Intermittent double-layer closure for full-thickness defect after super minimally invasive stepwise resection of early rectal cancer

Endoscopic local resection is increasingly regarded as a feasible alternative to radical surgery for specific early rectal cancer patients, preserving organ function and reducing the incidence of complications [1] [2]. However, the safe closure of large full-thickness defects after local full-thickness resection remains challenging [3]. This report describes a novel solution – the application of super minimally invasive stepwise full-thickness resection combined with an intermittent double-layer closure technique. Stepwise full-thickness resection is a new technique that combines endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with direct full-thickness resection, using the exposed muscular layer after ESD for the first layer of closure; then, the second layer of closure is performed from mucosa to mucosa.

The patient was an 81-year-old female admitted for early rectal cancer. After a comprehensive assessment, she underwent super minimally invasive stepwise full-thickness resection and the defect was successfully closed using the intermittent double-layer closure technique ([Fig. 1], [Video 1]). The mucosal layer around the lesion was circumferentially resected and trimmed to the submucosa ([Fig. 1] a). The intrinsic muscular layer was fully exposed using the tissue clip―rubber band-assisted traction technique ([Fig. 1] b). Under a clear field of vision, the location of the central cancer focus was determined, and the muscular layer was incised until the rectal mesenteric fat tissue was visible. The full-thickness resection was performed at this site, leaving a defect of approximately 2.5 cm × 2.2 cm, with the full-thickness defect being about 2.0 cm × 1.6 cm ([Fig. 1] c, d). After hemostasis with electrocautery and cauterization of the wound edge, several tissue clips were used to align and suture the muscular layer to the muscular layer ([Fig. 1] e). The wound surface narrowed after the muscular layer closure, and then, the mucosal layer to mucosal layer was aligned and sutured in the same way, ultimately achieving a tight closure of the wound ([Fig. 1] f). The lesion size was recorded from the serosal layer and the mucosal layer, respectively ([Fig. 1] g, h). The patient had no postoperative bleeding or delayed perforation and was discharged after one week of recovery.

Fig. 1 The technical steps of intermittent double-layer closure of the wound after super minimally invasive stepwise full-thickness resection for early rectal cancer. a The mucosal layer was circumferentially incised with an electrocautery knife, and part of the submucosal layer was stripped. b Tissue clip and rubber band were used to assist in traction, fully exposing the muscular layer. c After incising the muscular layer, the lesion was resected in full thickness. Extra-luminal adipose tissue was visible in the surgical area (arrow). d Postoperative wound surface after full-thickness resection of the lesion. e The wound surface of the intrinsic muscular layer was closed with tissue forceps. f The wound surface of the mucosal layer was closed with tissue forceps, achieving complete wound closure. g Observation of the serosal surface of the gross specimen, approximately 2.0 cm × 1.6 cm in size. h Observation of the mucosal surface of the gross specimen, approximately 2.5 cm × 2.2 cm in size.

Intermittent double-layer closure for full-thickness defect after super minimally invasive stepwise resection of early rectal cancer.Video 1

The super minimally invasive stepwise resection combined with intermittent double-layer closure technique can improve the safety of local resection for digestive tract tumors and is a feasible and effective method. By double-layer suturing of the intrinsic muscular layer and mucosal layer, it can minimize dead space to the greatest extent, potentially reduce the risk of infection, and promote healing.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AQ_2AK

Publication History

Article published online:
22 August 2025

• References

• 1 Tan S, Xu C, Ma H. et al. Local resection versus radical resection for early-stage rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Colorectal Dis 2022; 37: 1467-1483
• 2 de Wilt JHW, Bach SP. Is it time for a paradigm shift in early rectal cancer treatment?. Ann Oncol 2023; 34: 336-338
• 3 Brown C, Raval MJ, Phang PT. et al. The surgical defect after transanal endoscopic microsurgery: open versus closed management. Surg Endosc 2017; 31: 1078-1082