Several large case series and single-institution trials have shown that laparoscopy is feasible for rectal cancer. Pending the results of the UK CLASICC, COLOR II, Japanese JCOG 0404, and ACOSOG Z6051 trials, the oncologic and long-term safety of laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery is unclear and the technique is best used at centers that can effectively collect and analyze outcomes data. Robotic and endoluminal techniques may change our approach to the treatment of rectal cancer in the future. Training, credentialing, and quality control are important considerations as new and innovative surgical treatments for rectal cancer are developed.
