Hi,
Although I know it can't be done with everyone, my friend had her rectal resection just 4 weeks ago, and it was all done laporoscopically. Her surgery lasted almost twice as long as it would have, had it been done conventionally (due to the tight working space), but she feels it was worth it. Since she also had a hysterectomy at the same time (recommended due to pelvic radiation & her young age- mid 30's), everything (ovaries and all the resected rectum) were actually removed vaginally & laporoscopes were used. So, the only incisions she ended up with were the holes for the laparoscopes and the stoma for the ileostomy she ended up with.
I imagine the healing time will be easier lacking the larger incision she would have had otherwise.
Best wishes-
Lisa