title: Complex rectal polyps: other treatment modalities required when offering a transanal endoscopic microsurgery service.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Complex rectal polyps may present a clinical challenge. The study aim was to assess different treatment modalities required in the management of patients referred for transanal endoscopic microsurgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients referred with complex rectal polyps from 1998 to 2008 were entered prospectively to a colorectal database. These data was analyzed for referral pattern, histology, surgical procedures performed, and subsequent outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 209 patients referred (101 female, 108 male, median age of 65 years, range of 24-89), 132 (63%) were deemed suitable for transanal endoscopic microsurgery. Seventeen patients required a second staged procedure; three patients required an anterior resection at time of index surgery. Seventeen patients referred for transanal endoscopic microsurgery went direct to anterior resection, 37 underwent snare polypectomy (SP), and 17 patients underwent transanal excision. Six patients had no surgery (three unfit for anesthesia and three had no residual lesions). Thus, 37% of the patients referred for transanal endoscopic microsurgery required a different treatment modality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Majority of patients referred to our unit with complex rectal polyps were suitable for transanal endoscopic microsurgery. However, this study highlights that in offering a transanal microsurgery service, one should be prepared for a diversity of pathology necessitating a range of management options.
authors.affiliation: Division of Colorectal Surgery, The Adelaide & Meath Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. mylesjoyce@eircom.net
authors.forename: Myles R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Joyce
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eguare
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kiernan
authors.forename: Niall
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Swan
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Crotty
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Neary
authors.forename: Frank B V
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Keane
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D056888:Patient Positioning; D011127:Polyps / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011351:Proctoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D055815:Young Adult