Fig. 1

TVSE surgical procedure. a High tie of the inferior mesenteric artery and inferior mesenteric vein. b A 4­cm posterior colpotomy was performed. c Transvaginal exteriorization of the colon. d Endoluminal, proximal anastomotic site exteriorized. e Plastic bag with the specimen was removed through the vaginal incision. f Endoluminal, through a colpotomy above the diseased segment, proximal anastomotic site not exteriorized. g The posterior incisions were closed using a self­anchoring barbed suture. h Intracorporeal end-to-end colorectal anastomosis. i Postoperative abdominal wall without auxiliary incision