Low Anterior Resection of Rectum
Low Anterior Resection of Rectum (LAR) is a surgery that is done to remove the part of your rectum with the cancer to treat rectal cancer.
Some facts about Low Anterior Resection of Rectum:
- You’ll be able to have bowel movements (poop) as usual once you recover from Low Anterior Resection of Rectum surgery as the remaining part of your rectum will be reconnected to your colon.
- Your recovery from anterior resection surgery will depend on your age, fitness level and the nature of your procedure.
- Anastomotic leak, where the bowel leaks where it’s been joined back together, Paralysis of the bowel, Nerve damage, The two sections of the bowel separating, Damage to the bowel or surrounding organs, Wound infection, Incontinence, Constipation are risks and complications of low anterior resection surgery that can occur in a small number of case.
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Preparation for Low Anterior Resection of Rectum:
- Your medical history and any prescription drugs or supplements you’re taking will be discussed by your healthcare provider.
- Your healthcare provider should be informed if you have sleep apnea.
- You need to bring CPAP device with you the day of your surgery if you use it.
- You are recommended not to smoke or drink alcohol in the weeks leading up to your surgery as these habits can hinder your healing and cause serious complications.
- Do not eat or drink anything for up to 12 before the surgery.
- Any medications that is provided by your surgeon should be taken right before surgery.
- Routine blood tests, x rays or scans as requested by your surgeon will be done.
- You may need to follow a special diet and take a laxative bowel preparation to clear out your bowel in the days leading up to surgery.
Procedure for Low Anterior Resection of Rectum:
- Different techniques are used for LAR surgery.
- Your surgeon will make one or more incisions (surgical cuts) in your abdomen depending on the type of surgery you have.
- One long incision is made on your abdomen and the part of your rectum that has the cancer will be removed thorough this incision during open surgery.
- Several small incisions are made on your abdomen during a minimally invasive surgery.
- The cancer will be removed by inserting small surgical tools and a video camera into the incisions.
- A robotic device is used by some surgeon to assist with the surgery.
- The remaining part of your rectum will be reconnected to your colon with tiny metal staples or sutures (stitches) once the part of your rectum with the cancer is removed.
- An ileostomy may be required for a short time after LAR surgery which is a small opening in your abdomen where bowel movements (poop) can leave your body
- The ileostomy will keep your bowel movements from passing through your colon and rectum which lets the anastomosis heal that is the place where the two ends are reconnected.
- You may have a catheter in your bladder to drain urine and a tube in your abdomen to drain away excess fluid after surgery.
- Pain relief which may include morphine and/or an epidural may be provided to numb your lower body.
