Laparoscopic intracorporeal distal rectal transection with the CONTOUR(®) device

Laparoscopic rectal resection is considered technically more demanding than laparoscopic colectomy. Rectal transection is a challenging part of laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection and restorative proctocolectomy. We describe our technique for laparoscopic rectal transection with a curved cutter, a device initially designed for open surgery, combined with the use of a ring-mounted sterile drape that allows maintenance of sufficient intra-abdominal gas pressure in a series of 34 patients.