

A excisão mesorretal transanal (TaTME: transanal total mesorectal escision) é o mais recente de uma longa linha de desenvolvimentos técnicos e tecnológicos para o tratamento do câncer retal inferior e médio. Mesmo para cirurgiões colorretais experientes, nem sempre é fácil obter uma excisão total do mesorreto (EMT) de qualidade em cirurgia de câncer, devido à dificuldade de obter acesso adequado à pelve. Os estudos realizados mostraram resultados comparáveis ​​à abordagem laparoscópica, com altas taxas de excisões completas do mesorreto e baixo percentual de margem radial circunferencial positiva (CRM: circumferential radial margin) e distal, com número adequado de linfonodos ressecados. Como qualquer nova técnica, sua implementação pode ter consequências não intencionais. A complexidade da abordagem, a dificuldade em identificar novos repères e planos anatômicos, levou a complicações graves, como lesão uretral ou semeadura de tumor pélvico. Por esse motivo, a comunidade cirúrgica atrasou a implementação massiva da técnica e desenvolveu estratégias de ensino e acompanhamento desse procedimento para sua realização em centros de alto volume. O objetivo desta publicação é apresentar o primeiro caso de TaTME em um centro de ensino universitário e divulgar em nossa comunidade científica as bases da técnica, suas indicações, descrever as principais etapas técnicas, complicações, resultados oncológicos e funcionais.

A way to start transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

Introduction: The optimal rectal cancer care is achieved by a multidisciplinary approach, with a high-quality surgical resection, with complete mesorectal excision and adequate margins. New approaches like the transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) aim to achieve these goals, maximizing the sphincter preservation ratio, with good oncologic and functional results. This report describes a way to implement TaTME without a proctor, presents the first case series of this approach in a center experienced in rectal cancer, and compares the results with those of the international literature. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of the first 10 consecutive patients submitted to TaTME for rectal cancer at our institution. The primary outcomes were postoperative complications, pathological specimen quality and local recurrence rate. The results and performance were compared with the outcomes of a known structured program with proctorship and with the largest meta-analysis on this topic. Results: All patients had locally advanced cancer; therefore, all underwent neoadjuvant therapy. A total of 30% had postoperative complications, without mortality or re-admissions. In comparison with the structured training program referred, no differences were found in postoperative complications and reintervention rates, resulting in a similar quality of resection. Comparing these results with those of the largest meta-analysis on the subject, no differences in the postoperative complication rates were found, and very similar outcomes regarding anastomotic leaks and oncological quality of resection were registered. Conclusion: The results of this study validate the safety and effectiveness of our pathway regarding the implementation of the TaTME approach, highlighting the fact that it should be done in a center with proficiency in minimally invasive rectal surgery. (AU)

Implementación segura de la escisión total mesorrectal transanal (TaTME) en la práctica clínica / Safe implementation of total transanal mesorectal excision (TaTME) in clinical practice

Introducción: La escisión total del mesorrecto transanal (TaTME) es una técnica quirúrgica moderna que busca mejorar los resultados oncológicos sorteando dificultades anatómicas y propias del tumor en el cáncer de recto medio e inferior. La expansión de esta operación condujo a complicaciones propias que no se observaban con los procedimientos tradicionales puramente transabdominales. Es por esto que existen recomendaciones de expertos a seguir en el inicio de la práctica del TaTME. Objetivo: Mostrar resultados en la serie inicial de TaTME implementando estrategias de seguridad. Diseño: Análisis retrospectivo sobre una base de datos prospectiva. Métodos: Entre mayo de 2015 y junio de 2018 se seleccionaron pacientes con adenocarcinoma de recto medio o bajo con margen circunferencial de resección respetado sin enfermedad a distancia irresecable. Los pacientes fueron operados con la técnica TaTME por un mismo cirujano "en formación en TaTME" con experiencia y alto volumen de casos de cáncer de recto, habiendo realizado cursos homologados. En algunos de los casos se contó con la asistencia de un especialista internacional "proctor". Resultados: En el período estudiado se operaron 8 pacientes mediante TaTME. Edad media de 62 años (53-77). Siete recibieron Quimiorradioterapia preoperatoria (88%). Todas las piezas tuvieron un margen distal negativo, en 7 de 8 la resección del mesorrecto fue completa y en uno incompleta. El promedio de ganglios resecados fue de 12,5 (6-21). La mediana de tiempo operatorio fue de 351 minutos (255-480). La media de días de internación fue de 10.6 (4-19). Siete pacientes tuvieron complicaciones en el postoperatorio, 4 Clavien I y 3 II. Conclusiones: La aplicación de las estrategias de seguridad durante la implementación de una técnica nueva como el TaTME, ayudaría a la disminución de complicaciones intra y postoperatorias con buenos resultados desde el punto de vista oncológico. (AU)

Introduction: Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a modern surgical technique that seeks the best oncological results avoiding anatomic and tumor-specific difficulties in middle and low rectal cancer. The spread of this operation led to complications that were not observed with traditional procedures in a purely transabdominal approach. That is why there are recommendations to follow when starting the TaTME practice. Objective: To show our initial results in TaTME operation implementing security strategies. Design: Retrospective analysis based on a prospective database. Methods: Between May 2015 and June 2018, patients with middle or low rectal adenocarcinoma, with respected circumferential margin in absence of distant unresectable disease were selected. Patients were operated with the TaTME technique by the same surgeon "trainee" with experience and high case volume of rectal cancer, who attended to different courses on the matter. In some of the cases, there was assistance of an international "proctor" specialist. Results: In the period of study, 8 patients underwent surgery through TaTME. Mean age was 62 years (53-77). Seven received preoperative chemoradiotherapy (88%). All the specimens had a negative distal margin, in 7 out of 8, resection of the mesorectum was complete whereas it was incomplete in one. The mean number of resected lymph nodes was 12.5 (6-21). The median operative time was 351 minutes (255-480). The mean time of hospital stay was 10.6 days (4-19). Seven patients had complications in the postoperative period, 4 Clavien I and 3 II. Conclusions: Application of safety strategies during the implementation of a new technique such as TaTME, would help to reduce intra and postoperative complications with good results from the oncological point of view. (AU)

Resección total del mesorrecto por vía transanal en cáncer de recto: análisis de resultados de una serie preliminar en un hospital universitario / Transanal total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer: analysis of a preliminary series in universitary hospital

Introducción: La resección total del mesorrecto por vía transanal es un abordaje híbrido que combina el uso de una plataforma transanal y laparoscopia convencional. Objetivos: Realizar el análisis de casos seleccionados con cáncer de recto medio e inferior en los cuales se utilizó un abordaje transanal combinado para su resolución y la descripción de la técnica quirúrgica. Materiales y métodos. Corresponde a una serie prospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de recto de tercio medio e inferior con resección mesorrectal asistida por monopuerto endoanal entre octubre de 2012 y diciembre de 2015, en Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para el análisis de los datos. Resultados: Fueron sometidos a cirugía por cáncer de recto medio e inferior un total de 29 pacientes utilizando monopuerto transanal. De estos, 22 fueron de sexo masculino y 7 de sexo femenino, con edad promedio de 55,5 años e IMC de 26,4. La distancia media al margen anal fue 4,8 cm. Todos recibieron neoadyuvancia. Se realizaron 17 Ta-TME (58,6%) y 12 Ta-TME con abordaje interesfintérico (41,4%). La anastomosis fue coloanal manual en 15 pacientes (51,7%) y grapada en 14 (48,3%). El abordaje laparoscópico se utilizó en 26 pacientes y el abierto en 3, registrando 4 conversiones (15,4%). El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 282 min. La estadía hospitalaria media fue de 9 días. Conclusión: El monopuerto endoanal aparece como una herramienta útil en la disección total del mesorrecto por su seguridad y factibilidad. Creemos que es necesaria la realización de trabajos prospectivos aleatorizados, donde es relevante la comparación de resultados oncológicos y funcionales a largo plazo.

Introduction: Transanal total mesorectal excision is a hybrid approach that combines the use of a conventional laparoscopic and a transanal platform. Objectives: To conduct an analysis of selected cases with medium and lower rectal cancer, were a combined transanal approach was used and description of the surgical technique. Materials and methods: Prospective series of patients diagnosed with middle and lower third rectal cancer with mesorectal resection assisted by endoanal single port, between October 2012 and December 2015 at University of Chile Clinical Hospital. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 29 patients underwent surgery for middle and lower rectal cancer using a transanal single port. Gender distribution was 22 male and 7 female patients, with a mean age of 55.5 years and a mean BMI of 26.4. The mean distance from the anal margin was 4.8 cm. All patients received neoadjuvant therapy. The surgeries performed were 17 Ta-TME (58.6%) and 12 Ta-TME with intersphincteric approach (41.4%). The colo-anal anastomosis was hand sewn in 15 patients (51.7%), and stapled in 14 (48.3%). The laparoscopic approach was used in 26 patients and the open approach in 3, with 4 conversions (15.4%). The mean operative time was 282 min. The mean hospital stay was 9 days. Conclusion: The endoanal single port appears as a useful tool in total mesorectal dissection for its safety and feasibility. We believe we need randomized prospective studies, where comparison of oncological and functional long-term results is relevant.

Transanal endoscopic operation for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy

PURPOSE: In this paper we report the oncological outcomes from clinical series of patients with rectal cancer submitted to local excision after neoadjuvant therapy and discuss the indications for local excision in partial clinical responders. METHODS: We analysed a prospective database of 39 patients submitted to a transanal endoscopic operation for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation between 2006 and 2015, comparing clinical and pathological variables, perioperative complications, recurrence rate and overall survival. RESULTS: We obtained 15.4% ypT0, 17.9% ypT1, 35.9% ypT2 and 28.2% ypT3. After a median follow-up of 24 months, tumoral recurrence was observed in 4 patients, one of them with isolated pulmonary metastasis. R0 resection was achieved in 79.5%, and postoperative complications were observed in 30.2% patients and no perioperative mortality occur. Compromise surgical margins do not affect recurrence rate, and 94.9% of patients are alive nowadays. CONCLUSION: Local excision could be associated with low recurrence rate and good overall survival. Short hospitalization time and low level of serious complications observed could be an interesting option for patients who would not tolerate a radical procedure or for those who declined a total mesorectal excision. A strict long-term follow-up must be warranted to detect early tumoral recurrence.

Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) to Treat Vesicorectal Fistula: A New Approach

ABSTRACT Purpose: Vesicorectal fistula is one of the most devastating postoperative complications after radical prostatectomy. Definitive treatment is difficult due to morbidity and recurrence. Despite many options, there is not an unanimous accepted approach. This article aimed to report a new minimally invasive approach as an option to reconstructive surgery. Materials and Methods: We report on Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) with miniLap devices for instrumentation in a 65 year old patient presenting with vesicorectal fistula after radical prostatectomy. We used Alexis® device for transanal access and 3, 5 and 11 mm triangulated ports for the procedure. The surgical steps were as follows: cystoscopy and implant of guide wire through fistula; patient at jack-knife position; transanal access; Identification of the fistula; dissection; vesical wall closure; injection of fibrin glue in defect; rectal wall closure. Results: The operative time was 240 minutes, with 120 minutes for reconstruction. No perioperative complications or conversion were observed. Hospital stay was two days and catheters were removed at four weeks. No recurrence was observed. Conclusions: This approach has low morbidity and is feasible. The main difficulties consisted in maintaining luminal dilation, instrumental manipulation and suturing.