[Laparoscopic rectal excision for cancer using total mesorectaol excision (TME). Long term outcome of a series of 179 patients].

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and the five-year survival of 179 consecutive patients with rectal carcinoma operated with a laparoscopic procedure between April 1992 and April 2003.

Methods: Patients with obstructing, bulky cancers were excluded from this study. Tumor stage was defined according to the TNM classification.

Laparoscopic left colon resection for diverticular disease.

Background: The aim of this study was to review our experience with laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease.

Methods: All patients presenting with acute or chronic diverticulitis, obstruction, abscess, or fistula were included. Symptomatic diverticular disease was the main surgical indication (95%).