A transanal procedure using TST STARR Plus for the treatment of Obstructed Defecation Syndrome: 'A mid-term study'.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the safety, efficacy and outcomes of TST STARR (Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection) plus to treat Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) at mid-term follow-up.

METHODS: From April 2013 to September 2014, 50 cases (7 male patients) with ODS caused by rectocele and/or internal rectal prolapse were treated with the new TST STARR Plus. Clinical data from the 18 month mid-term follow up, including efficacy and constipations were recorded.

RESULTS: The average duration of surgery was 21 ± 4 min (range 12-35 min). The average postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range 4-8 days). The pathological findings showed that the specimens contained full-thickness rectal tissue in all patients. The mean volume of resected specimen was 12.3 cm(3). Postoperative complications included five cases with transient faecal urgency that dissipated after 3 months; one patient suffered anastomotic bleeding on the sixth day after surgery, with successful haemostasis achieved through conservative therapy. The Wexner constipation score improved in patients affected by ODS from 13.96 ± 2.37 preoperatively to 7.00 ± 3.90, 7.28 ± 3.91, 8.10 ± 4.05 and 8.44 ± 4.08 at 3,6,12 and 18 months postoperatively, respectively, with all p < 0.05. Overall outcome was reported as ''excellent'' in 42% of patients, ''good'' in 36% of patients, ''adequate'' in 12% of patients, and ''poor'' in 10% of patients after 18 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: The TST STARR Plus is a simple, safe, and effective option for selected patients with ODS. Long-term prospective clinical studies are needed to validate the advantages of this emerging, novel procedure.