Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) is a relatively new surgical technique for low rectal cancers. It is a more radical approach than conventional abdominoperineal excision (APE) with potentially better oncological outcome.

Technical difficulty associated with operating deep in the pelvis through abdominal approach during conventional APE is overcome by extended perineal dissection in the prone Jack-knife position in ELAPE, therefore removing the anal canal, levators and low mesorectum altogether.

One advantage is en block removal of levator muscles creating more cylindrical specimen with better clearance thus reducing CRM involvement. The prone position gives the surgeon better visualization, hence reducing the chances of entering the wrong surgical plane and causing perforation.

Early reports suggest that ELAPE can improve patients' prognosis without a significant increase in morbidity with superior oncologic outcome as compared to standard techniques.