Transanal specimen extraction in laparoscopic rectectomy without abdominal incision

Specimen extraction via natural orifice could decrease the number of abdominal incision in laparoscopic surgery. One patient with rectal cancer received laparoscopic rec tectomy in the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Harbin Medical University on November 7, 2013. During the operation, the specimen was extracted via anus. The operation time was 162 minutes, and the volume of intraoperative blood loss was 10 mL. The resection margin was negative. The patient recovered well with no incidence of complications. The patient was followed up for 1 month. The anal function was normal, and the stoma and the abdominal incision were well healed.