Transanal Endoscopic Rectosigmoid Resection with Laparoscopic Assistance was developed at Massachusetts General Hospital and performed successfully to remove cancer of the lower rectum. Based on the outcomes, the research doctors believe that this investigational surgery may be as safe and effective as standard laparoscopic or open surgery performed to remove rectal cancer, may facilitate the operation and reduce the size of the abdominal incisions. In this research study, the investigators are looking to see if this investigational procedure is a safe and effective approach to remove rectal cancer of the mid and lower rectum.