A novel surgical stapling technique for rectal mass removal: a retrospective analysis

Both benign and malignant rectal masses occur in dogs. The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision with adjuvant therapy based on histopathological diagnosis and completeness of removal. Location of the mass within the rectum helps dictate the approach used. This paper describes the use of a novel technique for removal of rectal masses involving the distal third of the rectum in seven dogs. To perform this technique, the rectum is prolapsed and stay sutures are placed to maintain prolapse. A thoracoabdominal stapling device is placed at the base of the mass with a minimum of 0.5- to 1-cm margins, and the mass is amputated. Mean time to veterinarian follow-up was 564 days, and no dog had recurrence of disease during this time.