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STARR with Contour Transtar: prospective multicentre European study
L Lenisa1, O Schwandner, A Stuto
1Department of Surgery, Casa di Cura San Pio X, Milan, Italy.
Summary
The Contour Transtar stapler offers good functional results for stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in patients with defecation disorders, similar to conventional methods. This new device aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of the STARR technique for internal rectal prolapse.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical innovation
Background:
- Defecation disorders due to internal rectal prolapse are often treated with stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR).
- Conventional STARR techniques are limited by the stapler's shape and capacity.
- A novel device, the Contour Transtar stapler, has been developed to enhance STARR procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Contour Transtar stapler in STARR procedures.
- To assess perioperative morbidity and functional outcomes in patients undergoing STARR with the new device.
Main Methods:
- A prospective European multicenter study involving 75 consecutive patients with defecation disorder.
- Patients underwent STARR using the Contour Transtar stapler between January and June 2007.
- Functional outcomes and complications were assessed using validated scores at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months post-procedure.
Main Results:
- The Transtar procedure was successfully performed in all 75 patients with low intraoperative difficulties (9%) and postoperative complications (7%).
- Significant improvements were observed in Obstructive Defecation Syndrome (ODS) scores (mean reduction -15.6) and Straining Score (SSS) (mean reduction -12.6).
- Continence status improved in 41% of patients, with only 5% experiencing deterioration.
Conclusions:
- The Contour Transtar stapler facilitates STARR procedures with good functional outcomes comparable to conventional STARR.
- While technically demanding, the new device demonstrates promising results for treating internal rectal prolapse and associated defecation disorders.
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