Laparoscopic versus open techniques in rectal cancer surgery: a retrospective analysis of 121 sphincter-saving procedures in a single institution.

Background: There are few reports that show that laparoscopic rectal surgery for rectal cancer had similar oncological results based on short-term benefits. The purpose of this study was to analyze our institutional short- and long-term results in laparoscopic rectal surgery and to compare these results with that reported in the literature.

Methods: The records of 121 patients who underwent sphincter-saving procedure for rectal cancer were reviewed.