Continence changes following transanal endoscopic microsurgery result from the impact on rectal capacity: clinical and functional evaluation before and after surgical treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Described in 1983 and with a stable clinical application, the impact of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery on anorectal function remains unknown. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the impact of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery on anorectal function according to clinical (Wexner score) and functional (anorectal manometry) evaluations before and after surgery. Method: Prospectively, 23 consecutive patients with rectal lesions were operated using TEO® equipment (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany). For all patients, the value of Wexner score was obtained before and after surgery (7, 30 and 90 days) and anorectal electromanometry was performed before surgery, and also postoperatively (30 and 90 days). Results: Fourteen patients were men. The mean age was 53.7 (24–81) years. The mean distance from the lesion to the pectineal line was 7 (2–15) cm. The histopathologic analysis revealed adenoma in 14 (61%); neuroendocrine tumor in 5 (21.7%); invasive carcinoma in 3 (13%); and hyperplastic polyp in 1 (4.3%) case. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 5 (3–7) months. Wexner score was significantly lower at 30 days compared to 7 days (Wilcoxon; p = 0.03). Rectal capacity was significantly lower 30 days after surgery and recovered at 90 days of surgery (ANOVA; p = 0.04). Conclusions: After Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery, a modest impact on anorectal function can be observed. The transient impairment results from loss of rectal capacity and not from impairment of the anal sphincters, being completely resolved 90 days after surgery.