Staged anterior resection and TEM to preserve rectal function in synchronous malignant and benign rectal lesions.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally patients with a high rectosigmoid carcinoma and a synchronous large distal rectal adenoma would be treated by low anterior resection with associated loss of rectal function.

METHOD: Four patients with a carcinoma of the upper rectum or distal sigmoid colon and a synchronous distal rectal adenoma were treated by high anterior resection followed by staged Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) thus conserving the distal rectum. Preoperative and postoperative rectal function was assessed using the St. Mark's incontinence score.

RESULTS

The proximal carcinomas and distal adenomas were 12-18 cms and 0.5-9 cms respectively from the dentate line. The mean surface area of the distal adenomas was 9.7 cms2. There were no deaths or major complications. There were no recurrences after a mean follow-up of 31.5 months. Rectal function was unchanged in three patients with a minor increase in the score in one.

CONCLUSION

Staged high anterior resection and 'rEM offers effective treatment of synchronous rectosigmoid carcinoma and distal rectal adenoma with preservation of rectal function.