[Two cases of rectal NET excised by laparoscopic surgery]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are graded by malignancy potential, with Grade 1 NETs considered low risk.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) classification guides NET diagnosis, emphasizing grade and metastasis.
• Rectal NETs, despite low grade, may present with lymph node metastasis, complicating management.

Observation:

• Two cases of rectal NET treated with laparoscopic surgery are presented.
• Detailed evaluation of tumor diameter, invasion extent, and histological features (cell variant, nuclear atypia, ductal invasion) is crucial.
• These factors provide additional prognostic information beyond WHO grading.

Findings:

• Grade 1 rectal NETs can exhibit lymph node metastasis.
• Laparoscopic excision is a viable surgical approach for rectal NET.
• Tumor characteristics significantly influence the risk of metastasis and surgical strategy.

Implications:

• Surgical indications for rectal NET require careful consideration of multiple factors.
• Accurate pathological assessment is vital for predicting prognosis and guiding treatment.
• Further research into optimal surgical strategies for rectal NET is warranted.