Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection.

Ten patients with carcinoma of the lower rectum and anus underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection. They were 7 male and 3 female patients. The ages ranged from 32 to 81 years. The technique is fully described. The immediate results were satisfactory. There was 1 case of postoperative bleeding that required open surgery and 1 case of threatened colostomy gangrene that was easily corrected. There was no mortality. The advantages were less pain, less scar, easier care of the colostomy site, quicker return of bowel function, and less manipulation of the cancer. The laparoscopic approach was as efficient as open surgery.