The authors have carried out laparoscopically assisted abdomino-perineal rectal resections on a selected group of 8 patients during the past two years. The laparoscopic technique was not accompanied by any complications, while the patients enjoyed the benefits of the procedure. The bowel function of the patients were restored on the 2nd to 3rd day, the mean length of the hospital stay was 8.3 days. On the basis of their own favourable initial experience and recent literature data, the authors discuss the benefits, disadvantages and pitfalls of the laparoscopically assisted technique for surgical treatment of colorectal cancer. The problematics of oncological radicality is analysed.