Key words: rectal cancer, minimally invasive, ostomy reversal

"Safety and Implementation of New Single Port Access Techniques in Coloproctology"

Every year, 13,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed in the Netherlands. A third of all these tumors are in the rectum. This number will only increase due to the introduction of national screening programs. Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the preferred treatment for rectal cancer, but unfortunately, this surgery is very drastic for the patient. The first part of the thesis describes a new minimally invasive technique to remove the tumor and heal the patient through the patient's anus. Many of the patients have a stoma, a temporary outlet for stool on the abdomen. In many of these patients, this stoma is never replaced because it is considered a tricky and dangerous operation. Part two of this thesis uses the knowledge and technical skills gained in the first part to place the stoma back through the old stoma hole. A new technique that reduces complications and ensures that patients only have to stay in the hospital for a short time.