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ABSTRACT: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive technique for excision of rectal tumours that avoids conventional pelvic resectional surgery along with its risks and side-effects. Although appealing, the associated cost and complex learning curve limit TEM utilization by colorectal surgeons. Single-port laparoscopic principles are being recognized as transferable to transanal work and hybrid techniques are in evolution. Here the clinical application of a new technique for transanal access is reported.
Consecutive non-selected patients eligible for TEM over a 3-month period (and selected patients thereafter) were offered a procedure performed via a 'glove TEM port'. This access device was constructed on-table using a circular anal dilator (CAD), wound retractor and standard surgical glove, along with standard, straight laparoscopic trocar sleeves and instruments.
Fourteen patients underwent full-thickness resection of benign (8) or malignant (6) rectal pathology. CAD insertion failed in one patient and conventional TEM assistance was needed in another, leaving 12 procedures completed successfully by glove TEM alone as planned (completion rate 86 per cent overall, 92 per cent after initiation). The median (range) duration of operation and resected specimen area were 93 (30-120) min and 12 (3-152) cm(2) respectively. There was no intraoperative and minimal postoperative morbidity, with a median follow-up of 5·7 (2·7-9·4) months.
The glove TEM port is a safe, inexpensive and readily available access tool that may obviate the use of specialized equipment for transanal resection of rectal lesions. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
British Journal of Surgery 10/2012; 99(10):1429-35. · 4.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Single-port platforms are increasingly being used for transanal surgery and may be associated with a shorter learning curve than transanal endoscopic microsurgery. However, these procedures remain technically challenging, and robotic technology could overcome some of the limitations and increase intraluminal manoeuvrability. An initial experimental experience with transanal endoscopic da Vinci(®) surgery (TEdS) using a glove port on human cadavers is reported.
After initial dry laboratory experiments, the feasibility of TEdS and ideal set-up were further evaluated in human cadavers. For transanal access a glove port was constructed on-table by using a circular anal dilator, a standard wound retractor and a surgical glove. A da Vinci(®) Si HD system was used in combination with the glove port for transanal endoscopic resections.
It was possible to perform all necessary tasks to complete a full-thickness excision and closure of the rectal wall, with cadavers in both prone and supine positions. The stable magnified view, combined with the EndoWrist(®) technology of the robotic instruments, made every task straightforward. Intraluminal manoeuvrability could be improved further by intersecting the robotic instruments. The glove port proved to be very reliable and the inherent flexibility of the glove facilitated docking of the robotic arms in a narrow confined space.
Using a reliable and universally available glove port, TEdS was feasible and a preferred set-up was determined. Further clinical trials will be necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of this technique.
British Journal of Surgery 05/2012; 99(8):1144-8. · 4.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Ileocecal resection is the most commonly performed operation in patients with Crohn's disease. Anastomotic-associated complications, with their associated morbidity, are the most feared risks of surgery.
This study aimed to assess the influence of a variety of putative risk factors in a homogenous group of patients undergoing first or subsequent surgery for Crohn's disease to quantify the cumulative risk for anastomotic-associated complications.
All patients undergoing ileocecal or ileocolic resections for Crohn's disease from 2000 to 2010 were studied with the use of a prospective database. Demographics, operative details, possible risk factors, and anastomotic-associated complications were recorded. Patients having strictureplasties, multiple resections, or subtotal colonic resections were excluded from analysis. Statistical analysis was by univariate analysis (Mann-Whitney U test) and binary logistic regression.
An anastomotic-associated complication was defined as a proven anastomotic leak, postoperative fistulation, or intra-abdominal abscess formation.
Two hundred seven patients (109 female) with a median age of 35 years (range, 13-75 years) were identified. One hundred seventy-three underwent primary anastomosis, 94 as an emergency procedure. Fifty-three had laparoscopic (5 converted) procedures. Nineteen of 173 anastomotic complication events (11%) were recorded. Steroid usage (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.0-7.2) and the presence of preoperative abscess formation (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.2-9.8) were identified as independent predictors of anastomotic-associated complications. In the absence of both steroids and intra-abdominal abscess, the risk of anastomotic complications was 6%, which increased to 14% if either risk factor was present. When both risk factors were present, complication rates reached 40%.
Steroid usage and preoperative abscess were associated with higher rates of anastomotic complications following ileocolic resection for Cohn's disease. When both risk factors are present, it is best to avoid primary anastomosis.
Diseases of the Colon & Rectum 05/2012; 55(5):558-62. · 3.13 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The new avenue of minimally invasive surgery, referred to as single-incision/access laparoscopy, is often presented as an alternative to standard multiport approaches, whereas in fact it is more usefully perceived as a complementary modality. The emergence of the technique can be of greater use both to patients and to the colorectal specialty if its principles can be merged into next-stage evolution by synergy with more conventional practice. In particular, rather than device specificity, what is needed is convergence of capability that can be applied by the same surgeon in differing scenarios depending on the individualized patient and disease characteristics. We detail here the global applicability of a simple access device construct that allows the provision of simple and complex single-port laparoscopy as well as contributing to multiport laparoscopic and transanal resections in a manner that is reliable, reproducible, ergonomical and economical.
Colorectal Disease 11/2011; 13 Suppl 7:3-7. · 2.93 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Multimodal laparoscopic imaging systems possessing the capability for extended spectrum irradiation and visualization within a unified camera system are now available to provide enhanced intracorporeal operative anatomic and dynamic perfusion assessment and potentially augmented patient outcome. While ultraviolet-range energies have limited penetration and hence are probably more useful for endoscopic mucosal interrogation, the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum is of greater potential utility for the purposes of examining inducible fluorescence in abdominopelvic tissue that can be achieved by administration of specific tracer agents, either directly into the circulation (e.g. for anastomotic perfusion assessment at the time of stapling) or into the lymphatic system (e.g. for lymph basin road-mapping and/or focussed target nodal assessment). This technology is also capable of supplementing anatomic recognition of the biliary system while implantable fibres can also be inserted intraoperatively for the purpose of safeguarding vital structures such as the oesphagus and ureters especially in difficult reoperations. It is likely that this technological capability will find a clear and common indication in colorectal specialist and general surgical departments worldwide in the near future.
Colorectal Disease 11/2011; 13 Suppl 7:12-7. · 2.93 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The cost associated with single-port laparoscopic access devices may limit utilisation of single-port laparoscopic surgery by colorectal surgeons. This paper describes a simple and cheap access modality that has facilitated the widespread adoption of single-port technology in our practice both as a stand-alone procedure and as a useful adjunct to traditional multiport techniques.
A surgical glove port is constructed by applying a standard glove onto the rim of the wound protector/retractor used during laparoscopic resectional colorectal surgery. To illustrate its usefulness, we present our total experience to date and highlight a selection of patients presenting for a range of elective colorectal surgery procedures.
The surgical glove port allowed successful completion of 25 single-port laparoscopic procedures (including laparoscopic adhesiolysis, ileo-rectal anastomosis, right hemicolectomy, total colectomy and low anterior resection) and has been used as an adjunct in over 80 additional multiport procedures (including refashioning of a colorectal anastomosis made after specimen extraction during a standard multiport laparoscopic anterior resection).
This simple, efficient device can allow use of single-port laparoscopy in a broader spectrum of patients either in isolation or in combination with multiport surgery than may be otherwise possible for economic reasons. By separating issues of cost from utility, the usefulness of the technical advance inherent within single-port laparoscopy for colorectal surgery can be better appreciated. We endorse the creative innovation inherent in this approach as surgical practice continues to evolve for ever greater patient benefit.
Techniques in Coloproctology 06/2011; 15(2):165-71. · 1.29 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Advances in imaging quality and capability have been the major driver of the laparoscopic revolution that has dramatically impacted upon operative strategies and surgical patient care in recent years. Increasingly now the technological capacity is becoming available to supraselect or extend the useful clinical range of the electromagnetic spectrum beyond visible or white light. This has markedly broadened the intraprocedural optical information available at intraluminal endoscopy and there is likely to be considerable similar benefit for laparoscopy. Rather than narrow band or ultraviolet imaging however, it is the near infrared (NIR) spectrum that seems of most potential to exploit during intra-abdominal endoscopy in particular as this energy range is capable of penetrating relatively deeply into tissues such as the mesentery and bowel wall without inducing thermal damage due to heat dissipation or indeed the intracellular effects associated with higher energy, shorter wavelength energies. By incorporating the NIR spectrum alongside more conventional laparoscopic imaging, a greater appreciation of tissue architecture, character and quality is possible in particular with respect to lymphatic and vascular channel anatomy and flow dynamics and also real-time optical histology (by NIR optical coherence tomography). Such a facility may significantly aid critical intraoperative decision making during colorectal operations by informing the surgeon regarding the most biologically relevant lymphatic basin and lymph nodes for any target area of interest (especially important if considering tailored operative extent for colorectal neoplasia), the sufficiency and quality of arterial supply (and hence inform re the perfusion of stapled intestinal ends prior to reanastomosis) and perhaps even in situ pathological assessment. This article provides a state of art overview of the fascinating potential of this emergent technological capability.
Minerva chirurgica 08/2010; 65(4):451-62. · 0.77 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study determined the long-term outcome after colectomy for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) and assessed whether the duration of in-hospital medical therapy is related to postoperative outcome.
All patients who underwent urgent colectomy and ileostomy for ASUC between 1994 and 2000 were identified from a prospective database. Patient details, preoperative therapy and complications to last follow-up were recorded.
Eighty patients were identified, who were treated with intravenous steroids for a median of 6 (range 1-22) days before surgery. Twenty-three (29 per cent) also received intravenous ciclosporin. There were 23 complications in 22 patients in the initial postoperative period. Sixty-eight patients underwent further planned surgery, including restorative ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in 57. During a median follow-up of 5.4 (range 0.5-9.0) years, 48 patients (60 per cent) developed at least one complication. Patients with a major complication at any time during follow-up had a significantly longer duration of medical therapy before colectomy than patients with no major complications (median 8 versus 5 days; P = 0.036).
Delayed surgery for patients with ASUC who do not respond to medical therapy is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications.
British Journal of Surgery 03/2010; 97(3):404-9. · 4.61 Impact Factor
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Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 10/2008; 14 Suppl 2:S68-9. · 4.86 Impact Factor
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Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 09/2008; 14(S2):S68 - S69. · 4.86 Impact Factor
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01/2008: pages 232 - 245; , ISBN: 9780470753170
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ABSTRACT: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows locally complete excision of rectal tumours and provides an alternative to conventional surgery for benign tumours. However, its role in the curative treatment of invasive carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the morbidity and long-term results for rectal tumours excised by TEM.
Between February 1993 and January 2005, 200 patients underwent TEM for excision of adenomas (148) or carcinomas (52). The median tumour distance from the anal verge was 8 (range 1-16) cm.
Mortality and morbidity rates were 0.5 and 14.0 per cent respectively. At a median follow-up of 33 (range 2-133) months, local recurrence had developed in 11 patients (7.6 per cent) with an adenoma. Histological examination of carcinomas revealed pathological tumour (pT) stage 1 in 31 patients, pT2 in 17 and pT3 in four. Immediate salvage surgery was performed in seven patients (13 per cent). At a median follow-up of 34 (range 1-102) months, eight patients (15 per cent) with carcinomas had developed local recurrence. The overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates for patients with carcinomas were 76 and 65 per cent respectively.
TEM is an appropriate surgical treatment option for benign rectal tumours. For carcinomas, it is oncologically safe provided that resection margins are clear, but strict patient selection is required.
British Journal of Surgery 06/2007; 94(5):627-33. · 4.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Many considerations, such as morbidity, sexual and urinary dysfunction, or risk of definitive stoma have led to the increased popularity of local therapy in the therapeutic strategy for rectal cancer. However, its role in curative intent is still controversial with oncologic long-term results lower than those obtained by radical surgery.
MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Abstract books, and reference lists from reviews were searched with English language publications to review the current status of evidence for local therapy in rectal cancer, looking especially at the oncologic results and patient selection. We have focused on the new strategies combining neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment to explain their place in the management of rectal cancer.
The key to potentially curative local treatment for rectal cancer is patient selection by identifying the best candidates with preoperative tumor staging and clinical and pathologic assessment of favorable features. Low-risk T1 is suitable for local excision alone. Limited data suggest that adjuvant chemoradiotherapy may be helpful in patients with unfavorable T1 and T2 lesions, achieving a local recurrence rate<20 percent. However, the efficacy of salvage surgery after local excision is uncertain.
Diseases of the Colon & Rectum 04/2007; 50(4):523-33. · 3.13 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Despite advances in medical therapy, surgery is required in approximately 30-40% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 70-80% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) at some point during their lifetime. For patients with UC, surgery may be curative, whereas recurrence of CD following surgery is common due to the potentially pan-enteric distribution of the disease. As a result, the indications and surgical management of the disease may be quite different. For UC, the surgeon is involved in the identification of new cases, management of severe disease, recognition of dysplasia and restorative proctocolectomy. Most of the advances in surgery for UC have been in novel techniques relating to the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, which can now be performed safely for UC with a 10% pouch failure rate long term. For CD, the surgeon is involved in the management of small bowel and ileo-colonic disease, Crohn's colitis and perianal disease. Advances in the surgical management of CD include strictureplasty for extensive small bowel disease, laparoscopic ileo-caecal resection and a combined medical and surgical approach to perianal disease. For both CD and UC close liaison between the gastroenterologist and colorectal surgeon is essential.
Colorectal Disease 06/2006; 8 Suppl 1:10-4. · 2.93 Impact Factor
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S P L Travis,
E F Stange,
M Lémann,
T Oresland,
Y Chowers,
A Forbes,
G D'Haens,
G Kitis,
A Cortot,
C Prantera,
P Marteau,
J-F Colombel,
P Gionchetti,
Y Bouhnik,
E Tiret,
J Kroesen,
M Starlinger, N J Mortensen
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ABSTRACT: This second section of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) Consensus on the management of Crohn's disease concerns treatment of active disease, maintenance of medically induced remission, and surgery. The first section on definitions and diagnosis includes the aims and methods of the consensus, as well as sections on diagnosis, pathology, and classification of Crohn's disease. The third section on special situations in Crohn's disease includes postoperative recurrence, fistulating disease, paediatrics, pregnancy, psychosomatics, extraintestinal manifestations, and alternative therapy for Crohn's disease.
Gut 04/2006; 55 Suppl 1:i16-35. · 10.11 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A proliferation of animal models has not only improved our understanding of inflammatory bowel disease, it has also formed the basis of new treatment strategies.
A search was conducted using the National Library of Medicine for articles discussing immune therapies for inflammatory bowel disease. This was supplemented by findings from the authors' own laboratory.
An overview of the different animal models is presented. These models are used to highlight the recent human trials of immune therapies. Potential future therapies are also discussed.
Immune therapies have altered the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In future they will influence not only the indications for surgery but also its timing and outcome.
British Journal of Surgery 01/2002; 88(12):1558-69. · 4.61 Impact Factor
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Diseases of the Colon & Rectum 11/2001; 44(10):1534-6. · 3.13 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cyclosporin is used in severe ulcerative colitis that is refractory to intravenous steroids. Cyclosporin is a potent immunosuppressant and can cause side effects such as opportunistic infections. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of perioperative complications in patients treated with intravenous cyclosporin and steroids compared with patients treated with intravenous steroids alone.
We retrospectively reviewed the case notes of 44 patients with severe ulcerative colitis who underwent total abdominal colectomy and ileostomy. Twenty-five patients were treated with intravenous steroids and 19 patients were treated with intravenous cyclosporin and steroids. Details were recorded with respect to age, length of illness, extent of disease, Truelove and Witt's criteria, hemoglobin and albumin at surgery, surgical procedure, and perioperative morbidity.
Twenty-four percent of patients treated with intravenous steroids alone and 15.8 percent of patients treated with intravenous cyclosporin and steroids had major surgical complications. Sixteen percent of patients treated with intravenous steroids alone and 5.2 percent of patients treated with intravenous cyclosporin and steroids had minor surgical complications. Eight percent of patients treated with intravenous steroids alone and 10.5 percent of patients treated with intravenous cyclosporin and steroids had major medical complications. There was no mortality in either group.
There is no increased incidence of perioperative complications associated with the use of intravenous cyclosporin in addition to steroids in acute severe ulcerative colitis provided cyclosporin treatment is for a defined period and surgery is not delayed.
Diseases of the Colon & Rectum 11/2001; 44(10):1436-40. · 3.13 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The choice of wound dressing after abdominal surgery is not always easy. We describe a simple technique using acyanoacrylate wound adhesive to provide a water resistant, flexible, sealed dressing which is simple to use, requires no nursing time to 'maintain' and is particularly useful in the presence of stomas or open drains.
Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England 08/2001; 83(4):285-6. · 1.23 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Surgical options for faecal incontinence in the presence of intact sphincters are limited. Furthermore, in patients with fissures, lateral sphincterotomy reduces anal sphincter hypertonia but there has been concern about complications. A greater understanding of the basic pharmacology of the internal anal sphincter has led to the development of novel treatments for both these disorders. A Medline review was undertaken for internal anal sphincter pharmacology, anal fissures and faecal incontinence. This review is based on these articles and those found by further cross-referencing. Nitric oxide released from non-adrenergic non-cholinergic nerves is the main inhibitory agent in the internal anal sphincter. Relaxations are also mediated through beta-adrenoceptors and muscarinic receptors. Stimulation of alpha-receptors results in contraction. Calcium and its entry through L-type calcium channels is important for the maintenance of tone. Nitric oxide donors produce reductions in resting anal tone and heal fissures but are associated with side-effects. Muscarinic agents and calcium channel antagonists show promise as low side-effect alternatives. Botulinum toxin appears more efficacious than other agents in healing fissures. To date, alpha-receptor agonists have been disappointing at improving incontinence. Further understanding of the pharmacology of the internal anal sphincter may permit the development of new agents to selectively target the tissue with greater efficacy and fewer side-effects.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 08/2001; 15(7):887-98. · 3.77 Impact Factor
