Figure 1.

Laparoscopic procedure 1. (A) Mobilization of the left side colon was performed in the internal approach from lateral-to-medial retroperitoneal dissection. Lymphadenectomy around the inferior mesenteric artery and ligation of this artery was performed. The surgeon elected to perform either division at the radix of the inferior mesenteric artery or preservation of the left colonic artery. (B) Internal approach: In the medial-lateral approach, the second and the third procedures were implemented in reverse order. (C) Lateral approach. (D) Mobilization of the rectum and excision of the mesorectum were performed.