Search

Objective: To describe a new technique for closure of sphincter complex defects after excision of recurrent high rectal fistulas and compare with other traditional techniques., Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients operated on for recurrent posterior rectal fistula. All patients underwent fistulectomy and one of the methods for defect closure after excision of the fistula: sphincter suturing, muco-muscular flap or full-wall semicircular mobilization of the lower ampullar rectum. The last method implemented the principle of inter-sphincter resection in rectal cancer. We developed this method as an alternative to muco-muscular flap in patients with fibrosis of anal canal to form a full-thickness well-vascularized flap without tissue tension., Results: Between 2019 and 2021, 6 patients underwent fistulectomy with sphincter suturing, 5 patients - closure with muco-muscular flap, 3 males underwent full-wall semicircular mobilization of the lower ampullar rectum. There was a tendency to better continence after a year (1 (0, 1.5), 1 (0, 1.5) and 3 (1, 3) points, respectively). Postoperative follow-up period was 12.5 (10, 15), 12 (9, 15) and 16 (12, 19) months, respectively. None patient had signs of recurrence throughout the follow-up period., Conclusion: Original technique can be considered as an alternative to standard approaches in patients with high recurrent posterior anorectal fistulas, when traditional displaced endorectal flap is ineffective or impossible due to excessive scarring and anatomical changes in the anal canal.

Background: The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is a blood vessel of great importance in left colon and rectal cancer surgery. We aimed to determine the role of surgeons in computed tomography (CT) based vascular anatomy interpretation., Method: Patients with left colon and rectal cancer treated surgically with D3 lymph node dissection and selective vascular ligation were included in this study. All patients ( n =250) underwent preoperative CT with intravenous contrast. The IMA anatomy was schematically depicted by surgeon based on CT interpretation. Intraoperatively anatomy was defined by skeletonisation of the IMA. All patients had segmental resection with selective vascular ligation. The concurrence of prospectively obtained results were evaluated by intraclass correlation and Kendall's tau-b test. Misinterpretation of IMA anatomy was analysed by CT-specialist., Results: The preoperative and intraoperative IMA anatomy features were correctly interpreted in 237 cases (in 94.8%) within skeletonisation extent, which is supported by high level of agreement and concordance of preoperative data regards to intraoperative findings (K=0.926; p <0.001; CC=0.912; p <0.001). As a result of the CT-based evaluation of the IMA, E, K, and H types of branching patterns were proposed. IMV position was mistakenly identified in 2.6% of cases., Conclusion: Surgeons are able to evaluate the IMA anatomy accurately with CT and use it in routine preoperative planning. The E, K, and H branching types may be used when defining approach to skeletonisation and level of vascular ligation.

Background: Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a benign condition affecting a considerable part of adult population. HD can be considered a social and economic burden with high impact on patients' lifestyle. Several new techniques and devices have been proposed for HD treatment; however, preoperative assessment is essential and the use of classification system is recommended., Methods: In the last two decades many studies described the preoperative assessment and several attempts of classification for HD. This review focuses on the most relevant studies found in literature where classification systems and clinical evaluation with differential diagnosis have been evaluated., Results: The knowledge of classification systems and differential diagnosis for HD has been shown to play a central role in the clinical assessment and the best treatment choice. Although there are new challenging techniques and devices for HD treatment, a preoperative assessment is always mandatory., Conclusion: Preoperative clinical evaluation is essential for HD patient treatment and outcome. Classification systems are useful for the therapeutic choice and researches on new medical or surgical treatments. In fact, the international guidelines advise several therapeutic options depending on the severity of the HD., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Subtotal and extended left colectomies with ileocecal junction preservation represent preferable alternatives in cases of massive involvement of the colon in the pathological process. However, these approaches might be challenging in terms of reconstructive steps. Antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis is one of the possible techniques. Still, this type of pouch formation is described mostly in slow-transit constipation surgical management. We report on a patient with synchronous colorectal cancer who underwent extended left colectomy. In the case of compromised vessel anatomy, it was decided to perform antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis. We present all clinical and intraoperative patient's data, determining the surgical tactics, and short-term postoperative results. An antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis can be considered in nonstandard clinical cases and variable anatomy of the patient., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose on the subject discussed in the paper., (Copyright © 2020 by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Aim: The purposes of this study were to create a "three-plane model" for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and to compare short-term outcomes of anterior medial-to-lateral (aM-to-L) and caudal-to-cranial access by retroperitoneal tunneling (Ca-to-Cr), as described based on the three-plane model., Methods: A three-plane model was developed to clarify the steps of an operation. Consecutive cases of right colon cancer were operated upon with an aM-to-L approach in the earlier period and then with a Ca-to-Cr approach, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Short-term results were compared., Results: Sixty-two patients were divided into aM-to-L (n=29) and Ca-to-Cr (n=33) groups. The two groups did not differ in terms of the patients' baseline characteristics. Median operative time was 220 min (IQR 190-260) for the aM-to-L group and 222.5 min (IQR 180-255) for the Ca-to-Cr group (p=0.73). Estimated blood loss was similar in both groups (p=0.13). Median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR 5-8) in the aM-to-L group and 7 days (IQR 6-9) in the Ca-to-Cr group (p=0.17). Median number of harvested lymph nodes was 45.5 (IQR 25-44.9) in the aM-to-L group and 30 (IQR 18-48.5) in the Ca-to-Cr group (p=0.34)., Conclusion: The approach used to reach the superior mesenteric vessels for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection does not affect the short-term outcome of the operation. The present three-plane model gives surgeons additional insight to perform this operation.

Sacral chordoma is a rare tumour that represents the most common malignancy of the sacral region. Its diagnosis can be delayed because of unclear clinical manifestation. This tumour can involve surrounding anatomical structure such as the rectum, and its surgical treatment is still challenging. We report on 3 patients with sacral chordoma. Two of them were successfully treated using a laparoscopic approach and one by open surgery. We present all details of the surgical technique and patients' outcome. Minimally invasive methods in the surgical treatment of chordoma allow to perform a radical dissection of the tumour, minimizing the operative trauma. A laparoscopic approach can be considered safe and radical for sacral chordoma treatment., Competing Interests: The authors certify that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose on the subject matter discussed in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: To study the factors influencing the physicians' choice of treatment strategy in patients with acute perianal thrombosis., Material and Methods: A survey was conducted among 124 Russian colorectal surgeons., Results: This survey showed that the choice of treatment strategy varies between private and state clinics. Conservative approach is preferred in government clinics (p=0.024). The time factor is more important for professionals. Hemorrhoidectomy is preferred in private clinicians, thrombectomy - in public clinics. The majority of physicians note that pregnancy significantly affects choice of treatment tactics. The most important factors to refuse surgery are pregnancy (r=0.796), age over 70 years (r=0.655), duration of thrombosis over 4 days (r=0.791). Large thrombosed node (2-3 cm), severe pain syndrome (r=0.858) and duration of disease less than 3 days (r=0.901) determine preferable surgical approach., Conclusion: The choice of treatment of acute perianal thrombosis depends on not only duration of disease, severity of pain syndrome, age and pregnancy, but also on the type of the hospital. Conservative treatment is preferable in the majority of national state hospitals. Moreover, most surgeons prefer less aggressive treatment options in the state clinics. Further research is needed to determine any important factors limiting more effective surgical treatment besides pain and patient's attitude toward the disease.

Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common proctologic disease and the search for new treatment methods, as well as an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying effects of well-known agents on disease pathogenesis still remain relevant. There have been long recognized the effects of the E.coli bacterial culture suspension (BCS) as a therapeutic means eliciting decreased exudation during inflammation, wound healing, tissue regeneration, and stimulated immunity. Here, based on recent findings related to innate and adaptive immune cells, we set out to present mechanisms accounting for some effects coupled to commensal bacteria, particularly inactivated E.coli BCS, which are important for understanding pathogenesis-related action of drug Posterisan and Posterisan forte, and outline their broad application in therapy of hemorrhoids. Based on the analysis, it was concluded that such effects are mediated via multi-pronged and complementary interactions between diverse human receptors expressed in the anorectal region cells and microbial components: NOD ligands, metabolites, enzymes, heat shock proteins and nucleic acids, which lead to production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by anodermal colonocytes, innate and adaptive immune cells, neurons in the submucosal plexus covered by transitional zone epithelium, and hemorrhoid plexus endothelium. Based on current concepts, it may be plausible that E.coli BCS-derived biologically active components contained in drug Posterisan are capable of exerting both positive local and systemic effects, which extend our understanding and substantiate its use in hemorrhoidal disease. The effectiveness of using Posterisan and Posterisan forte is corroborated by their indications in real-life clinical practice, both as a conservative therapy as well as after surgical interventions.

Background: Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE)surgery is gaining popularity among colorectal surgeons. The technical aspects of this new procedure are still debated and many variations have been presented in the last decade., Methods: We propose a new variation of transanal NOSE after robotic and laparoscopic LAR consisting of rectal eversion by using a special rod after laparoscopic TME. Eversion makes it possible to perform resection and placement of the anvil extracorporeally. We included a video demonstration of the technique. Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale was calculated 1 month after stoma closure and the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS )score was calculated preoperatively and 1 month after stoma closure., Results: Seven female patients with rectal cancer, all with normal BMI, underwent laparoscopic (n = 5) or robotic (n = 2) TME with rectal eversion. No intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported. One month after stoma closure, the median Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale was 5 (range 3-7), which means "a good deal better". The median LARS score was 14 (IQR 14-19,5) preoperatively and 19 (IQR 19-21,5) 1 month after stoma closure., Conclusions: This variation of NOSE surgery was safe and effective in our patient population.

Background: Colorectal anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most serious complications in rectal cancer surgery due to its negative impact on the overall as well as cancer-specific survival. Two-row stapling technique has become standard in low anterior resections (LARs), but has neither alleviated the morbidity, nor reduced the incidence of AL. This is the 1st study that aims to compare the success rate of new 3-row circular staplers compared to that of conventional 2-row staplers in a prospective, randomized clinical trial., Methods: The THREESTAPLER trial (Clinical Trials NCT03910699) is a prospective, noninferiority, 2-armed, parallel-group, patient and outcomes assessor blinded study with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Colorectal anastomosis will be formed using Ethicon 29 mm Curved Intraluminal Stapler (CDH29A) in the active comparator group, and using Mirus Disposable Circular Stapler 3 Row 29 (MCS-29R3) in the experimental group. The hypothesis states that the incidence of AL in the 3-row stapler group is at least not higher than in the 2-row stapler group. Assuming there is a difference in success rate of 12% and noninferiority margin Δ = 5%, 154 patients will be required to achieve statistical significance. An interim analysis will be performed after recruitment of 20 patients per group to assess safety profile of 3-row circular staplers. The primary endpoint is the rate of AL, documented by imaging studies, assessed with Pearson Chi-squared test and Fisher exact test. The secondary outcomes include severity of AL (A, B, or C), anastomotic bleeding, postoperative complication rate graded with the Clavien-Dindo classification, reintervention rate, stapler dysfunction rate, complications of defunctioning stoma, overall and cancer-specific quality of life, assessed with short form (36) and quality-of-life questionnaire core 30 questionnaires, respectively, fecal incontinence assessed with Cleveland clinic incontinence score form, and manifestation of LAR syndrome. All patients will be monitored for 12 months following the LAR., Discussion: This is the 1st prospective randomized trial to assess the safety profile of 3-row staplers for colorectal anastomosis after LAR for rectal cancer. It may provide evidence of feasibility of 3-row circular staplers in LAR with respect to short-term and long-term patient outcomes., Trial Registration: NCT03910699 on 10 April 2019.

In recent years, natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) in the treatment of colorectal cancer has attracted widespread attention. The potential benefits of NOSES including reduction in postoperative pain and wound complications, less use of postoperative analgesic, faster recovery of bowel function, shorter length of hospital stay, better cosmetic and psychological effect have been described in colorectal surgery. Despite significant decrease in surgical trauma of NOSES have been observed, the potential pitfalls of this technique have been demonstrated. Particularly, several issues including bacteriological concerns, oncological outcomes and patient selection are raised with this new technique. Therefore, it is urgent and necessary to reach a consensus as an industry guideline to standardize the implementation of NOSES in colorectal surgery. After three rounds of discussion by all members of the International Alliance of NOSES, the consensus is finally completed, which is also of great significance to the long-term progress of NOSES worldwide.

Aim: To describe the technique of a modified extraperitoneal retrotransversalis end colostomy as part of a laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision (APR)., Method: The colostomy site is preoperatively chosen and used intra-operatively for a trocar. After the rectum has been mobilized the descending colon is freed. The peritoneal margin is gently grasped and the parietal peritoneum and extraperitoneal together with the transversalis fascia are separated from the transverse abdominal muscle fibres upwards for 3-4 cm aiming at the trocar site to form the extraperitoneal retrotransversalis canal. The stoma site trocar is partially withdrawn and its head is turned laterally until its tip is positioned in the layer between the abdominal wall muscles and underlying transversalis and extraperitoneal fascia together with the parietal peritoneum. The CO 2 source can be attached so that the gas helps to separate the layers, after which the colostomy trephine is formed at the site of the trocar, the grasper is inserted to gently deliver the blunt end of the descending colon through the canal and the end colostomy is formed in a usual way., Results: No procedure-specific complications were noted in 39 patients who had laparoscopic APR with extraperitoneal retrotransversalis end colostomy from 2009 to 2016. In 23 patients who survived for 3.7 ± 1.7 years after surgery there were no clinical or CT signs of parastomal hernia or prolapse., Conclusion: This single-institution retrospective case series demonstrates that laparoscopic extraperitoneal retrotransversalis end colostomy is feasible, safe and effective in preventing parastomal hernias and stomal prolapse., (Colorectal Disease © 2018 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Colonic neoplasia occurring in an uretero-sigmoid anastomosis is a rare case of colon cancer in the clinical practice of Russian colorectal surgeons and urologists. The article presents a case of sigmoid adenocarcinoma causing obstructive pyelonephritis.

Aim: To evaluate the results of selective approach for splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) after total mesorectal excision with low colorectal anastomoses., Material and Methods: Clinical data were obtained from the multicenter RCT database comparing ileostomy and colostomy in patients with rectal cancer who underwent total mesorectal excision from 2012 to 2017. Our clinic policy is performing paraaortic lymph node dissection with 'low' inferior mesenteric artery ligation, left colic artery preservation and use of sigmoid colon for colorectal anastomosis. SFM was used only in cases of inability to apply above-mentioned procedure (selective approach for SFM)., Results: SFM was performed in 15 (13%) out of 115 patients. The most frequent reasons for SFM were sigmoid colon diverticulosis, impaired blood supply or inadequate length of sigmoid colon. There were no differences in intraoperative and postoperative complications between TME without SFM and TME with SFM., Conclusion: Selective SFM in TME followed by advanced paraaortic lymph node dissection and left colic artery preservation is safe and may be considered as a viable option to routine SFM in rectal cancer surgery.

Aim: To compare oncologic efficiency of intersphincteric resections and extralevator abdominoperineal excisions in surgical treatment of low rectal cancer., Methods: Between 2006 and 2015 in Department of colorectal and pelvic floor surgery (Russian scientific center of surgery n.a. acad. B.V. Petrovsky) and in Clinic of Colorectal and Minimally invasive surgery (Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University) 40 consecutive patients underwent intersphincteric resection (ISR) and 31 underwent extralevator abdominoperineal excision (EAPE). All patients had low rectal cancer staged I-III within 5 cm from the anal verge., Results: Circular resection margin >1 mm was achieved in 95% and 84% of patients after ISR and EAPR correspondingly (p=0.002), negative distal resection margin was achieved in 95% of ISR patients. In ISR group mean distance from the lower tumor edge to the distal resection margin was 1,17±0,78 cm. Colo-anal anastomosis leak rate was 17%. The 3-year disease-free survival in ISR group was 97%, 5-year disease-free survival was 93%. The 5-year disease-free survival in stage III for ISR group was 71,4%. In 98% of ISR patients complete restoration of bowel continuity was performed.

Aim: To assess safety of rectum removal with distal sacral resection., Material and Methods: The short-term results of surgical treatment of primary and recurrent locally advanced rectal and anal cancer with sacral fixation have been analyzed. 32 patients underwent combined operations with sacral resection at the level of S2-S5. In 12 patients only one point of tumor fixation (F1) was revealed, 10 patients had two points of fixation (F2), three patients had three fixation points (F3) and in 7 cases the tumor was fixed to four points (F4) of fixation to different pelvic structures., Results and Discussion: Mean intraoperative blood loss and surgery time was 551±81 ml and 320±20 min in cases of sacral fixation only that was significantly lower compared with F2 cases - 1278±551 ml and 433±45 min, F3 cases - 2200±600 ml and 620±88 min, F4 cases - 2157±512.5 ml and 519±52,3 min, respectively (р<0.05). Complications requiring surgical intervention occurred in 9% patients (n=3). Among 23 patients with intact bladder and ureters urinary disorders occurred in 42% (n=10). Resection margin was negative along posterior surface of the specimen in all cases., Conclusion: Advanced surgery with distal sacral resection is advisable for radical removal of locally advanced and recurrent rectal and anal canal cancer fixed to the sacrum with negative resection margin. These operations are feasible in specialized centers and should be performed by specially trained oncological or colorectal surgeon.

The surgical management of colorectal metastasis is becoming a widespread practice in oncology. Synchronous resection of metastasis together with invaded major vessels (aorta) is still considered an extremely aggressive procedure. We demonstrate that en bloc resection of invaded aorta and paraaortic lymph node metastasis can be safely performed. The literature from experiences with similar techniques is also discussed.

Transansal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows the excision of rectal tumors but is difficult and complex. A new TEM modification simplifying the procedure and reducing its cost is required. Between 1999 and 2004, 128 patients (78 women and 50 men) underwent gasless transanal endoscopic surgery (GTES) without use of a completely closed system by means of laparoscopic equipment. Histological examination revealed 112 adenomas, including 15 with neoplastic changes (6 cases of Tis and 9 cases of T1G1G2), 12 adenocarcinomas (1 case of Tis, 8 cases of T1G1G2, and 1 case of T2G1G2) and 3 carcinoid tumors. There was no operative mortality. One patient had postoperative bleeding. Adenomas recurred in 9 patients (8.3%). The adenocarcinomas demonstrated neither local recurrences nor distal spread. GTES may be considered a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for patients with large adenomas and early carcinomas of the rectum.

Background: Intersphincteric resection can provide tumour-free margins for rectal tumours located 0-1 cm above the dentate line. However, the internal anal sphincter (IAS) is partially or totally resected and some degree of anal incontinence may develop. A novel technique of smooth muscle plasty of the IAS and colonic pouch construction is described, along with an assessment of morbidity, oncological results and functional outcome., Patients and Methods: Between 1997 and 2002, 27 patients (16 men; median age 55 (range 26-75) years) were operated on for T2-3 N0-1 M0 rectal carcinoma located a median of 1.0 (range 0.5-1.5) cm from the dentate line. Resection of the IAS was performed transanally. A smooth muscle cuff, fashioned from the muscular layer of colon, and a colonic pouch were used for anorectal reconstruction., Results: There were no perioperative deaths. Anastomotic leakage developed in two patients. After a median follow-up of 38 (range 14-66) months no local recurrence was detected. Distant metastases occurred in three patients, two of whom died. Perfect functional outcome was achieved in 22 of 26 patients. At 6 months after surgery the mean(s.d.) resting anal pressure was 49(8) mmHg., Conclusion: In selected patients intersphincteric resection does not compromise the oncological result. The suggested anorectal reconstruction may improve the functional outcome., (Copyright (c) 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd)

Experience in endosurgical removal of rectal tumors in 96 patients is presented. Performed from 1999, open non-gas method and closed method of transanal endomicrosurgery (TEM) have reduced rate of adenoma recurrences to 8.8%. Development of the open method increased it accessibility for hospitals using endoscopic techniques.

The authors present a method of creation of a smooth-muscle cuff at the site of the perineal colostomy in 36 patients who have undergone extirpation for malignant neoplasms of the low ampulla recti. Creation of the smooth-muscle sphincter mechanism was performed during the process of removal of the rectum in 29 patients, whereas it was done two to eight years after extirpation of the rectum in seven patients. Inflammatory complications were observed in the perineal colostomy area during the early postoperative period in eight patients. These complications were accounted for by necrosis of the distal colon and transplanted muscle in two patients. There were no deaths. Satisfactory functional results were seen in 22 of 26 patients six months after surgery. Physiologic studies show that there is a functioning sphincter at the site of the perineal colostomy.