Objective: To explore the feasibility and safety of scarless laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer.
Methods: Clinical data of 26 patients who underwent scarless laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer from January 2011 to June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Lymph node dissection and transection of proximal and distal colon were performed in the conventional manner of total mesorectal excision (TME). The distal rectum 2 cm away from the tumor was closed with a linear stapler, and was pulled out through the anus. The specimen was extracted through the Alexis. The rectal opening was reclosed with a linear stapler. End-to-end colorectal anastomosis was performed using the double-stapling technique.
Results: The operation time was (126±35) min. The intraoperative blood loss was (33±61) ml. The number of harvested lymph nodes was 17.0±5.6. The time to first bowel movement was (2.7±1.3) d. The postoperative hospital stay was (7.9±2.6) d. Only one case developed anastomotic hemorrhage.
Conclusion: Scarless laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer is feasible.