Abdominoperineal resection

ANAL OR RECTAL CANCER SURGERY


If you've been diagnosed with rectal cancer, we'll assess you to see if you need immediate chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or whether you can go straight to surgery.

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What is an abdominoperineal resection?

An abdominoperineal resection (APR) is a surgical procedure that involves completely removing the distal colon, rectum, and anal sphincter, by using both anterior abdominal and perineal surgical incisions. This procedure can be undertaken if the cancer is very low in the rectum.

Need to know

An abdominoperineal resection can be carried out as an open procedure or as a laparoscopic procedure (keyhole surgery). The surgeon will use this procedure to remove your anus, rectum and part of your colon (bowel). They may also remove lymph nodes near your anus and groin.

During the operation, we may insert a catheter (flexible tube) into your bladder to help you pass urine. We'll remove this 24-48 hours after the operation.

Your consultant will explain the APR surgery to you and answer any questions you might have. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic.

You may be asked to limit what you eat or drink in the hours leading up to your procedure. You'll also receive medication to clean out your bowel.

After your operation, you'll be transferred to a recovery ward, where our dedicated team of consultants and nurses will care for you. You can expect to stay with us for up to a week. During this time, we may put you on a drip to keep you hydrated. Your consultant will let you know when you can leave hospital and talk you through getting back to your normal routine.

In the meantime, the part of the bowel that was removed during the operation will be sent for analysis. Your results will be available within approximately two weeks and your consultant will go through your results in a follow-up consultation.

Our Abdominoperineal resection consultants

Mr Charles Evans

Mr Charles Evans

General Surgery

Mr Haney Youssef

Mr Haney Youssef

General Surgery

Miss Caris Grimes

Miss Caris Grimes

General Surgery

Mr Shashank Gurjar

Mr Shashank Gurjar

General Surgery

Our Abdominoperineal resection locations

The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.