1. Be careful to divide at the rectosigmoid junction or the chosen transection point with stapler cartridges carefully placed perpendicularly to the axis of the bowel.

2. When placed across the sacral promontory and into the pelvis, the proximal colon—with stapler anvil in situ—should lie easily in the pelvis while the patient is in Trendelenburg position, demonstrating a likely tension-free anastomosis.

3. For low rectal division, dissection is completed within the anal canal, after seeing the levators curve down into the anal canal, and after confirming an adequate distal margin by digital rectal examination, or endoscopy.

4. Division at the anorectal junction can often be completed with one 45-mm stapler cartridge; however, a second cartridge may be required to divide a final 5 to 10 mm of rectum. It is important to apply the second cartridge precisely such that the completed distal staple line looks like a single transverse staple line.