Laparoscopic TME with APPEAR (Anterior and Perineal PlanE for ultra-low Anterior Resection of the Rectum) technique for distal rectal cancer

Background Laparoscopic sphincter saving rectal resection for low rectal cancer is hampered by narrow pelvis and limitations of current stapling devices [1]. The APPEAR (Anterior Perineal PlanE for Ultra-low Anterior Resection of the Rectum) was proposed by Williams et al. [2, 3] as an alternative to the abdominal-perineal resection to perform very low rectal resection and anastomosis through a perineal wound. We adapted the original technique to the laparoscopic approach, avoiding any other abdominal incision.