Transrectal NOTES Appendectomy - Feasibility Study

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Appendectomy, Laparoscopic, Endoscopy

In brief

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has revolutionized the concept of minimally invasive surgery. NOTES is currently performed through transgastric or transvaginal approaches. The transvaginal approach is technically easier, but is only available to women. A transrectal approach has been proposed as a potential alternative to transvaginal NOTES for men. Fortunately, the technology to facilitate transrectal access and closure for NOTES has been in use for over twenty years, in the form of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) platforms. We hypothesize that transrectal NOTES appendectomy is feasible in humans using a flexible endoscope and a TEM platform to assist with transrectal access and closure. After a pre-clinical study involving 5 cadavers, we will perform a clinical study of 10 transrectal NOTES appendectomies in patients already scheduled to undergo laparoscopic total proctocolectomy or total abdominal colectomy. The tissues involved in the NOTES procedure will be removed as part of the patient's originally scheduled operation, reducing the risk of morbidity as a result of an inadequate transrectal closure or appendiceal stump leak. We will measure operative times, complication rates, peritoneal contamination, and assess the integrity of the rectotomy closures. We hope to show that transrectal NOTES appendectomy is clinically feasible in humans using a TEM platform.

Key facts

Study ID
NCT01189916
Run by
Northwestern University
People needed
4
Starts
2010-08-01
Expected to finish
2013-10-01
Last updated by the study team
2015-02-13

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

You may not qualify if…

Where it is running

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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