Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision: a consecutive series of 100 patients.

Objective: To analyze total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer by the laparoscopic approach during a prospective nonrandomized trial.

Summary Background Data: Improved local control and survival rates in the treatment of rectal cancer have been reported after TME.

Methods: The authors conducted a prospective consecutive series of 100 laparoscopic TMEs for low and mid-rectal tumors.