Preservation of superior rectal artery in laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation

BACKGROUND Slow transit constipation(STC)has traditionally been considered as a functional disorder.However,evidence is accumulating that suggests that most of the motility alterations in STC might be of a neuropathic etiology.If the patient does not meet the diagnosis of pelvic outlet obstruction and poorly response to conservative treatment,surgical intervention with subtotal colectomy may be effective.The most unwanted complication of the procedure is anastomotic leakage,however,preservation of the superior rectal artery(SRA)may reduce its incidence.AIM To evaluate the preservation of the SRA in laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in STC patients.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective observational study.STC was diagnosed after a series of examinations which included a colonic transit test,anal manometry,a balloon expulsion test,and a barium enema.Eligible patients underwent laparoscopically assisted total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and were examined between January 2016 and January 2018.The operation time,blood loss,time to first flatus,length of hospital days,and incidence of minor or major complications were recorded.RESULTS A total of 32 patients(mean age,42.6 years)who had received laparoscopic assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal artery anastomosis and preservation of the SRA.All patients were diagnosed with STC after a series of examinations.The mean operative time was 151 min and the mean blood loss was 119 mL.The mean day of first time to flatus was 3.0 d,and the mean hospital stay was 10.6 d.There were no any patients conversions to laparotomy.Post-operative minor complications including 1 wound infection and 1 case of ileus.There was no surgical mortality.No anastomosis leakage was noted in any of the patients.CONCLUSION Laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and preservation of the SRA can significantly improve bowel function with careful patient selection.Sparing the SRA may protect against anastomosis leakage.

Early experience of the compression anastomosis ring (CAR^(TM) 27) in left-sided colon resection

AIM:To evaluate clinical validity of the compression anastomosis ring(CARTM27) anastomosis in left-sided colonic resection. METHODS:A non-randomized prospective data collection was performed for patients undergoing an elective left-sided colon resection,followed by an anastomosis using the CARTM27 between November 2009 and January 2011.Eligibility criteria of the use of the CARTM27 were anastomoses between the colon and at or above the intraperitoneal rectum.The primary short-term clinical endpoint,rate of anastomotic leakage,and other clinical outcomes,including intraand postoperative complications,length of operation time and hospital stay,and the ring elimination time were evaluated. RESULTS:A total of 79 patients(male,43;median age,64 years) underwent an elective left-sided colon resection,followed by an anastomosis using theCARTM27.Colectomy was performed laparoscopically in 70 patients,in whom two patients converted to open procedure(2.9%) .There was no surgical mortality.As an intraoperative complication,total disruption of the anastomosis occurred by premature enforced tension on the proximal segment of the anastomosis in one patient.The ring was removed and another new CARTM27 anastomosis was constructed.One patient with sigmoid colon cancer showed postoperative anastomotic leakage after 6 d postoperatively and temporary diverting ileostomy was performed.Exact date of expulsion of the ring could not be recorded because most patients were not aware that the ring had been expelled.No patients manifested clinical symptoms of anastomotic stricture. CONCLUSION:Short-term evaluation of the CARTM27 anastomosis in elective left colectomy suggested it to be a safe and efficacious alternative to the standard hand-sewn or stapling technique.