Low anterior resection

Rectal cancer surgery is the most common treatment to treat all stages of this cancer. Low anterior resection is performed if the tumor is in the upper part of the rectum, leaving the anus intact. During this operation, the surgeon removes the tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue, leaving the lower part of the rectum. Then, the end of the colon is attached to the remaining section of the rectum so that the patient can have their bowel movements in the usual way.

This procedure includes 2 days of hospitalization.