Current Medicine Research and Practice (Jan 2011)

Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR): Results of the first Asian experience

  • B B Agarwal,
  • K Manish,
  • H Pandey,
  • R Doda,
  • V Agarwal,
  • K K Saxena

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 1, no. 3
pp. 118 – 122

Abstract

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Background: Obstructive defaecation syndrome (ODS) is an important clinical entity and stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) has become a ‘standard of care’ procedure for ODS. We report the first Asian experience of STARR. Methods: From April 2008 to June 2010, 76 properly selected patients of ODS underwent the STARR procedure. The patients were selected by following a uniform protocol incorporating clinical and imaging criteria. Standard informed consent ‘Fast Track Surgery’ and perioperative protocols were followed. Results: A total of 76 (48 males and 28 females) patients with a mean ODS score of 17 underwent the STARR procedure. The mean operating time was 50 minutes (range 45-55 minutes). No operative re-intervention was required. The mean ODS score improved from 17 to 5 with the improvement being maintained at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: STARR is a safe and effective treatment for patients with ODS.

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