Successful laparoscopy-assisted repair of a rectovaginal fistula after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a report of two cases

Background Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is troublesome and refractory. Although various surgical procedures have been previously described, no definitive procedure has shown a satisfactory outcome. We present two consecutive Japanese patients who underwent successful surgery for an RVF after low anterior resection. Case presentation The patients were two women (61-year-old and a 64-year-old). They were admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of fecal discharge from the vagina after low anterior resection using the double-stapling technique for rectal cancer. They were diagnosed with RVF. Local surgical procedures, including diverting ileostomy, were unsuccessful in previous hospitals. Therefore, we performed laparoscopy-assisted repair of the RVF. In both patients, laparoscopically robust pelvic adhesions were dissected, and the sigmoid colon was transected at just oral side to the RVF. Thereafter, in combination with a perineal approach, the rectum, along with a previous anastomosis and fistula, were completely removed. Surgeries were completed after vaginal repair, redo coloanal anastomosis, and interposition of the dissected connective tissue. In both patients, the postoperative courses were uneventful. They complained of neither recurrence of any RVF nor fecal incontinence 1 year and 10 months after diverting stoma closure. Conclusions A laparoscopy-assisted procedure with reanastomosis and interposition of the perineal connective tissue can be an effective treatment for RVF after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

A New Approach to the Laparoscopic Double Stapling Technique: Exploration and Reinforcement of Weak Points

Background: Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication in colorectal surgery, often associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Even with advances in medical technology and devices, the rates of anastomotic leakage is not on downward trend. We describe our experimental and clinical validation of our method to overcome the weakness of the double stapling technique, especially the intersecting staple lines. Methods: Experimentally, we conducted double stapled anastomosis with pig small intestines. In order to verify pressure resistance, the anastomosis was tested and compared with that formed by a conventional stapler and a reinforced cartridge preattached to a Neoveil sheet. Additionally, during the anastomosis performed by the circular stapler, both ends of the Neoveil sheet were grasped by forceps, and the Neoveil sheet was pulled tight to fit the anastomotic surface. The burst pressure of the anastomosis was recorded. Clinically, we used a reinforced cartridge for rectal surgery performing a low anterior resection and verified its efficacy and safety. Results: Unlike a conventional stapler, our methods with the use of a reinforced cartridge showed no leakage from the intersecting staple lines. Clinically, our method has been used for 20 patients without complications, including leakage and bleeding. Conclusion: The addition of reinforcing material to the linear stapler should lead to increased strength of the anastomosis. We believe that a double stapling anastomosis that uses our method for the intersection lines provides increased safety and security and thereby should lead to a reduced rate of suture failure after rectal resection.

Technique of open and minimally invasive intrathoracic reconstruction following esophagectomy—an expert consensus based on a modified Delphi process

Summary Background: In recent years, minimally invasive Ivor Lewis (IL) esophagectomy with high intrathoracic anastomosis has emerged as surgical standard of care for esophageal cancer in expert centers. Alongside this process, many divergent technical aspects of this procedure have been devised in different centers. This study aims at achieving international consensus on the surgical steps of IL reconstruction using Delphi methodology. Methods: The expert panel consisted of specialized esophageal surgeons from 8 European countries. During a two-round Delphi process, a detailed analysis and consensus on key steps of intrathoracic gastric tube reconstruction (IL esophagectomy) was performed. Results: Response rates in Delphi rounds 1 and 2 were 100% (22 of 22 experts) and 83.3% (20 of 24 experts), respectively. Three essential technical areas of intrathoracic gastric tube reconstruction were identified: first, vascularization of the gastric conduit, second, gastric mobilization, tube formation and pull-up, and third, anastomotic technique. In addition, 3 main techniques for minimally invasive intrathoracic anastomosis are currently practiced: (i) end-to-side circular stapled, (ii) end-to-side double stapling, and (iii) side-to-side linear stapled technique. The step-by-step procedural analysis unveiled common approaches but also different expert practice. Conclusion: This precise technical description may serve as a clinical guideline for intrathoracic reconstruction after esophagectomy. In addition, the results may aid to harmonize the technical evolution of this complex surgical procedure and thereby facilitate surgical training.

Robotic low anterior resection for rectal cancer with side-to-end anastomosis in a patient with anal stenosis

Background Colorectal anastomosis using the double stapling technique (DST) has become a standard procedure. However, DST is difficult to perform in patients with anal stenosis because a circular stapler cannot be inserted into the rectum through the anus. Thus, an alternative procedure is required for colorectal anastomosis. Case presentation A 78-year-old woman presented with bloody stool. Colonoscopy and computed tomography revealed advanced low rectal cancer without lymph node or distant metastasis. We initially planned to perform low anterior resection using a double stapling technique or transanal hand-sewn anastomosis, but this would have been too difficult due to anal stenosis and fibrosis caused by a Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy performed 20 years earlier. The patient had never experienced defecation problems and declined a stoma. Therefore, we inserted an anvil into the rectal stump and fixed it robotically with a purse-string suture followed by insertion of the shaft of the circular stapler from the sigmoidal side. In this way, side-to-end anastomosis was accomplished laparoscopically. The distance from the anus to the anastomosis was 5 cm. The patient was discharged with no anastomotic leakage. Robotic assistance proved extremely useful for low anterior resection with side-to-end anastomosis. Conclusion Performing side-to-end anastomosis with robotic assistance was extremely useful in this patient with rectal cancer and anal stenosis.

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

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.

Strategy to Avoid Anastomotic Leakage in Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection Using the Indocyanine Green Fluorescence System

Purpose Anastomotic leakage (AL) in colorectal resections is often caused by insufficient blood flow to the stump. Injecting indocyanine green can help detect blood flow intraoperatively. In this study, we evaluated our original strategy using an indocyanine green fluorescence system to avoid AL. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 79 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection for colon cancer using a double-stapling technique. Blood flow in oral stumps was evaluated by measuring indocyanine green fluorescence time (FT). We investigated AL cases in detail and analyzed correlations between FT and risk factors for AL. Results Of the 79 patients, 7 (8.9%) developed AL. We divided patients by FTs: >60 seconds, 50 to 60 seconds, and <50 seconds. The AL rates were FT >60 seconds, 60%; FT 50 to 60 seconds, 10.3%; and FT <50 seconds, 2.2%. The AL rate of high-risk cases (with more than 2 risk factors) were calculated and we made our original strategy to avoid AL as the following. Further resection or diverting stomas were needed by the FT >60 seconds group, and by members of the FT 50 to 60 seconds group with ≥3 risk factors. The FT <60 seconds group needed no additional management. Conclusions Patients with delayed FT (>60 seconds, or 50–60 seconds with ≥3 risk factors) may need revision of the anastomosis (diverting stoma or additional resection) to avoid AL. Our original strategy may contribute to reduce AL in colorectal operations.

Robotic low anterior resection for rectal cancer with side-to-end anastomosis in a patient with anal stenosis

BackgroundColorectal anastomosis using the double stapling technique (DST) has become a standard procedure. However, DST is difficult to perform in patients with anal stenosis because a circular stapler cannot be inserted into the rectum through the anus. Thus, an alternative procedure is required for colorectal anastomosis.Case presentationA 78-year-old woman presented with bloody stool. Colonoscopy and computed tomography revealed advanced low rectal cancer without lymph node or distant metastasis. We initially planned to perform low anterior resection using a double-stapling technique or transanal hand-sewn anastomosis but this would have been too difficult due to anal stenosis and fibrosis caused by a Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy performed 20 years earlier. The patient had never experienced defecation problems and declined a stoma. Therefore, we inserted an anvil into the rectal stump and fixed it robotically with a purse-string suture followed by insertion of the shaft of the circular stapler from the sigmoidal side. In this way, side-to-end anastomosis was accomplished laparoscopically. The distance from the anus to the anastomosis was 5 cm. The patient was discharged with no anastomotic leakage. Robotic assistance proved extremely useful for low anterior resection with side-to-end anastomosis.ConclusionPerforming side-to-end anastomosis with robotic assistance was extremely useful in this patient with rectal cancer and anal stenosis.