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Background: Peritoneal entry during transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) can usually be managed transanally with full-thickness suture closure by experienced operators. The preliminary safety of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has been demonstrated, but the reported experience with upper rectal tumors is limited. The incidence and management of peritoneal entry during transanal endoscopic surgery across various platforms have not been previously evaluated., Methods: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all transanal endoscopic resections performed at a single institution between January 2008 and December 2014 was conducted. Cases with and without peritoneal entry were evaluated with respect to transanal platform used, surgical indication, size, location and distance from the anal verge, and incidence of postoperative complications., Results: A total of 78 transanal endoscopic procedures were performed on 76 patients using the rigid transanal endoscopic operation (TEO, 65.4 %), TEM (26.9 %), and TAMIS platform (7.7 %). The most common surgical indication included endoscopically unresectable adenomas (50 %). The average distance of lesions from the anal verge (AV) was 9.6 cm (range 4-20 cm). Peritoneal entry occurred in 22 cases (28.2 %). Platform used (TAMIS vs. rigid, p < 0.05), mean distance from the AV (p < 0.0001), location along the rectum (p = 0.01), and mean specimen size (p = 0.01) were associated with a higher likelihood of peritoneal entry. All rectal defects associated with peritoneal entry were successfully closed transanally except for two (TEM and TEO) cases that required conversion to laparoscopic low anterior resection and laparoscopic Hartmann's, respectively. There were four TAMIS cases that required conversion to TEO platforms., Conclusion: In this high-risk TEM, TEO, and TAMIS series (one-third of rectal lesions located in the upper rectum), 91 % of all peritoneal entries were managed transanally without increased morbidity. TAMIS for upper rectal lesions was associated with a high risk of complicated peritoneal entry requiring conversion to a rigid platform.

Introduction: Local excision is the treatment of choice for large benign rectal lesions. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is recommended. The excision of large lesions >4 cm has been previously described. We report our series of lesions >5 cm that have been excised via the transanal endoscopic microsurgery., Methods: Patients who underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal tumors, between the years 2002-2012, were identified. Patients with tumors greater than 5 cm consisted the study group. Tumor diameter was determined based on fresh specimen measurements. Data pertaining to patients and tumor characteristics, operative and histopathology findings, postoperative outcomes were collected. Local recurrence and effects on anal sphincter function were assessed., Results: Twenty five patients (14 female) with mean age of 70.3 ± 10.1 years, met the inclusion criteria. The mean tumor size was 5.7 ± 0.9 cm. The median distance from anal verge was 8 cm (range 1-17). Preoperative biopsy of the rectal tumor revealed adenoma with/without dysplasia in 24 patients. Postoperative findings were adenoma with/without dysplasia in 20 patients, T1 rectal cancer in 4 patients and tail gut cyst in one patient. Free margins were documented in 17 patients, in 7 it was involved and in one patient it could not be determined. In 2 cases the procedure was discontinued. Except for nonspecific transient fever no postoperative complications were reported. After a median follow up of 24.2 months, the 3-year LR rate was 10.9%., Conclusion: TEM is feasible for the treatment of large benign rectal tumors. It may be an alternative method for proctectomy in selected patients with large rectal lesions., (Copyright © 2016 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Peritoneal entry (PE) during transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for tumors of the upper rectum is not an uncommon complication. The suture line of the rectal defect performed for PE is not devoid of leaks. Diagnostic laparoscopy after PE enables visualization and testing of the suture line. Here, we report the outcome of patients undergoing laparoscopy for PE following TEM., Methods: Data pertaining to patients undergoing laparoscopy for PE following TEM between 2004 and 2013 were retrospectively collected., Results: One hundred and forty-one TEM procedures were performed, and 19 (13 %) with PE were included. The mean age was 68.1 ± 10.6 years, mean distance from the anal verge 12.5 ± 2 cm, and mean tumor size 2 cm. Lesions were located in the lateral wall (n = 14), anteriorly (n = 4), and posteriorly (n = 1). Indications for TEM were: adenoma (n = 13), indeterminate margins after polypectomy (n = 4, a submucosal lesion (n = 1), and a T1N0 adenocarcinoma (n = 1). In all patients, the rectal wall defect was closed primarily. Twelve patients underwent additional laparoscopy and suture line leak testing. In one patient, a small leak was detected which was repaired laparoscopically. In another, a hematoma of the suture line was observed and a drain was left in place. The mean operative time was 109 min (range 80-135 min) for TEM and 33 min (range 22-45 min) for laparoscopy. A diverting ileostomy was fashioned in one patient on postoperative day 3 after TEM without laparoscopy. No other major complications were observed., Conclusions: Laparoscopy after PE during TEM permits visualization and testing of the suture line. It is not associated with increased morbidity, and it may increase the safety of TEM.

Internal rectal prolapse can lead to obstructed defecation, faecal incontinence and pain. In treatment of frail or technically difficult patients, a perineal approach is often used, such as a Delorme's or a STARR. However, in case of very high take-off prolapse, these procedures are challenging if not unsuitable. We present trans-anal endoscopic microsurgery as surgical option for management of this uncommon type of rectal prolapse in specific cases.

Aim: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a main treatment technique for rectal adenomas, but can also be used for selected malignant tumors. This study presents TEM experience., Methods: The study enrolled patients with rectal adenomas, and selected adenocarcinomas. Preoperative work-up included: digital rectal examination, rectoscopy with biopsy, colonoscopy, EUS, pelvic MRI., Results: Three hundred and thirty patients [mean age of 61,4±10 (33–88)] underwent TEM. The mean size ± SD of tumors was 3.2±1.2 cm (0.6–10.0). Mean distance from anal verge was 6.7±2.6 cm (2.0–14.0). Preoperative biopsy revealed: adenoma ― 263/330 (79,7%), adenocarcinoma ― 67/330 (20,3%). The median operating time was 40 (15–220) min. Tumor-free margins were obtained in all operative specimens. In 5/330 (1.5%) cases tumors were fragmented. The morbidity rate was 19/330 (5.7%). Pathological investigation revealed: adenoma in 192/330 (58.1%) cases, adenocarcinoma stage Tis, T1, T2 and T3 in 138/330 (41.9%). Median follow-up lasted for 24 (1–57) months. Five patients (2.0%) with adenoma and four patients (5.2%) with adenocarcinoma had local recurrence., Conclusion: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal adenomas and selected malignant tumors is associated with low morbidity and low recurrents rates.

Proctectomy with total mesorectal excision (TME) is the gold standard for rectal cancer surgical management, as it offers optimal oncologic results. However, this radical procedure is impaired by significant drawbacks, including temporary diverting stoma, risk of permanent stoma, high risk of postoperative morbidity, and long-term risk of postoperative bowel, urinary, and sexual disorders. These results led some authors to define "early rectal cancer" in an attempt to propose alternative strategies such as local excision in order to avoid radical surgery. Indeed, local surgery does not involve diverting stoma, has the advantage of sphincter-preservation even for very low rectal tumors, is associated with very good short-term results and accounts for a nearly nil long-term risk of bowel dysfunction or urogenital disorders. However, local excision, as opposed to TME, does not allow lymph node resection and staging. Its indication has therefore been the subject of debate. Finally, the recent description of organ preservation strategies, which concept lies in the avoidance of radical surgery, has recently been the subject of a high number of publications, including some poor-prognosis early rectal cancer. Recently, early rectal cancer has therefore become an intense field of research. In this review, we will assess described strategies and controversies regarding early rectal cancer management.

Background: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for the treatment of early-stage rectal cancer has attracted attention due to its advantages of reduced surgical trauma, fewer complications, low operative mortality, rapid postoperative recovery and short hospital stay. However, there are still significant controversies regarding TEM for the treatment of rectal cancer, mainly related to the prognosis associated with this method., Objective: This study sought to compare the efficacy of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and total mesorectal excision (TME) for the treatment of T1 rectal cancer., Methods: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and CNKI databases. Based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews, we screened the trials, evaluated the quality and extracted the data., Results: One randomized controlled trial (RCT) and six non-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were included in the meta-analysis (a total of 860 rectal cancer patients were included; 303 patients were treated with TEM, and 557 patients were treated with TME). Analysis revealed that all seven studies reported local recurrence rates, and there was a significant difference between the TEM and TME groups [odds ratio (OR) = 4.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.03, 10.53), P = 0.0003]. A total of five studies reported distant metastasis rates, and there was no significant difference between the TEM and TME groups [OR = 0.74, 95%CI (0.32, 1.72), P = 0.49]. A total of six studies reported postoperative overall survival of the patients, and there was no significant difference between the TEM and TME groups [OR = 0.87, 95%CI(0.55, 1.38), P = 0.55]. In addition, two studies reported the postoperative disease-free survival rates of patients, and there was no significant difference between the TEM and TME groups [OR = 1.12, 95%CI (0.31, 4.12), P = 0.86]., Conclusions: For patients with T1 rectal cancer, the distant metastasis, overall survival and disease-free survival rates did not differ between the TEM and TME groups, although the local recurrence rate after TEM was higher than that after TME.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopy combined with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in the treatment of rectal cancer., Methods: A total of 60 rectal cancer patients who underwent radical resection from December 2009 to December 2013 were enrolled in this study. All patients were randomly divided to receive either laparoscopic surgery (LA group) or laparoscopy combined with TEM (LT group). Demographics including age and sex, and tumor characteristics including tumor size, distance from anal verge, and preoperative staging were all recorded. The operation time, hospital stay, cases with intraoperative blood transfusion, the number of resected lymph node, postoperative out-of-bed activity, passage of gas by anus, fasting time, and postoperative complications were assessed., Results: Compared with the LA group, patients in the LT group had shorter operation time (118.5±22.0 vs. 138.1±23.8 min, P=0.002), earlier out-of-bed activity (60.4±19.2 vs. 83.6±9.6 h, P=0.001) and passage of gas by anus (81.4±5.4 vs. 86.2±8.7 h, P=0.013), and shorter hospital stay (8.0±2.8 vs. 11.0±3.5 d, P=0.001). Patients were followed up for a median time of 28 months (range, 3 to 48 mo). No local recurrence and distant metastasis occurred in all cases., Conclusions: Laparoscopy combined with TEM is a feasible and effective treatment for radical excision of middle-upper rectal cancer due to the advantages of lower morbidity and earlier recovery.

Anorectal malignant melanoma (AMM) is an uncommon malignancy that is thought to arise from melanocytes in the mucosa around the anorectal junction. AMM is commonly misdiagnosed, and definitive preoperative diagnosis is often difficult. The prognosis of AMM is relatively poor. Although radical resection is required for AMM, there is still no consensus at this moment on which surgical approach is preferred. We herein report a rare case of AMM which was treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in combination with radiotherapy, which resulted in complete excision of the lesion without complications. The successful treatment for this AMM using TEM emphasizes the need to broaden its application in the treatment of various rectal lesions while preserving organ function and decreasing recurrence.

Background: Several issues have limited the widespread adoption of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). The need for specialized equipment and the steep learning curve represent one of them. To operate on within a 4-cm diameter, rectoscope represents a major technical challenge. However, minilaparoscopic surgery has been introduced to reduce invasiveness and abdominal wall trauma. In TEM, instrument miniaturization may lead to technique optimization. We hypothesized that visualization and maneuverability during TEM performed with 3-mm minilaparoscopic instruments would be superior to TEM performed with conventional 5-mm instruments., Methods: Eighteen general and colorectal surgeons with experience with TEM under ten cases were recruited. Two tasks should be accomplished using the TEO(®)-Neoderma simulator. First, using conventional 5-mm TEO(®) curved-tip instruments, a "polypoid lesion" should be excised. Next, closure of the "rectal" defect should be undertaken. In the second part, the same participants repeated the same excision/closure tasks using 3-mm minilaparoscopic instruments. After tasks conclusion, participants fulfilled an evaluation questionnaire with seven questions regarding visualization and maneuverability when using 3-mm compared to 5-mm instruments., Results: For each one of the seven questions in the questionnaire, the score results were significantly higher for the 3-mm instruments indicating that performance with the 3-mm minilaparoscopic instruments in the TEO simulator was in all cases between "better than expected" and "much better than expected." Appropriateness of the diameter of the minilaparoscopic instruments was the best evaluated parameter. The question addressing the ease of performing the tasks in the simulator presented the lowest mean score., Conclusions: The perceptions of participating surgeons indicated that there is better visualization and maneuverability during basic transanal endoscopic microsurgery tasks conducted in a simulator using 3-mm minilaparoscopic instruments when compared to conventional 5-mm instruments.

Purpose: The transanal hemorrhoidal de-arterialization (THD) procedure is an effective treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. The ligation of hemorrhoidal arteries ("de-arterialization") can provide a significant reduction of arterial blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissues. Plication of redundant rectal mucosa/submucosa ("mucopexy") can reposition prolapsing tissue to its original anatomical site. In this paper the surgical technique using a specific device (THD(®) Doppler) and peri-operative patient management are illustrated., Methods: After appropriate clinical assessment, patients undergo the THD procedure under general or spinal anesthesia, in either the dorsal lithotomy or prone jackknife position. A specifically designed device is used. In all patients, THD is performed, consisting of selective ligation of hemorrhoidal arteries identified by Doppler and marked with a mucosal stitch overlying the artery. In patients with hemorrhoidal or mucosal prolapse, a mucopexy is also performed using continuous suture(s) that include the redundant prolapsing mucosa and submucosa., Results: In long-term follow-up, THD results in resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients. The most common complication is transient but sometimes-painful tenesmus. Rectal bleeding occurs in only a very limited number of patients. There is little or no risk of fecal incontinence or chronic pain. Ano-rectal manometry and endo-anal ultrasound show no evidence of injury to physiologic sphincteric function., Conclusions: THD is a safe procedure and is, at present, one of the most effective treatments of hemorrhoidal disease., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)