Removal of the Rectum and Permanent Colostomy (Abdomino-Perineal Resection and Colostomy)
 

A 1.0cm incision is made below the umbilicus to place a port for the camera. One 1.2cm and two 0.5cm incisions are made on the abdomen to place ports for the instruments.

 The surgeon stands on the patients right side. Only one assistant is necessary during laparoscopic colon surgery in contrast to traditional surgery in which two assistants are required. A robotic arm on the surgeon's side holds the camera. Two monitors are present: one at the foot the operating table and one at the patient's shoulder.

The rectum is freed from its internal attachments and transected above the diseased bowel. The proximal bowel is brought out through an opening that was marked prior to surgery as a colostomy. An incision is made from below around the rectum and the diseased rectum is removed. The incision is then closed.