Endoscopic transanal resection (ETAR) of colorectal strictures in stapled anastomoses.

Anastomotic strictures complicating colorectal anastomoses can be difficult to treat. Endoscopic transanal resection (ETAR) using cutting electrocautery has been described for benign and malignant polypoid rectal lesions, but is not a well-recognised method of treating anastomotic strictures. There are possible theoretical risks to limit the effectiveness of this method in stapled anastomoses. We report five patients with stapled colorectal anastomotic strictures all treated successfully without complication by ETAR, and recommend this treatment option.