OBJECTIVETo evaluate the laparoscopy combined with transperineal extralevator abdominoperineal excision (TP-ELAPE) for locally advanced low rectal caner.

METHODSClinical data of 12 patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopy combined with TP-ELAPE in our department from May 2013 to March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 male and 4 female patients with median aged of 63 (46 to 72) years. The median distance from tumor lower margin to anal verge was 3.5(2.0 to 4.0) cm. A self-made transanal suit for minimally invasive operation was used to make a sealed lacuna outside the sphincter, thus laparoscope can be applied to perform transperineal operation.

RESULTSAll the patients underwent operations successfully without conversion to open abdominal operation. The median operating time was 206 (180 to 280) minutes with perineal operating time 95(80 to 120) minutes. The median intraoperative blood loss was 120(50 to 200) ml. The median postoperative hospital stay was 12(9 to 18 ) days. Postoperative pathology revealed that all circumferential margins (CRM) were negative. The area of sample horizontal section was (2 824±463) mm(2), and of outer muscularis propria was(2 190±476) mm(2). Postoperative complications included chronic sacrococcygeal region pain in 2 cases, urinary retention in 3 cases, perineal wound infection in 1 case. No perineal seroma, perineal hernia, wound dehiscence and sinus tract formation were observed. Among 8 patients with preoperative normal sexual function, sexual dysfunction occurred in 2 patients. There was no local recurrence and metastasis during a median follow-up of 21(12 to 34) months.

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopy combined with TP-ELAPE has the potential to simplify the operation procedure for low rectal cancer, can ensure the radical treatment and safety of operation, and may be carried out in experienced centers.