Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision.

This article describes the operative technique that my colleagues and I apply to total mesorectal excision in patients with rectal cancer. A body of data support improvement of short-term outcomes over open resection. Although long-term data remain scarce, several ongoing trials may clarify this deficiency. The appropriateness of laparoscopy in the treatment for rectal cancer should be carefully weighed with consideration of patient preferences, surgeon experience, and available infrastructure.