OBJECTIVES: Clinical natural orifice surgery has been applied for abdominal surgery in recent years. Despite potential advantages of transcolonic NOTES for colorectal diseases, it was since now not yet clinically applied. The study describes the first successful human application of transcolonic NOTES in the literature, in a new transrectal TME procedure for rectal cancer. METHODS: IRB approval was obtained at the institution for the study, and the patient signed informed consent. In a 54yrs-old male patient with a rectal adenocarcinoma, total mesorectal resection and rectosigmoidectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed using a posterior transcolonic access 3cm from the anal verge. Mesorectal dissection was achieved using a flexible colonoscope and endoscopic instrumentation and laparoscopic assistance. The specimen was extracted transanally, and transorificial anastomosis was performed, with proximal stoma. RESULTS: Operative time was 350 min, no intraoperative complications occurred. The postoperative course was uneventful, patient was discharged after 6 days. CONCLUSION: Successful first human report on Transcolonic NOTES potentially brings new fronteers and applications for minimally invasive surgery. The treatment of colorectal diseases through a flexible Perirectal NOTES Access (PNA) is a promising new approach besides existing laparoscopic and open surgery to improve patient care.
Rectal cancer; Total mesorectal excision; colorectal surgery; TME; Natural orifice surgery; NOTES; Transcolonic; Perirectal NOTES Access; PNA; Minimally invasive surgery
