ABSTRACT
Laparoscopic surgical techniques still have not been adopted as a standard treatment
for rectal cancer. Since having been first described, important steps have been undertaken
to demonstrate oncologic principles including high vascular ligation, total mesorectal
excision, and the preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves. Most evidence regarding
outcomes is based on small-scale retrospective or nonrandomized prospective studies.
Recent data regarding the port-site recurrence are lower than initially reported and
data regarding the long-term oncologic outcome have not shown disadvantages. We believe
the proven short-term benefits of laparoscopic colon surgery are also applicable to
laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. In addition, this technique has the potential
to allow a better oncologic resection with a better short-term functional outcome.
This article will focus on current published experience and will also briefly describe
the authors' technique and personal experience with this procedure.
KEYWORD
Rectal neoplasms - surgical procedures - laparoscopy - total mesorectal excision
