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International Journal of Surgery... Dec 2018Trans-anal total mesorectal resection (TaTME) is a novel approach for rectal cancer. However, the perioperative and pathological outcomes of this procedure remain... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Trans-anal or trans-abdominal total mesorectal excision? A systematic review and meta-analysis of recent comparative studies on perioperative outcomes and pathological result.
BACKGROUND
Trans-anal total mesorectal resection (TaTME) is a novel approach for rectal cancer. However, the perioperative and pathological outcomes of this procedure remain controversial.
METHOD
A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Wanfang (China) and the Cochrane Library databases without restriction to regions or languages. We included 17 trials comparing TaTME with Laparoscopic TME (LaTME) for meta-analysis (MA). Fixed and random-effect models were used to measure the pooled estimates.
RESULTS
A total of 17 trials including 1346 patients were eligible for this MA. Pooled perioperative data using TaTME was associated with a significant reduction in estimated blood loss (WMD: 41.40, CI: 76.83 to -5.97; p = 0.02), hospital stay (WMD: 1.27, CI: 2.32 to -0.23; p = 0.02), conversion (OR: 0.28 CI: 0.15-0.52; p < 0.0001), readmission rates (OR: 0.42, CI: 0.25-0.69; p = 0.0007) and overall postoperative complications (OR: 0.73, CI: 0.56-0.95; p = 0.02). TaTME did not compromise surgical duration (WMD: 11.61, CI: 26.62-3.41; p = 0.13) or enhance complications including anastomotic leakage, ileus, urinary dysfunction, wound infection and pelvic abscess. Concerning pathological outcomes, the TaTME group demonstrated longer circumferential resection margins (CRM) (WMD: 0.91, CI: 0.58-1.24; p < 0.00001) and reduced CRM involvement (OR: 0.47, CI: 0.29-0.75; p = 0.002), whilst the distal resection margin (DRM) quality of the mesorectum and harvested lymph node were comparable.
CONCLUSION
TaTME achieves similar surgical outcomes to LaTME, with the added advantage of a safe CRMs, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stay, lower conversion and readmission rates, and lower postoperative morbidity. Long-term oncological and functional data are now required to confirm these findings.
Topics: Female; Humans; Length of Stay; Lymph Nodes; Male; Mesocolon; Patient Readmission; Postoperative Complications; Rectal Neoplasms; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30415089
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2018.11.003 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... Jan 2019Minimally invasive transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a new approach for treating rectal cancer. 'Spin' can be defined as 'reporting strategies to highlight...
AIM
Minimally invasive transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a new approach for treating rectal cancer. 'Spin' can be defined as 'reporting strategies to highlight that the experimental treatment is beneficial' despite limitations in study design. The aim of this study was to assess spin within publications about TaTME.
METHOD
EMBASE and MEDLINE (2009-2017) were searched for publications assessing TaTME in rectal cancer. All papers published between 2009 and 2017 were eligible for inclusion. Study titles and abstracts were assessed for evidence of spin, as previously defined.
RESULTS
A total of 1202 studies were identified through our search, and 73 were included. The majority were case series (n = 48, 66%). A total of 55 publications (75%) had evidence of spin within at least one domain. The most common type of spin was claiming safety without describing how this was defined or tested (56%). Other strategies included claiming superiority without support (33%) and reporting nonsignificance as equivalence (42%). We did not find that year of publication (P = 0.61), study design (P = 0.60), number of patients (P = 0.85) or declared conflict of interest (P = 0.43) were associated with spin.
CONCLUSION
We have shown that spin is common within studies assessing TaTME for rectal cancer. Despite a lack of support from study results, in the majority of studies authors concluded that TaTME is safe for use in rectal cancer. Readers of study abstracts describing new techniques need to be cautious about accepting the authors' conclusions, especially in case series and observational studies.
Topics: Bias; Conflict of Interest; Humans; Mesentery; Proctectomy; Rectal Neoplasms; Research Design; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery
PubMed: 30341922
DOI: 10.1111/codi.14451 -
Medicine Jul 2018Recently, in order to overcome the shortcomings of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of low rectal cancer, a new kind of surgical procedure, transanal total... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Recently, in order to overcome the shortcomings of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of low rectal cancer, a new kind of surgical procedure, transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), has rapidly become a research hotspot in the field of rectal cancer surgery study. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for the patients with rectal cancer.
METHODS
Relevant studies were searched from the databases of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of science. All relevant studies were collected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TaTME for patients with rectal cancer. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) and Cochrane Library Handbook 5.1.0. Data analysis was conducted using the Review Manager 5.3 software.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies including 859 patients were included in our analysis. In terms of efficacy, compared with laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME), meta-analysis showed that the rate of complete tumor resection increased and the risk of positive circumferential margins decreased in the TaTME group. For complete tumor resection and positive circumferential margins in the TaTME group, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 1.93 and 1.09 to 3.42 (P = .02) and 0.43 and 0.22 to 0.82 (P = .01), respectively. Concerning safety, results showed that the rates of postoperative complications were similar in the 2 groups, and differences in the risk of ileus and anastomotic leakage were not statistically significant (OR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.51-1.09, P = .13; OR = 0.91, 95%CI = 0.46-1.78, P = .78; OR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.45-1.38, P = .40).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this meta-analysis show that TaTME is associated with a reduced positive circumferential resection margin (CRM) rate, and could achieve complete tumor resection and improved the long-term survival in patients with mid- and low-rectal cancer.
Topics: Humans; Laparoscopy; Postoperative Complications; Rectal Neoplasms; Rectum; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery
PubMed: 29995787
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000011410 -
International Journal of Surgery... Aug 2018Aim of this study is to report and to analyze the incidence, clinical impact and treatment options of ectopic air localizations after transanal procedures. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Aim of this study is to report and to analyze the incidence, clinical impact and treatment options of ectopic air localizations after transanal procedures.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The research was carried out using the PubMed database, identifying 40 articles with the following keywords: "transanal" AND "emphysema"; "transanal" AND "subcutaneous emphysema"; "transanal" AND "pneumomediastinum"; "transanal" AND "pneumothoraces"; "transanal" AND "pneumopericardium"; "transanal" AND "retropneumoperitoneum".
RESULTS
Nineteen articles, published between 1993 and 2017, were included in the study for a total of 29 patients. The most frequent air localization was in the retroperitoneum, followed by subcutaneous tissues, mediastinum and neck. This condition was treated conservatively in 20 patients, with colostomy in 4 patients, with bowel resection and negative diagnostic laparoscopy in one patient each. In three cases the treatment was not specified. Ectopic air location resolved in all cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Pneumo-mediastinum and pneumo-retroperitoneum after transanal procedures are unusual complications with a dramatic radiological appearance but can be managed successfully with a completely benign course in most cases. Initially, a conservative approach is recommended. Surgical treatment should be reserved only in case of fluid collection or suture dehiscence.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Mediastinal Emphysema; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Radiography; Retropneumoperitoneum; Subcutaneous Emphysema; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery
PubMed: 29936199
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2018.05.743 -
Journal of Visceral Surgery Dec 2018Transanal excision (TAE) is increasingly used in the treatment of early rectal cancer because of lower rate of both postoperative complications and postsurgical... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
Does previous transanal excision for early rectal cancer impair surgical outcomes and pathologic findings of completion total mesorectal excision? Results of a systematic review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Transanal excision (TAE) is increasingly used in the treatment of early rectal cancer because of lower rate of both postoperative complications and postsurgical functional disorders as compared with total mesorectal excision (TME) OBJECTIVE: To compare in a meta-analysis surgical outcomes and pathologic findings between patients who underwent TAE followed by completion proctectomy with TME (TAE group) for early rectal cancer with unfavorable histology or incomplete resection, and those who underwent primary TME (TME group).
METHODS
The Medline and Cochrane Trials Register databases were searched for studies comparing short-term outcomes between patients who underwent TAE followed by completion TME versus primary TME. Studies published until December 2016 were included. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.0 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK).
RESULTS
Meta-analysis showed that completion TME after TAE was significantly associated with increased reintervention rate (OR=4.28; 95% CI, 1.10-16.76; P≤0.04) and incomplete mesorectal excision rate (OR=5.74; 95% CI, 2.24-14.75; P≤0.0003), as compared with primary TME. However there both abdominoperineal amputation and circumferential margin invasion rates were comparable between TAE and TME groups.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis suggests that previous TAE impaired significantly surgical outcomes and pathologic findings of completion TME as compared with primary TME. First transanal approach during completion TME might be evaluated in order to decrease technical difficulties.
Topics: Humans; Margins of Excision; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm, Residual; Rectal Neoplasms; Rectum; Reoperation; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29657063
DOI: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2018.03.008 -
Anticancer Research Apr 2018Several studies report outcomes of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS) surgery in combination with radiotherapy, however the combination of those treatments is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Radiotherapy May Offer a Recurrence and Survival Benefit in Rectal Cancers Treated Surgically with Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND/AIM
Several studies report outcomes of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS) surgery in combination with radiotherapy, however the combination of those treatments is provided mostly on an adhoc individual basis and the role of radiotherapy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of neo-adjuvant or adjuvant radiotherapy in the oncological outcomes of rectal cancer treated surgically with TEMS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the literature on MEDLINE and Pubmed databases. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and meta-analyzed using an inverse variance heterogeneity model to calculate overall (pooled) effect sizes for survival or recurrence of disease against neo+/-adjuvant treatment.
RESULTS
A total of 48 studies were included in the qualitative meta-analysis which included 3,285 patients with rectal cancer. The overall survival odds ratio (OR), was 9.39 (95% CI=6.1-14.4) with a Cochran's Q variable of 151.7 on 47 degrees of freedom (d.f.) (p=0.000). Recurrence-free OR was 8.7 (95%CI=6.58-11.44) with a Cochran's Q variable of Q=145.2 on 44 d.f. (p=0.000). Studies which contained more than 10% of pT3 tumours, and provided neo+/-adjuvant treatment in more than 35% of cases, were associated with survival benefit, as demonstrated by an overall odds of survival of 32.2 (95%CI=16.3-63.5, p=0.001, Q=8.4, p=0.21). Studies that contained more than 10% of pT3 tumours and provided neo+/-adjuvant treatment in more than 20% of the cases had an overall effect size of recurrence-free odds of 20.23 (95%CI=13.84-29.57, p=0.000, Q=2.18, p=0.54).
CONCLUSION
There seems to be a benefit from radiotherapy on overall survival and recurrence-free odds, which is more apparent in cohorts with more than 10% of pT3 tumours. Our results suggest that neo-adjuvant or adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered for inclusion in formal treatment protocols for rectal cancers treated with TEMS as they offer a recurrence and survival benefit.
Topics: Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectal Neoplasms; Survival Analysis; Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29599303
DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.12425 -
Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences Dec 2018While open, microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling remain the gold standards for treatment of cerebral aneurysms, a growing number of aneurysms treated via...
INTRODUCTION
While open, microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling remain the gold standards for treatment of cerebral aneurysms, a growing number of aneurysms treated via endoscopic endonasal methods have been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to gain a more thorough appreciation of the potential benefits and drawbacks of the endoscopic endonasal strategy in this setting.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We performed a detailed systematic review of the medical literature on endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery for treatment of cerebral aneurysms utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We identified 9 clinical studies describing treatment of 23 aneurysms utilizing the EEA. Eleven additional cadaveric studies investigating aspects of operative exposure and/or technique in this setting were identified. The full text of these articles was reviewed.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
In the 9 clinical studies that met inclusion criteria, 23 aneurysms were treated in 21 patients. The mean patient age was 52.6 years. 15 aneurysms were unruptured and 8 were ruptured. Fourteen aneurysms involved the anterior circulation and 9 involved the posterior circulation. In 21 of 23 aneurysms, complete occlusion was achieved with endonasal clipping. Two aneurysms required additional treatment that included a takeback for clip repositioning and staged endovascular coiling. Complications included post-operative CSF leak (23.8%), stroke (19%), and meningitis (14.3%). Analysis of the combined literature revealed a significantly higher rate of CSF leak with endonasal clipping of posterior circulation aneurysms compared to anterior circulation aneurysms (P=0.047, Fisher's Exact Test). While there was a trend towards increased post-operative neurologic deficit following EEA for posterior circulation aneurysms, this did not reach statistical significance (P=0.063). The majority of post-operative complications in posterior circulation aneurysms occurred during clip application of aneurysms at the level of the basilar apex. In addition to the aforementioned clinical reports, 11 cadaveric studies were identified. 4 of these reports investigated approaches for individual anterior circulation aneurysms, 5 investigated approaches for posterior circulations aneurysms, and 2 involved both anterior and posterior circulation aneurysms.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite a moderate increase in utilization, caution should be exercised when choosing an endonasal strategy for treatment of aneurysmal pathology over more traditional and established methods such as microsurgical clip application and endovascular methods. Anecdotal evidence suggests that inferior and/or medial projecting aneurysms involving the paraclinoid ICA not amenable to traditional open/endovascular strategies may be reasonable to consider for EEA clip application. Wide-necked, midline, ventrolaterally-projecting aneurysms involving the vertebrobasilar system may represent an additional exception, as long as the location along the rostrocaudal axis is low enough so as not to compromise visualization. Future improvements in operative technology, including anticipated advances in endoscopic 3-D visualization, may further alter the landscape of treatment involving this complex pathology.
Topics: Humans; Intracranial Aneurysm; Microsurgery; Middle Aged; Neuroendoscopy; Neurosurgical Procedures; Skull Base; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 29582975
DOI: 10.23736/S0390-5616.18.04405-3 -
Techniques in Coloproctology Mar 2018Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS), but in several countries it has still not been widely adopted. LCS training is... (Review)
Review
Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS), but in several countries it has still not been widely adopted. LCS training is associated with several challenges, such as patient safety concerns and a steep learning curve. Current evidence may facilitate designing of efficient training curricula to overcome these challenges. Basic training with virtual reality simulators has witnessed meteoric advances and may be essential during the early parts of the learning curve. Cadaveric and animal model training still constitutes an indispensable training tool, due to a higher degree of difficulty and greater resemblance to real operative conditions. In addition, recent evidence favors the use of novel training paradigms, such as proficiency-based training, case selection and modular training. This review summarizes the recent advances in LCS training and provides the evidence for designing an efficient training curriculum to overcome the challenges of LCS training.
Topics: Cadaver; Colorectal Surgery; Curriculum; Educational Measurement; Humans; Internship and Residency; Laparoscopy; Learning Curve; Models, Animal; Patient Safety; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Simulation Training; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 29512045
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-018-1760-y -
Surgical Endoscopy Jun 2018Since 2010, comparative studies on transanal and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) have been published and it remains unclear about the oncological benefit... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Since 2010, comparative studies on transanal and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) have been published and it remains unclear about the oncological benefit from transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME).
METHODS
We have searched English databases to identify all taTME studies published between January 2010 and August 2017. Pathological outcomes included circumferential resection margin (CRM), positive CRM (< 1 M), length of distal resection margin (DRM), positive DRM, quality of mesorectum (complete mesorectum), harvested lymph node, and length of the specimen. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes and weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous outcomes.
RESULTS
We have included ten studies comprising of 762 patients. Compared with laparoscopic TME, taTME had a longer CRM (WMD, 0.833; 95% CI 0.366-1.299; P < 0.001), a lower positive rate of CRM (OR, 0.505; 95% CI 0.258-0.991; P = 0.047), and a longer DRM (WMD, 6.261; 95% CI 1.049-11.472; P = 0.019). There were no significant differences in other pathological outcomes. Both cumulative meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis were unable to detect potential sources of the heterogeneity in DRM. There was no evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis revealed that taTME had more advantages on positive CRM, CRM, and DRM compared with laparoscopic TME. Compared with laparoscopic TME, more benefits of taTME on pathological outcomes remained undetected. The current findings are all based on observational studies, RCTs with adequate power are required.
Topics: Humans; Laparoscopy; Odds Ratio; Proctectomy; Rectal Neoplasms; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29464401
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-018-6103-6 -
Techniques in Coloproctology Dec 2017Transanal local excision (TLE) has become the treatment of choice for benign and early-stage selected malignant tumors. However, closure of the rectal wall defect... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Transanal local excision (TLE) has become the treatment of choice for benign and early-stage selected malignant tumors. However, closure of the rectal wall defect remains a controversial point and the available literature still remains unclear. Our aim was to determine through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of relevant studies whether or not the wall defect following TLE of rectal tumors should be closed.
METHODS
Medline and the Cochrane Trials Register were searched for trials published up to December 2016 comparing open versus closed management of the surgical rectal defect after TLE of rectal tumors. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.0.
RESULTS
Four studies were analyzed, yielding 489 patients (317 in the closed group and 182 in the open group). Meta-analysis showed no significant difference between the closed and open groups regarding the overall morbidity rate (OR 1.26; 95% CI 0.32-4.91; p = 0.74), postoperative local infection rate (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.23-1.62; p = 0.33), postoperative bleeding rate (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.29-1.77; p = 0.63), and postoperative reintervention rate (OR 2.21; 95% CI 0.52-9.47; p = 0.29).
CONCLUSIONS
This review and meta-analysis suggest that there is no difference between closure or non-closure of wall defects after TLE.
Topics: Humans; Postoperative Hemorrhage; Rectal Neoplasms; Reoperation; Surgical Wound Infection; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery; Wound Closure Techniques
PubMed: 29134387
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-017-1714-9