Advantages of the laparoscopic approach for intersphincteric resection

Background Intersphincteric resection (IRS) is a surgical technique used to preserve sphincter function, mainly cases of low rectal cancer located less than 5 cm from the anal verge [1, 2]. There have been reports of laparoscopic ISR [3, 4], but discussion of the specific techniques used in this laparoscopic surgical procedure have not been sufficient. For better outcomes of this sophisticated procedure, extreme care must taken to prevent perforation of the rectal wall and to preserve the external sphincter muscle. The most difficult steps for ISR are the circular dissection and separation of the internal sphincter muscle from the external sphincter and puborectalis using the perineal approach. The authors’ techniques and the advantages of laparoscopic ISR are shown by a video presentation of three rectal tumor cases. Also, the perioperative outcomes for the patients who underwent laparoscopic ISR with this technique are described.