Colonoscopy plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal pathologies. The recent progress in endoscopic technologies and interest in colorectal cancer screening have enabled the diagnosis of a larger number of early colorectal neoplasms, including benign polyps and early cancers. Colonoscopic polypectomy remains the cornerstone of therapy for the majority of colorectal polyps and helps prevent colorectal cancer. However, if colorectal neoplasms are too large or cannot be removed "en bloc" endoscopically, operative procedures are required to reduce risks of incomplete removal and local recurrence. Laparoscopic resection represents a minimally invasive alternative for treating colorectal neoplasms that are not amenable to en bloc endoscopic resection. However, laparoscopic surgery has to be done under general anesthesia, is associated with operative morbidity, and is expensive.