Transanal eco-Doppler evaluation after hemorrhoidal artery embolization

BACKGROUND Hemorrhoidal artery embolization(Emborrhoid)is a novel method for the treatment of severe hemorrhoidal bleeding.Despite having a technical success rate of 93%-100%,the clinical success ranges between 63%and 94%,with a rebleeding rate of 13.6%.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of this procedure in reducing hemorrhoidal flow and hemorrhoidal bleeding.METHODS This prospective observational pilot study was conducted at Division of General Surgery 1 and Tertiary Referral Pelvic Floor Center,Treviso Regional Hospital,Italy.In a 2 months period(February-March 2022),consecutive patients with hemorrhoidal bleeding scores(HBSs)≥4,Goligher scores of II or III,failure of non-operative management,and a candidate for Emborrhoid were included.Endoanal ultrasound with eco-Doppler was performed preoperatively and 1 month after the procedure.The primary endpoint was to quantify the changes in arterial hemorrhoidal flow after treatment.The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the correlation between the flow changes and the HBS.RESULTS Eleven patients underwent Emborrhoid.The overall pretreatment mean systolic peak(MSP)was 14.66 cm/s.The highest MSP values were found in the anterior left lateral(17.82 cm/s at 1 o’clock and 15.88 cm/s at 3 o’clock)and in the posterior right lateral(14.62 cm/s at 7 o’clock and 16.71 cm/s at 9 o’clock)quadrants of the anal canal.After treatment,the overall MSP values were significantly reduced(P=0.008)although the correlation between MSP and HBS changes was weak(P=0.570).A statistical difference was found between distal embolization compared with proximal embolization(P=0.047).However,the coil landing zone was not related to symptoms improvement(P=1.000).A significant difference in MSP changes was also reported between patients with type 1 and type 2 superior rectal artery(SRA)anatomy(P=0.040).No relationship between hemorrhoidal grades(P=1.000),SRA anatomy(P=1.000)and treatment outcomes was found.CONCLUSION The preliminary findings of this pilot study confirm that Emborrhoid was effective in reducing the arterial hemorrhoidal flow in hemorrhoidal disease.However,the correlation between the post-operative MSP and HBS changes was weak.Hemorrhoidal grade,SRA anatomy and type of embolization were not related to treatment outcomes.

Clinical efficacy and pathological outcomes of transanal endoscopic intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Transanal endoscopic intersphincteric resection(ISR)surgery currently lacks sufficient clinical research and reporting.AIM To investigate the clinical effectiveness of transanal endoscopic ISR,in order to promote the clinical application and development of this technique.METHODS This study utilized a retrospective case series design.Clinical and pathological data of patients with lower rectal cancer who underwent transanal endoscopic ISR at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between May 2018 and May 2023 were included.All patients underwent transanal endoscopic ISR as the surgical approach.We conducted this study to determine the perioperative recovery status,postoperative complications,and pathological specimen charac-teristics of this group of patients.RESULTS This study included 45 eligible patients,with no perioperative mortalities.The overall incidence of early complications was 22.22%,with a rate of 4.44%for Clavien-Dindo grade≥III events.Two patients(4.4%)developed anastomotic leakage after surgery,including one case of grade A and one case of grade B.Postoperative pathological examination confirmed negative circumferential resection margins and distal resection margins in all patients.The mean distance between the tumor lower margin and distal resection margin was found to be 2.30±0.62 cm.The transanal endoscopic ISR procedure consistently yielded high quality pathological specimens.CONCLUSION Transanal endoscopic ISR is safe,feasible,and provides a clear anatomical view.It is associated with a low incidence of postoperative complications and favorable pathological outcomes,making it worth further research and application.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection vs transanal endoscopic surgery for rectal tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)and transanal endoscopic submucosal dissection(TES)are widely employed surgical techniques.However,the comparative efficacy and safety of both remain inconclusive.AIM To comprehensively analyze and discern differences in surgical outcomes between ESD and TES.METHODS We conducted a systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,Scopus,and CINAHL from inception till August 2023.We analyzed outcomes including recurrence rate,en bloc resection,R0 resection rate,perforation rate,procedure length,and hospital stay length applying a random-effects inverse-variance model.We assessed publication bias by conducting an Egger’s regression test and sensitivity analyses.RESULTS We pooled data from 11 studies involving 1013 participants.We found similar recurrence rates,with a pooled odds ratio of 0.545(95%CI:0.176-1.687).En bloc resection,R0 resection,and perforation rate values were also similar for both ESD and TES.The pooled analysis for procedure length indicated a mean difference of-4.19 min(95%CI:-22.73 to 14.35),and the hospital stay was on average shorter for ESDs by about 0.789 days(95%CI:-1.671 to 0.093).CONCLUSION Both ESD and TES displayed similar efficacy and safety profiles across multiple outcomes.Our findings show that individualized patient and surgeon preferences,alongside specific clinical contexts,can be considered when selecting between these two techniques.

Efficacy of transanal drainage tube in preventing anastomotic leakage after surgery for rectal cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Anastomotic leakage(AL)following rectal cancer surgery is an important cause of mortality and recurrence.Although transanal drainage tubes(TDTs)are expected to reduce the rate of AL,their preventive effects are controversial.AIM To reveal the effect of TDT in patients with symptomatic AL after rectal cancer surgery.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Library databases.We included randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and prospective cohort studies(PCSs)in which patients were assigned to two groups depending on the use or non-use of TDT and in which AL was evaluated.The results of the studies were synthesized using the Mantel-Haenszel randomeffects model,and a two-tailed P value>0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS Three RCTs and two PCSs were included in this study.Symptomatic AL was examined in all 1417 patients(712 with TDT),and TDTs did not reduce the symptomatic AL rate.In a subgroup analysis of 955 patients without a diverting stoma,TDT reduced the symptomatic AL rate(odds ratio=0.50,95%confidence interval:0.29–0.86,P=0.012).CONCLUSION TDT may not reduce AL overall among patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.However,patients without a diverting stoma may benefit from TDT placement.

Excision of malignant and pre-malignant rectal lesions by transanal endoscopic microsurgery in patients under 50 years of age

BACKGROUND The most common technique for treating benign and early malignant rectal lesions is transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM).Local excision is an acceptable technique for high-risk and elderly patients,but there are hardly any data regarding young patients.AIM To describe TEM outcomes in patients under 50 years of age.METHODS We collected demographic,clinical,and pathological data from all patients under the age of 50 years who underwent the TEM procedure at Hasharon Rabin Medical Center from January 2005 to December 2018.RESULTS During the study period,a total of 26 patients under the age of 50 years underwent TEM procedures.Their mean age was 43.3 years.Eleven(42.0%)were male.The mean operative time was 67 min,and the mean tumor size was 2.39 cm,with a mean anal verge distance of 8.50 cm.No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded.The median length of stay was 2 d.Seven(26.9%)lesions were adenomas with low-grade dysplasia,four(15.4%)were high-grade dysplasia adenomas,two were T1 carcinomas(7.8%),and three were T2 carcinomas(11.5%).No residual disease was found following endoscopic polypectomy in two patients(7.8%),but four(15.4%)had other pathologies.Surgical margins were negative in all cases.Local recurrence was detected in one patient 33 mo following surgery.CONCLUSION Among young adult patients,TEM for benign rectal lesions has excellent outcomes.It may also offer a balance between the efficacy of complete oncologic resection and postoperative quality of life in the treatment of rectal cancer.In some cases,it may be considered an alternative to radical surgery.

Transanal surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome: Literature review and a single-center experience

Obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS) is a functional disorder commonly encountered by colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists, and greatly affects the quality of life of patients from both societal and psychological aspects. The underlying anatomical and pathophysiological changes of ODS are complex. However, intra-rectal intussusception and rectocele are frequently found in patients with ODS and both are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ODS. With the development of evaluation methods in anorectal physiology laboratories and radiology studies, a great variety of new operative procedures, especially transanal procedures, have been invented to treat ODS. However, no procedure has been proved to be superior to others at present. Each operation has its own merits and defects. Thus, choosing appropriate transanal surgical procedures for the treatment of ODS remains a challenge for all surgeons. This review provides an introduction of the current problems and options for treatment of ODS and a detailed summary of the essential assessments needed for patient evaluation before carrying out transanal surgery. Besides, an overview of the benefits and problems of current transanal surgical procedures for treatment of ODS is summarized in this review. A report of clinical experience of some transanal surgical techniques used in the authors' center is also presented.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopic instruments of the rectum:A review

Transanal minimally invasive surgery(TAMIS)was first described in 2010 as an alternative to transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM).The TAMIS technique can be access to the proximal and mid-rectum for resection of benign and earlystage malignant rectal lesions and also used for noncurative intent surgery of more advanced lesions in patients who are not candidates for radical surgery.TAMIS has a shorter learning curve,reduced device setup time,flexibility in instrument use,and versatility in application than TEM.Also,TAMIS shows similar results in a view of the operation time,conversion rate,reoperation rate,and complication to TEM.For these reasons,TAMIS is an easily accessible,technically feasible,and cost-effective alternative to TEM.Overall,TAMIS has enabled the performance of high-quality local excision of rectal lesions by many colorectal surgeons.As TAMIS becomes more broadly utilized such as pelvic abscess drainage,rectal stenosis,and treatment of anastomotic dehiscence,the acquisition of appropriate training must be ensured,and the continued assessment and assurance of outcome must be maintained.

Transanal natural orifice specimen extraction for laparoscopic anterior resection in rectal cancer

AIM:To investigate whether transanal natural orifice specimen extraction(NOSE)is a better technique for rectal cancer resection.METHODS:A prospectively designed database of a consecutive series of patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer with various tumor-node-metastasis classifcations from March 2011to February 2012 at the First Affliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University was analyzed.Patient selection for transanal specimen extraction and intracorporeal anastomosis was made on the basis of tumor size and distance of rectal lesions from the anal verge.Demographic data,operative parameters,and postoperative outcomes were assessed.RESULTS:None of the patients was converted to laparotomy.Respectively,there were 16 cases in the low anastomosis and fve in the ultralow anastomosis groups.Mean age of the patients was 45.4 years,and mean body mass index was 23.1 kg/m2.Mean distance of the lower edge of the lesion from the anal verge was 8.3 cm.Mean operating time was 132 min,and mean intraoperative blood loss was 84 mL.According to the principle of rectal cancer surgery,we performed D2 lymph node dissection in 13 cases and D3 in eight.Mean lymph nodes harvest was 17.8,and the number of positive lymph nodes was 3.4.Median hospital stay was 6.7 d.No serious postoperative complication occurred except for one anastomotic leakage.All patients remained disease free.Mean Wexner score was 3.7 at11 mo after the operation.CONCLUSION:Transanal NOSE for total laparoscopic low/ultralow anterior resection is feasible,safe and oncologically sound.Further studies with long-term outcomes are needed to explore its potential advantages.

Stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome associated with rectocele and rectal intussusception

AIM:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stapled transanal rectal resection(STARR),and to analyze the outcome of the patients 12-mo after the operation.METHODS:From May 2007 to October 2008,50 female patients with rectocele and/or rectal intussusception underwent STARR.The preoperative status,perioperative and postoperative complications at baseline,3,6 and 12-mo were assessed.Data were collected prospectively from standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation[constipation scoring system,Longo’s obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)score system,symptom severity score],patient satisfaction (visual analogue scale),and quality of life(Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire).RESULTS:At a 12-mo follow-up,significant improvement in the constipation scoring system,ODS score system,symptom severity score,visual analog scale and quality of life(P<0.0001)was observed.The symptoms of constipation improved in 90%of patients at 12 mo after surgery.The self-reported definitive outcome was excellent in 15(30%)patients,fairly good in 8(16%),good in 22(44%),and poor in 5(10%).CONCLUSION:STARR can be performed safely without major morbidity.Moreover,the procedure seems to be effective for patients with obstructed defecation associated with symptomatic rectocele and rectal intussusception.

Full-thickness excision using transanal endoscopic microsurgery for treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors

AIM:To assess the efficacy of full-thickness excision using transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM) in the treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors.METHODS:We analyzed the data of all rectal neuroendocrine tumor patients who underwent local full-thickness excision using TEM between December 2006 and December 2014 at our department. Data collected included patient demographics,tumor characteristics,operative details,postoperative outcomes,pathologic findings,and follow-ups. RESULTS:Full-thickness excision using TEM was performed as a primary excision(n = 38) or as complete surgery after incomplete resection by endoscopic polypectomy(n = 21). The mean size of a primary tumor was 0.96 ± 0.21 cm,and the mean distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 8.4 ± 1.4 cm. The mean duration of the operation was 57.6 ± 13.7 min,and the mean blood loss was 13.5 ± 6.6 m L. No minor morbidities,transient fecal incontinence,or wound dehiscence was found. Histopathologically,all tumors showed typical histology without lymphatic or vessel infiltration,and both deep and lateral surgical margins were completely free of tumors. Among 21 cases of complete surgery after endoscopic polypectomy,9 were histologically shown to have a residual tumor in the specimens obtained by TEM. No additional radical surgery was performed. Norecurrence was noted during the median of 3 years' follow-up.CONCLUSION:Full-thickness excision using TEM could be a first surgical option for complete removal of upper small rectal neuroendocrine tumors.

Evolution of transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer:From top to bottom

The gold standard for curative treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer involves radical resection with a total mesorectal excision(TME). TME is the most effective treatment strategy to reduce local recurrence and improve survival outcomes regardless of the surgical platform used. However, there are associated morbidities, functional consequences, and quality of life(QoL) issues associated with TME; these risks must be considered during the modern-day multidisciplinary treatment for rectal cancer. This has led to the development of new surgical techniques to improve patient, oncologic, and QoL outcomes. In this work, we review the evolution of TME to the transanal total mesorectal excision(TaTME) through more traditional minimally invasive platforms. The review the development, safety and feasibility, proposed benefits and risks of the procedure, implementation and education models, and future direction for research and implementation of the TaTME in colorectal surgery. While satisfactory short-term results have been reported, the procedure is in its infancy, and long term outcomes and definitive results from controlled trials are pending.As evidence for safety and feasibility accumulates,structured training programs to standardize teaching,training, and safe expansion will aid the safe spread of the TaTME.

Transanal endoscopic surgery in rectal cancer

Total mesorectal excision(TME) is the standard treatment for rectal cancer, but complications are frequent and rates of morbidity, mortality and genitourinary alterations are high. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM) allows preservation of the anal sphincters and, via its vision system through a rectoscope, allows access to rectal tumors located as far as 20 cm from the anal verge. The capacity of local surgery to cure rectal cancer depends on the risk of lymph node invasion. This means that correct preoperative staging of the rectal tumor is necessary. Currently, local surgery is indicated for rectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas invading the submucosa, but not beyond(T1). Here we describe the standard technique for TEM, the different types of equipment used, and the technical limitations of this approach. TEM to remove rectal adenoma should be performed in the same way as if the lesion were an adenocarcinoma, due to the high percentageof infiltrating adenocarcinomas in these lesions. In spite of the generally good results with T1, some authors have published surprisingly high recurrence rates; this is due to the existence of two types of lesions, tumors with good and poor prognosis, divided according to histological and surgical factors. The standard treatment for rectal adenocarcinoma T2N0M0 is TME without adjuvant therapy. In this type of adenocarcinoma, local surgery obtains the best results when complete pathological response has been achieved with previous chemoradiotherapy. The results with chemoradiotherapy and TEM are encouraging, but the scientific evidence remains limited at present.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery as optimal option in treatment of rare rectal lesions:a single centre experience

AIM To analyze the outcomes of transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM) in the treatment of rare rectal condition like mesenchymal tumors, condylomas, endometriosis and melanoma. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a twenty-three years database. Fifty-two patients were enrolled in this study. The lesions were considered suitable for TEM if they were within 20 cm from the anus. All of them underwent an accurate preoperative workup consisting in clinical examination, total colonoscopy with biopsies, endoscopic ultrasonography, and pelvic computerized tomography or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. Operative time, intraoperative complications, rate of conversion, tumor size, postoperative morbidity, mortality, the length of hospital stay, local and distant recurrence were analyzed.RESULTS Among the 1328 patients treated by TEM in our department, the 52 patients with rectal abnormalities other than adenoma or adenocarcinoma represented 4.4%. There were 30 males(57.7%) and 22 females(42.3%). Mean age was 55 years(median = 60, range = 24-78). This series included 14(26.9%) gastrointestinal stromal tumors, 21 neuroendocrine tumors(40.4%), 1 ganglioneuroma(1.9%), 2 solitary ulcers in the rectum(3.8%), 6 cases of rectal endometriosis(11.5%), 6 cases of rectal condylomatosis(11.5%) and 2 rectal melanomas(3.8%). Mean lesion diameter was 2.7 cm(median: 4, range: 0.4-8). Mean distance from the anal verge was 9.5 cm(median: 10, range: 4-15). One patient operated for rectal melanoma developed distant metastases and died two years after the operation. We experienced 2 local recurrences(3.8%) with an overall survival equal to 97.6%(95%CI: 95%-99%) at the end of follow-up and a disease free survival of 98%(95%CI: 96%-99%).CONCLUSION We could conclude that TEM is an important therapeutical option for rectal rare conditions.

Midterm outcome of stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome:A single-institution experience in China

AIM:To assess midterm results of stapled transanal rectal resection(STARR)for obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)and predictive factors for outcome.METHODS:From May 2007 to May 2009,75 female patients underwent STARR and were included in the present study.Preoperative and postoperative workup consisted of standardized interview and physical examination including proctoscopy,colonoscopy,anorectal manometry,and defecography.Clinical and functional results were assessed by standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation constipation scoring system(CSS),Longo’s ODS score,and symptom severity score(SSS),incontinence Wexner incontinence score(WS),quality of life Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire(PAC-QOL),and patient satisfaction visual analog scale(VAS).Data were collected prospectively at baseline,12 and 30 mo.RESULTS:The median follow-up was 30 mo(range,30-46 mo).Late postoperative complications occurred in 11(14.7%)patients.Three of these patients required procedure-related reintervention(one diverticulectomy and two excision of staple granuloma).Although the recurrence rate was 10.7%,constipation scores(CSS,ODS score and SSS)significantly improved after STARR(P<0.0001).Significant reduction in ODS symptoms was matched by an improvement in the PAC-QOL and VAS(P<0.0001),and the satisfaction index was excellent in 25(33.3%)patients,good in 23(30.7%),fairly good in 14(18.7%),and poor in 13(17.3%).Nevertheless,the WS increased after STARR(P=0.0169).Incontinence was present or deteriorated in 8(10.7%)patients;6(8%)of whom were new onsets.Univariate analysis revealed that the occurrence of fecal incontinence(preoperative,postoperative or new-onset incontinence;P=0.028,0.000,and 0.007,respectively)was associated with the success of the operation.CONCLUSION:STARR is an acceptable procedure for the surgical correction of ODS.However,its impact on symptomatic recurrence and postoperative incontinence may be problematic.

Treatment of rectal cancer by transanal endoscopic microsurgery: Experience with 425 patients

AIM:To describe our experience in treating rectal cancer by transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM),report morbidity and mortality and oncological outcome.METHODS:A total of 425 patients with rectal cancer(120 T1,185 T2,120 T3 lesions)were staged by digital rectal examination,rectoscopy,transanal endosonography,magnetic resonance imaging and/or computed tomography.Patients with T1-N0 lesions and favourable histological features underwent TEM immediately.Patients with preoperative stage T2-T3-N0 underwent preoperative high-dose radiotherapy;from 1997 those aged less than 70 years and in good general health also underwent preoperative chemotherapy.Patients with T2-T3-N0 lesions were restaged 30 d after radiotherapy and were then operated on 40-50 d after neoadjuvant therapy.The instrumentation designed by Buess was used for all procedures.RESULTS:There were neither perioperative mortality nor intraoperative complications.Conversion to other surgical procedures was never required.Major complications(urethral lesions,perianal or retroperitoneal phlegmon and rectovaginal fistula)occurred in six(1.4%)patients and minor complications(partial suture line dehiscence,stool incontinence and rectal haemorrhage)in 42(9.9%).Postoperative pain was minimal.Definitive histological examination of the 425 malignant lesions showed 80(18.8%)pT0,153(36%)pT1,151(35.5%)pT2,and 41(9.6%)pT3 lesions.Eighteen(4.2%)patients(ten pT2 and eight pT3)had a local recurrence and 16(3.8%)had distant metastasis.Cancer-specific survival rates at the end of follow-up were100%for pT1 patients(253 mo),93%for pT2 patients(255 mo)and 89%for pT3 patients(239 mo).CONCLUSION:TEM is a safe and effective procedure to treat rectal cancer in selected patients without evidence of nodal involvement.T2-T3 lesions require preoperative neoadjuvant therapy.

Safety and survival outcomes of transanal natural orifice specimen extraction using prolapsing technique for patients with middle-to low-rectal cancer

Objective:The transanal approach to specimen collection,combined with the prolapsing technique,is a wellestablished and minimally invasive surgery for treating rectal cancer.However,reports on outcomes for this approach are sparse.We compared short-and long-term outcomes of conventional laparoscopic surgery(CLS)vs.transanal natural orifice specimen extraction(NOSE)using the prolapsing technique for patients with middle-to low-rectal cancer.Methods:From January 2013 to December 2017,we enrolled consecutive patients with middle-to low-rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic anterior resection.Totally,50 patients who underwent transanal NOSE using the prolapsing technique were matched with 50 patients who received CLS.Clinical parameters and survival outcomes between the two groups were compared.Results:Estimated blood loss(29.70±29.28 vs.52.80±45.09 mL,P=0.003),time to first flatus(2.50±0.79 vs.2.86±0.76,P=0.022),time to liquid diet(3.62±0.64 vs.4.20±0.76 d,P<0.001),and the need for analgesics(22%vs.48%,P=0.006)were significantly lower for the NOSE group compared to the CLS group.The incidences of overall complications and fecal incontinence were comparable in both groups.After a median follow-up of 44.52 months,the overall local recurrence rate(6%vs.5%,P=0.670),3-year disease-free survival(86.7%vs.88.0%,P=0.945)and 3-year overall survival(95.6%vs.96.0%,P=0.708),were not significantly different.Conclusions:For total laparoscopic rectal resection,transanal NOSE using the prolapsing technique is effective and safe,and associated with less trauma and pain,a faster recovery,and similar survival outcomes compared to CLS.

Transanal polypectomy using single incision laparoscopic instruments

Transanal excision of rectal polyps with laparoscopic instrumentation and a single incision laparoscopic port is a novel technique that uses technology originally developed for abdominal procedures from the natural orifice of the rectum. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a well established surgical approach for certain benign or early malignant lesions of the rectum, under specific indications. Our technique is a hybrid technique of transanal surgery, a reasonable method for polyp resection without the need of the sophisticated and expensive instrumentation of TEM which can be applied whenever endoscopic or conventional transanal surgical removal is not feasible.

Transanal total mesorectal excision: Myths and reality

Transanal total mesorectal excision(TaTME) is a new and promising approach for the treatment of rectal cancer. Whilst the experience is still limited, there are growing evidences that this approach might overcome the limits of standard low anterior resection. TaTME might help to decrease the conversion rate especially in difficult patients, and to improve the pathological results, while preserving the urogenital function. Evaluation of data from large registries and randomized studies should help to draw firmer conclusions. Beyond these technical considerations, the next challenge seems to be clearly the safe introduction of this approach, motivating the development of dedicated courses.

Transanal total mesorectal excision:a valid option for rectal cancer?

Low anterior resection can be a challenging operation, especially in obese male patients and in particular after radiotherapy. Transanal total mesorectal excision(Ta TME) might offer technical advantages over laparoscopic or open approaches particularly for tumors in the distal third of the rectum. The aim of this article is to review the current experience with Ta TME. The limits and future developments are also explored. Although the experience with Ta TME is still limited, it might be a promising alternative to laparoscopic TME, especially for difficult cases where laparoscopy is too demanding. The preliminary data on complications and short-term oncological outcomes are good, but also emphasize the importance of careful patient selection. Finally, there is a need for large-scale trials focusing on long-term outcomes and oncological safety before widespread adoption can be recommended.

Comparison between recent sphincter-sparing procedures for complex anal fistulas-ligation of intersphincteric tract vs transanal opening of intersphincteric space

Complex anal fistulas are difficult to treat.The main reasons for this are a higher recurrence rate and the risk of disrupting the continence mechanism because of sphincter involvement.Due to this,several sphincter-sparing procedures have been developed in the last two decades.Though moderately successful in simple fistulas(50%-75%healing rate),the healing rates in complex fistulas for most of these procedures has been dismal.Only two procedures,ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract and transanal opening of intersphincteric space have been shown to have good success rates in complex fistulas(60%-95%).Both of these procedures preserve continence while achieving high success rates.In this opinion review,I shall outline the history,compare the pros and cons,indications and contraindications and future application of both these procedures for the management of complex anal fistulas.