The world’s first patient to have a malignant rectal tumor removed through the anus, thus avoiding painful abdominal incisions, was a 76-year old woman who was able to leave the Barcelona hospital where she was treated, with no complications. The surgeons are optimistic that the method can now be developed to treat a range of colorectal diseases, including cancer and diverticulitis, offering patients the benefit of fewer postoperative complications and a speedier recovery.