STARR with Contour Transtar: prospective multicentre European study.
OBJECTIVE
The stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in patients with defecation disorders is limited by the shape and capacity of the circular stapler. A new device has been recently developed, the Contour Transtar stapler, in order to improve the safety and effectiveness of the STARR technique. The study has been designed to confirm this declaration.


METHODS
From January to June 2007 a prospective European multicentre study of consecutive patients with defecation disorder caused by internal rectal prolapse underwent the new STARR technique. The assessment of perioperative morbidity and functional outcome after 6 weeks, 3 and 12 months was documented by different scores.


RESULTS
In all 75 patients, median age 64, the Transtar procedure was performed with 9% intraoperative difficulties, 7% postoperative complications and no mortality. The mean reduction of the ODS score was -15.6 (95%-CI: -17.3 to -13.8, P < 0.0001), mean reduction of SSS was -12.6 (95%-CI: -14.2 to -11.2; P < 0.0001). 41% stated improvement of their continence status by CCF score, only 4 patients (5%) had deterioration.


CONCLUSIONS
The Transtar procedure is technically demanding, with good functional results similar to the conventional STARR.
Lenisa
L
L
Department of Surgery, Casa di Cura San Pio X, Milan, Italy.
Schwandner
O
O
Stuto
A
A
Jayne
D
D
Pigot
F
F
Tuech
J J
JJ
Scherer
R
R
Nugent
K
K
Corbisier
F
F
Espin-Basany
E
E
Hetzer
F H
FH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D003248:Constipation / Q000601:surgery; D005060:Europe; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000601:surgery; D020047:Rectocele / Q000601:surgery; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D055815:Young Adult