Mediastinal and retro-/intraperitoneal emphysema after stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR-operation) using the Contour Transtar® stapler in obstructive defecation syndrome

Excerpt

The stapled transanal rectum resection (STARR-operation) has been recently reported by Antonio Longo as a new surgical technique for treatment of the “obstructive defecation syndrome” with rather low morbidity and good clinical results. So far during a STARR operation the anterior and posterior rectal wall was resected. Thereby up to 6 cm of the distal rectal ampule was resected. With the use of the new Contour Transtar Curved Cutter Stapler® the STARR operation has been improved. In contrast to the normal STARR operation the “Transtar-operation” allows the resection of more rectal tissue with a better clinical effect. Nevertheless different complications after stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) with different clinical extent have been reported. This case shows the history of a patient who developed a retro-/intraperitoneal and mediastinal emphysema following “Transtar-operation”. …