Transanal extraction of the specimen during laparoscopic colectomy

To assess the current state of the art of transanal specimen extraction in colonic resections.A systematic literature search was conducted including the terms 'transrectal or transanal specimen extraction', 'Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction' and 'laparoscopic colectomy' for the period from 1955 to May 2011. Exclusion criteria were abdomino-perineal resections, pull-through technique, experimental studies and paediatric population.Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 154 patients. The overall postoperative complication rate was 10%. The risks of peritoneal contamination and sphincter dysfunction were evaluated by a single study of each.Transanal extraction is a feasible option to minimize incisions in colorectal surgery.