Transanal resection: a novel approach

Due to the increase in screening programs, more rectal polyps and early rectal cancers are detected. Transanal resection of these lesions is less invasive than a transabdominal approach. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has gained a lot of interest, but the technique has several drawbacks such as the expensive instrumentation and considerable learning curve. With the evolution of single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), new devices have become available. This led to the development of a hybrid technique of transanal surgery. The technique combines a transanal approach, a SILS port and standard laparoscopic instruments. We used this technique in 2 cases.