title: Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy: total laparoscopic approach.
abstract: Laparoscopic surgery seems set to make a significant impact on the practice of colorectal surgery. However, to date, the majority of surgeons have used a technique of laparoscopic assistance whereby initial laparoscopic mobilization of the bowel is followed by extracorporeal mesenteric and bowel division and subsequent restoration of bowel continuity. This report describes a technique of totally laparoscopic left-sided colonic resection, transanal specimen delivery, and intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis. The technique employed is described in detail and the indications and controversies surrounding such an approach are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Academic Surgical Unit, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darzi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Super
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Guillou
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Monson
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D013536:Suture Techniques