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Endoscopic tattooing to aid tumour localisation in colon cancer: the need for standardisation

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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background/aims

An increasing number of colon and rectal tumours are being resected using laparoscopic techniques. Identifying these tumours intraoperatively can be difficult. The use of tattooing can facilitate an easier resection; however, the lack of standardised guidelines can potentially lead to errors intraoperatively and potentially result in worse outcomes for patients. The aim of this study was to identify the most reliable method of preoperative tumour localisation from the available literature to date.

Methods

A literature review was undertaken to identify any articles related to endoscopic tattooing and tumour localisation during colorectal surgery.

Results

To date there is still mixed evidence regarding tattooing techniques and the choice of ink that should be used. There are numerous studies demonstrating safe tattooing techniques and highlighting the risks and benefits of different types of ink available.

Conclusion

Based on the available studies we have recommended a standardised approach to endoscopic tattooing of colorectal tumours prior to laparoscopic resection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Colorectal Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland

    I. S. Reynolds, M. H. Majeed, I. Soric, M. Whelan, J. Deasy & D. A. McNamara

Authors
  1. I. S. Reynolds
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  2. M. H. Majeed
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  3. I. Soric
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  4. M. Whelan
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  5. J. Deasy
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  6. D. A. McNamara
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to I. S. Reynolds or D. A. McNamara.

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Funding

There was no source of funding for this article.

Conflict of interest

Ian Reynolds declares that he has no conflict of interest, Muhammad Hamid Majeed declares that he has no conflict of interest, Igor Soric declares that he has no conflict of interest, Maria Whelan declares that she has no conflict of interest, Joseph Deasy declares that he has no conflict of interest and Deborah McNamara declares that she has no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained by the patient whose pictures are included in this study.

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Reynolds, I.S., Majeed, M.H., Soric, I. et al. Endoscopic tattooing to aid tumour localisation in colon cancer: the need for standardisation. Ir J Med Sci 186, 75–80 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-016-1502-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-016-1502-y

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