Rectal transection by the Nelaton catheter pulling method during a laparoscopic low anterior resection

A laparoscopic low anterior resection with double-stapling technique for lower rectal cancer is considered to be technically challenging because it is difficult to perform rectal transection and anastomosis in the narrow pelvic cavity.

We developed a new method for transecting the rectum with stapling a small number of cartridges. In laparoscopic low anterior resection, a 70-mm endovascular clip clamps the rectal wall at the anal side of the tumor. An endolinear stapler is applied at the rectal wall parallel and caudal to the 70-mm endovascular clip. A Nelaton catheter of 3.5 to 4.5 mm in outer diameter is inserted, and the loop of the Nelaton catheter is made behind the rectum. The Nelaton catheter loop is applied at the rectal wall parallel and caudal to the endolinear stapler and is pulled parallel the endolinear stapler toward the anterior side of the rectum. The endolinear stapler with opened jaws can be pushed deeper into the space, then the jaws can be closed in a position that can transect the rectum with one firing using only one cartridge.

Curative low anterior resection with rectal transection using the Nelaton catheter pulling method was performed in 13 patients with rectal cancer. The median value and range of tumor distance from the anal verge were 6.0 and 4.5 to 10.0 cm. The median duration of the operation was 284 minutes, and median blood loss was 10 mL. The number of stapling cartridges used for rectal transection was 1 in all cases, and there were no major complications.

We have demonstrated a safe, easy, and effective new transection method for rectal cancer resection using one firing with a Nelaton catheter.