Endoscopic transanal resection of large villous tumours of the rectum
Stephenson, B.M.; Ng, K.J.; Shandall, A.A.; Price-Thomas, J.M.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 74(1): 54-58
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-8843 PMID: 1445505 Document Number: 396879
Endoscopic transanal resection (ETAR) is an innovative approach in the management of low lying tumours of the rectum. We report our experience of this technique in six elderly patients (mean age 74 years) with large villous adenomas, situated between 2 and 12 cm from the anal verge. There were no complications. One patient with a circumferential tumour has been spared the more conventional operation of abdominoperineal excision. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 30 months (mean 16 months) during which two recurrences were detected. These were adequately treated by further ETARs. It is concluded that ETAR is a simple and well-tolerated procedure and is a useful addition to the surgeon's armamentarium.