Robotic natural-orifice IntraCorporeal anastomosis with Extraction (NICE procedure) for complicated diverticulitis

Abstract Background Totally intracorporeal surgery for left-sided resection carries numerous potential advantages by avoiding crossing staple lines and eliminating the need for an abdominal incision. For those with complicated diverticulitis, minimally invasive surgery is known to be technically challenging due to inflamed tissue, distorted pelvic anatomy, and obliterated tissue planes, resulting in high conversion rates. We aim to illustrate the stepwise approach and modifications required to successful complete the robotic Natural-orifice IntraCorporeal anastomosis with transrectal specimen Extraction (NICE) procedure in this cohort. Methods Consecutive, elective, unselected patients presenting with complicated diverticulitis defined as fistula, abscess and stricture underwent the NICE procedure over a 24-month period. Demographic and intraoperative data were collected, and video recordings were reviewed and edited on encrypted server. Results A total of 60 patients (50% female) underwent the NICE procedure for complicated diverticulitis with a mean age of 58.9 years and mean BMI of 30.7 kg/m2. The mean operative time was 231.6 min. All cases (100%) were achieved with intracorporeal anastomosis using a circular stapling device. All but one patient (98.3%) had successful transrectal extraction of the specimen. Forty-four (73%) of the specimens required a specimen-thinning maneuver to successfully extract the specimen and there were no conversions. We identified seven key technical modifications and considerations to facilitate successful completion of the procedure which are illustrated, including early release of the disease, mesentery-sparing dissection, dual instrument control of the mesenteric vasculature, release of the rectal reflection, use of NICE back table, specimen-thinning maneuver, and closure of the rectal cuff. Conclusion We present a stepwise approach with key modifications to successfully achieve totally robotic intracorporeal resection for those presenting with complicated diverticulitis. This approach may help overcome the technical challenges and provide a foundation for reproducible results.

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Transanal Anastomosis Method and Prolapsing Technique in Totally Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection for Lower Rectal Cancer

International Surgery ◽

10.9738/intsurg-d-15-00213.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 105 (1-3) ◽

pp. 21-25

Author(s):

Takuya Shiraishi ◽

Naoki Tomizawa ◽

Tatsumasa Andoh ◽

Takuhisa Okada ◽

Naoya Ozawa

Keyword(s):

Laparoscopic Surgery ◽

Anterior Resection ◽

Low Anterior Resection ◽

Abdominal Cavity ◽

Intracorporeal Anastomosis ◽

Lower Rectal Cancer ◽

Abdominal Incision ◽

Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection ◽

Double Stapling ◽

Totally Laparoscopic

There are some reports of totally laparoscopic surgery performed by intracorporeal anastomosis without abdominal incision. However, intracorporeal anastomosis with prolapsing technique is difficult and complicated via laparoscopic surgery alone. We found it easier to achieve totally laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) by anastomosis anally. Our procedure was performed in 32 patients. After the prolapsed rectum with the tumor was transected, reconstruction was performed by using a double-stapling technique (DST) or a hand-sewn technique (HST). In the DST, the proximal colon was pulled outside transanally, and the anvil head was inserted into the colon and returned to the abdominal cavity. The anal-side rectum was closed using a linear stapling device, and DST was performed. The HST was modified from intersphincteric resection anastomosis. No patient experienced complications associated with this procedure. Cosmetic satisfaction was achieved. All patients obtained disease-free margins pathologically, and none experienced local recurrence. Intracorporeal anastomosis of totally laparoscopic low anterior resection is difficult via laparoscopic ports only. It can be simplified by operating with anastomosis via the anus.

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