Tissue trauma, as reflected by systemic cytokine response, was less after laparoscopic resection than after open resection of rectosigmoid carcinoma. The difference in the systemic cytokine response may have implications on the long-term survival.

The immediate and medium-term results of laparoscopic-assisted resection of rectosigmoid carcinoma are promising.

Laparoscopic-assisted abdominoperineal resection allowed earlier postoperative recovery, with equal oncological clearance, morbidity, mortality, disease-free interval, and survival.