Trans-anal resection of low rectal neoplasms
Di Mauro, S.; Belnome, N.A.; Salibra, M.; Bartolo, V.; La Malfa, G.; Turrisi, M.
Minerva Chirurgica 56(2): 119-124
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4733 PMID: 11353343 Document Number: 526176
The rising incidence of colorectal neoplasms, and in particular those localised in the lower rectum is stressed and the therapeutic opportunities offered by the trans-anal resection technique are underlined. The indispensable conditions for adopting a surgical approach are pointed out. These are identified as the size of the neoplasm, which should not exceed 4 cm, the fixity, site, the polypoid and non-ulcerated nature of the lesion, and the involvement of not more than 1/4 of the circumference of the bowel. Using these inclusion criteria, the authors operated on five patients in the 4th Division of General Surgery at G. Martino Polyclinic in Messina, using trans-anal resection of low rectal neoplasm. No hemorrhagic complications or lesions in the visceral wall occurred. All patients underwent a follow-up of up to 36 months and to date no patient has presented long-term metastasis; local recidivation was observed in one patient after 14 months and this was treated using the trans-anal method. The authors affirm that trans-anal resection may be regarded as the elective treatment of patients with neoplasms confined to the visceral wall and without dissemination; it is palliative in cases where the tumour is larger than 4 cm, with lymph node involvement. But even in this case, and in more advanced situations, this method allows mortality due to occlusive complications to be reduced and ensures a better quality of residual life.