Totally robotic low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision and splenic flexure mobilization

Abstract Purpose Improved long-term survival after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer highlights the importance of functional outcome. Urogenital and anorectal dysfunction is frequently reported after conventional LAR. Advanced minimally invasive techniques such as robotic (RoTME) and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) might improve functional results by precisely dissecting and preserving autonomic nerves. We compared functional outcomes after RoTME or TaTME in a multicenter study. Methods One hundred twenty patients (55 RoTME/65 TaTME) were prospectively included in four participating centers. Anorectal (Wexner and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) Score), urinary (International Consultation on Incontinence—Male/Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Score (ICIQ-MLUTS/ICIQ-FLUTS) and International Prostate Symptom Scale (IPSS)), and sexual (International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)) outcomes at 12 months after surgery were compared to preoperative scores. The response rate to the 1-year postoperative functional assessment by questionnaire was 79.5%. Results RoTME enabled better anorectal function compared to TaTME (LARS score 4.3 ± 2.2 vs. 9.8 ± 1.5, p = 0.038, respectively). TaTME proved superior at preserving male urinary function, while female urinary function was comparable in both groups, with only mild postoperative impairment (RoTME vs. TaTME, respectively: ICIQ-MLUTS 13.8 ± 4.9 vs. 1.8 ± 5.8, p = 0.038; ICIQ-FLUTS Incontinence Score − 0.3 ± 1.0 vs. − 0.2 ± 0.9, p = 0.844). Both techniques demonstrated comparable male (RoTME − 13.4 ± 2.7 vs. TaTME − 11.7 ± 3.4, p = 0.615) and female (RoTME 5.2 ± 4.6 vs. TaTME 10.5 ± 6.4, p = 0.254) sexual function. Conclusion After adjustment for risk factors, RoTME provided better anorectal functional results, whereas TaTME was better at preserving male urinary function. Overall, both techniques demonstrated only mild postoperative functional impairment.

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Splenic flexure mobilization in low anterior resection

International Surgery Journal ◽

10.18203/2349-2902.isj20191087 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 1040

Author(s):

Ahmed Maher Megreya ◽

Ahmed S. Elgammal ◽

Mahmoud A. Shahin

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Blood Loss ◽

Anterior Resection ◽

Splenic Flexure ◽

Low Anterior Resection ◽

Lateral Approach ◽

P Value ◽

Splenic Flexure Mobilization ◽

Operative Blood Loss ◽

Medial Approach

Background: The use of splenic ﬂexure mobilization (SFM) for rectal cancer surgery is still controversial. SFM includes division of the splenocolic, phrenocolic, gastrocolic and pancreaticomesocolic ligaments, which is time-consuming. The aim of present prospective study of low anterior resection in case of cancer rectum was to compare splenic ﬂexure mobilization (SFM) carried out by an extended medial approach with that by a lateral approach.Methods: A prospective study was carried out in General Surgery Department, Menoufia University, Egypt between October 2017 and December 2018. Patients were allocated randomly into two groups in which first group (group A) allocated to medial mobilization of splenic flexure and the second group was allocated into lateral approach of splenic flexure. The extended medial involved continuing the medial to lateral approach upwards to enter the lesser sac over the pancreas, thus permitting detachment of the splenic ﬂexure. However, lateral approach involves dissection of retroperitoneal fascia.Results: Thirty patients, including 20 undergoing a lateral SFM and 10 an extended medial SFM, were evaluated. Mean number of lymph nodes in lateral and medial approach are (17.7±5.6, 24.3±6 respectively) with significant (P-value=0.04). Interestingly, Intra-operative blood loss in lateral approach is more than medial approach (175±25.3, 160.1±30 respectively) with significant (p-value=0.02). The interval to oral intake (3±0.3 days extended medial, 4.1±0.7 lateral, P=0.14).Conclusions: An extended medial approach for SFM during low anterior resection of rectal cancer appears to be an improvement over the previously used lateral approach because it may provide a shorter operation time and higher number of harvested lymph nodes with less intra-operative blood loss.

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