Objective To evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) in treating mid-low rectal cancer. Methods From March 2005 to July 2008, 74 patients with mid-low rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic TME in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital were collected. The data of clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed. Results Laparoscopic TME was performed on 74 patients with mid-low rectal cancer. No operative death occurred in this group. No case was converted to open procedure. The mean operation time was 187 min. The mean operative blood loss was 90 ml. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 10 d. Bowel function was restored on 46 h after operation on average. The mean distance between tumor and the section edge was 3.1 cm. The average number of lymph node dissection was 19.7. The sphincter preservation rate was 97% in patients with tumor 6 cm above the anal verge. The follow-up times were 2-44 months, average 25 months. The incidence of complications was 9.5%. No tumor cell port site implantation or distant metastasis happened. One case was pelvic recurrence， no patient was dead.Conclusion Laparoscopic TME is a feasible, safe and minimally invasive technique for the patients with mid-low rectal cancer, achieving the principles of TME.
