My 76 year old mother just completed 28 treatments of radiation/chem. We met with the surgeon last week and he has recommended laparoscopic surgery due to the very small size and location of the tumor. We were not given the stage,but I assume it is either Stage 1 or 11. I have only read that laparoscopic surgery is used for colon and not usually for rectal cancer. Has anyone else had laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer? Her surgery is scheduled for July 29th. Besides the cancer diagnosis, she is in general good health.