RESUMEN
Objective To explore the feasibility of laparoscopy-assisted total mesorectal excision(TME) for anterior resection of rectal cancer.Methods The clinical records of 42 patients with rectal cancer who underwentlaparoscopic TME from April 2006 to July 2008 were analyzed retrospectively.Results All the laparoscopic TME with anal sphincter preservation operations were successful;no case was converted to open procedure.The distal end of rectum was anastomosed by a reusable linear stapler.The average operative time was 195 min(170-230 min) and the operative blood loss 15 mL(10-30 mL).The time for bowel functionrecovery was 32 hours.One patient had postoperative dysuria,and one had intraoperative subcutaneousemphysema.No anastomotic leakage or infection of incisional wound occurred.Conclusions Laparoscopy-assisted anterior resection for rectal cancer is safe and feasible.