Transvaginal resection of a rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor

We herein report a case in which a rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) was resected transvaginally. The patient, a 45-year-old female, had a rectal GIST on the anterior wall of the lower rectum. The tumor was within 6 cm of the anal verge, a location which would normally require performing an ultra-low anterior resection using the Double Staple Technique, and a diverting stoma. To minimize the invasiveness of treatment and to reduce the postoperative morbidity, a transvaginal resection was performed. Under general anesthesia, the posterior vaginal mucosa was incised vertically. The tumor was then excised en bloc with the overlying rectovaginal septum and rectal mesenchymal tissue. The defect was repaired primarily, and a diverting stoma was not required. The procedure was uncomplicated, and the patient was discharged home with an intact anal sphincter function and no abdominal incisions. In female patients, transvaginal resection of low anterior rectal lesions may provide a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional ultra-low anterior resection.