Transvaginal Excision of Rectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Safe Minimally Invasive Approach

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), the specific kit-positive mesenchymal tumors, are rarely found in the anorectum and account for 5% of all GIST cases. Surgical excision remains the main treatment for anorectal GIST. The available techniques include enucleation transanal excision or sometimes an abdominoperineal resection for large or low tumors. <b><i>Case Study:</i></b> We present a middle-aged female with a complaint of intermittent rectal pain for 1 year. Diagnostic workup detected a mass in the rectovaginal septum. A transvaginal excision was performed. Final histopathology showed rectal GIST. On regular follow-up visits, there was no detectable recurrence, and her anal pain disappeared completely. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Colorectal GIST accounts for only 0.1% of all colorectal tumors; this infrequency has led to a controversy in its diagnosis and management. Nevertheless, surgery remains a cornerstone element in the management of rectal GISTs. Different resection methods have been described in the literature, ranging from less-invasive approach such as transanal excision to a more radical one like an abdominoperineal resection. As there is no standard approach, choosing which one to perform depends on the tumor size, its location, and the surgeon’s preference. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Transvaginal excision could be considered a safe minimally invasive approach for low-lying rectal GISTs.

Massive Retroperitoneal and Subcutaneous Emphysema after Transanal Excision of Rectal Cancer

Transanal excision (TAE) is considered a safe, alternative approach for patients with early stage of rectal cancer. Complications associated with TAE are rare, such as bleeding, perforation, incontinence, and rectal stricture. Subcutaneous emphysema is early complication of laparoscopic surgery, common during upper gastrointestinal and gynecological surgery. We report a case of retroperitoneal and subcutaneous emphysema emerging after TAE of rectal tumor. The patient presented with changed bowel habits. Colonoscopy with pathology reports, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging showed an adenocarcinoma in the rectum at a 5 cm from the anus and did not reveal signs of invasive growth, pathologic lymph nodes, or systemic metastases. After surgery patient complained about abdominal pain and severe subcutaneous emphysema. Computed tomography showed retroperitoneal emphysema with no signs of rectal wall defect. He received antibiotics and was kept hospitalized with a solid diet and the retroperitoneal air disappeared on the thoracic X-ray. Patients who remain clinically stable or steadily improving without signs if peritonitis can be managed conservatively. Only in case of ineffectiveness of conservative therapy, undergo surgery.

Surgical Treatment of Stage I Rectal Cancer

For treatment of early-stage rectal cancer, local (transanal) excision offers the advantages of lower rates of morbidity, mortality, and functional impairment in comparison with radical surgery such as total mesorectal excision (TME). Minimally invasive platforms facilitate removal of rectal tumors that are beyond the reach of conventional transanal excision techniques. The main drawback of local excision is the higher risk of local recurrence compared with TME. The risk of local recurrence is higher in patients with close resection margins, tumors penetrating beyond the submucosa, or tumors with unfavorable histologic features. In these patients, outcomes for immediate proactive TME are generally better than observation followed by reactive salvage TME in case of local recurrence. The use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy may make local excision a viable option for T2 rectal tumors. As chemoradiation and local excision are being increasingly used for later-stage tumors, advances in imaging technologies will play a crucial role in facilitating careful patient selection. This review contains 5 figures, 5 tables and 37 references Key words: endocavitary contact radiotherapy, local excision, local recurrence, rectal cancer, salvage surgery, total mesorectal excision, transanal endoscopic operation, transanal excision, transanal minimally invasive surgery

Surgical Treatment of Stage I Rectal Cancer

For treatment of early-stage rectal cancer, local (transanal) excision offers the advantages of lower rates of morbidity, mortality, and functional impairment in comparison with radical surgery such as total mesorectal excision (TME). Minimally invasive platforms facilitate removal of rectal tumors that are beyond the reach of conventional transanal excision techniques. The main drawback of local excision is the higher risk of local recurrence compared with TME. The risk of local recurrence is higher in patients with close resection margins, tumors penetrating beyond the submucosa, or tumors with unfavorable histologic features. In these patients, outcomes for immediate proactive TME are generally better than observation followed by reactive salvage TME in case of local recurrence. The use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy may make local excision a viable option for T2 rectal tumors. As chemoradiation and local excision are being increasingly used for later-stage tumors, advances in imaging technologies will play a crucial role in facilitating careful patient selection. This review contains 5 figures, 5 tables and 37 references Key words: endocavitary contact radiotherapy, local excision, local recurrence, rectal cancer, salvage surgery, total mesorectal excision, transanal endoscopic operation, transanal excision, transanal minimally invasive surgery