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Published on: May 10, 2024
Management of intra- and postoperative complications during TEM/TAMIS procedures: a systematic review
Xavier Serra-Aracil1, Jesus Badia-Closa2, Anna Pallisera-Lloveras2
1Colorectal Unit, Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Parc Taulí University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain - xserraa@gmail.com.
Introduction:
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a safe procedure and the rates of intra- and postoperative complications are low. The information in the literature on the management of these complications is limited, and so their importance may be either under- or overestimated (which may in turn lead to under- or overtreatment). The present article reviews the most relevant series of TEM procedures and their complications and describes various approaches to their management.
Evidence Acquisition:
A systematic review of the literature, including TEM series of more than 150 cases each. We analyzed the population characteristics, surgical variables and intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Evidence Synthesis:
A total of 1043 records were found. After review, 1031 were excluded. The review therefore includes 12 independent cohorts of TEM procedures with a total of 4395 patients. The rate of perforation into the peritoneal cavity was 5.1%, and conversion to abdominal approach was required in 0.8% of cases. The most frequent complications were acute urinary retention (AUR, 4.9%) and rectal bleeding (2.2%). Less common complications included abscesses (0.99%) and rectovaginal fistula (0.62%). Mortality rates were low, with a mean value of 0.29%.
Conclusions:
Awareness and knowledge of TEM complications and their management can play an important role in their treatment and patient safety. Here, we present a review of the most important TEM series and their complication rates and describe various approaches to their management.
Insights
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a safe procedure with low complication rates. This review details TEM complications and management strategies, enhancing patient safety and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive technique for rectal lesion removal.
- Limited literature exists on managing TEM-related complications, potentially leading to undertreatment or overtreatment.
- Understanding complication rates and management is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review relevant Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) series and their associated complications.
- To describe various management approaches for identified TEM complications.
- To provide evidence-based guidance for optimizing patient outcomes after TEM.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) series with over 150 cases each.
- Analysis of population characteristics, surgical variables, and intraoperative/postoperative complications.
- Inclusion of 12 independent cohorts totaling 4395 patients.
Main Results:
- Perforation into the peritoneal cavity occurred in 5.1% of cases; conversion to abdominal approach in 0.8%.
- Most frequent complications included acute urinary retention (4.9%) and rectal bleeding (2.2%).
- Lower incidence complications: abscesses (0.99%) and rectovaginal fistula (0.62%); low mortality (0.29%).
Conclusions:
- Knowledge of Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) complications and their management is vital for effective treatment and patient safety.
- This review consolidates data on TEM complication rates and management strategies.
- Awareness of these findings can guide clinical practice and improve patient care.
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