Use of the Harmonic Scalpel in open abdominoperineal surgery for rectal carcinoma.

We describe a technique of open abdominoperineal resection with the use of the Harmonic Scalpel™ in seven patients. Using this instrument we dissected all pelvic vessels, including the middle hemorrhoidal artery, with no subsequent bleeding. In addition, we divided the levator animuscles completely in the abdominal procedure alone.