Defining the learning curve of transanal total mesorectal excision: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Details
Publication Year 2022-03,Volume 92,Issue #3,Page 355-364
Journal Title
ANZ Journal of Surgery
Publication Type
Review
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) represents a novel approach to rectal dissection. Although many structured training programs have been developed worldwide to assist surgeons in implementing this new technique, the learning curve (LC) of taTME has yet to be conclusively defined. This is particularly important given the concerns regarding the complication profile and oncological safety of taTME. The aim of this review was to provide an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of the LC for taTME, comparing the difference of outcomes between the LC and after learning curve (ALC) groups. METHODS: An up-to-date systematic review was performed on the available literature between 2010-2020 on PubMed, EMBASE, Medline and Cochrane Library databases. All studies comparing taTME procedures before and after LC were analysed. RESULTS: Seven retrospective studies of prospectively collected databases were included, comparing 333 (51.0%) patients in the LC group and 320 (49.0%) patients in the ALC group. There was a significantly reduced number of adverse intra-operative events, anastomotic leaks and improved quality of mesorectal excision in the ALC group. CONCLUSION: This review shows that there is a significant improvement in clinical outcomes between the LC and ALC groups which supports the need for careful mastery and ongoing technical refinement during the LC in taTME. This procedure should be performed on a subset of carefully selected patients in the hands of experienced and well-trained teams dedicated to ongoing audit.
Keywords
Humans; *Laparoscopy/adverse effects/methods; Learning Curve; Postoperative Complications/etiology; *Rectal Neoplasms/complications/surgery; Rectum/surgery; Retrospective Studies; *Transanal Endoscopic Surgery/adverse effects/methods; Treatment Outcome; proctorship; transanal TME
Department(s)
Surgical Oncology
PubMed ID
34676655
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