Laparoscopic assisted abdominoperineal resection.

A technique is described for laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR). Three of four such cases could be successfully completed laparoscopically. One major complication was directly related to the laparoscopic approach, an enterotomy caused by the Babcock clamp, which was discovered at the time of conversion to laparotomy for bleeding. A minor complication related to the laparoscopic procedure, subcutaneous emphysema, required no treatment. There was one postoperative death unrelated to the laparoscopic technique. The intraoperative advantage was enhanced visualization; the intraoperative disadvantages were increased operative time and cost. Postoperative advantages were earlier mobilization, oral intake, and discharge; decreased pain; and improved cosmesis. Laparoscopic APR is both feasible and safe and with more experience should prove to be cost effective.