title: Transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic colectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite the advantages of laparoscopic colon surgery, the need for an incision in the abdominal wall to remove the surgical specimen is a morbidity factor. The objective of this article is to introduce transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic colectomy, in order to avoid an abdominal incision.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2008 and 2011, 21 selected women with benign and malignant colorectal pathologies underwent laparoscopic colectomy and the extraction of the surgical specimen was done through a transvaginal access route. Of these patients, 12 had symptomatic diverticular disease, four had rectal villous adenomas, two had severe chronic constipation, and three had adenocarcinomas. We describe the surgical technique and the short-term outcomes related to the transvaginal specimen extraction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The procedure was successful in all cases. There were no immediate complications or mortality. At follow-up, between 2 and 34 months, there were no functional disorders associated with the transvaginal specimen extraction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Specimen removal of laparoscopic colectomies via the transvaginal route avoids the abdominal wall incision and its potential complications. It is feasible, safe, and simple to perform, with no additional costs, and provides excellent cosmetic results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, "José Francisco de San Martín" University Hospital, Corrientes, Lavalle 522, 3400, Corrientes, Argentina. ratorres@arnet.com.ar
authors.forename: Ricardo A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.forename: Raúl D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Orban
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tocaimaza
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vallejos Pereira
authors.forename: José René
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Arévalo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D014621:Vagina