title: Laparoscopically assisted abdomino-perineal excision of the rectum. Is it of benefit to our patients?
abstract: We believe that by utilising a minimal access surgical approach we are able to more suitably meet the needs of a particular group of patients who would otherwise experience a substantial amount of pain for relatively small gain. The advent of therapeutic laparoscopy and its growing applications in general surgery represent a tremendous advance in the surgical treatment of intra-abdominal disease. The laparoscope is a widely accepted diagnostic tool and has recently gained popularity as an alternative to major open abdominal surgery. The advantages of MAS are quoted most regularly as being the absence of a large abdominal wound, a shorter hospital stay, reduced pain and a more expeditious return to normal activity. Preliminary results suggest that in experienced hands colon resections yield adequate surgical specimens and may be preferable to an open technique in terms of comfort and recovery.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Turnbull
mesh_terms: D003125:Colostomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome