Anterior Resection
An anterior resection is a type of surgery primarily performed to remove part of the rectum and lower sigmoid colon, usually due to bowel cancer, though it can also be done for conditions like diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or benign tumours.
What It Involves
- The surgeon removes the diseased section of the bowel, typically the upper rectum and part of the sigmoid colon.
- The two healthy ends of the bowel are then joined together (an anastomosis).
- Often done using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, but open surgery may be used in some cases.
Types of Anterior Resection
- Low Anterior Resection – for tumors lower in the rectum; preserves the sphincter.
- Ultra-Low Anterior Resection – for very low rectal tumors; sometimes includes a temporary ileostomy to protect the new bowel join.
- High Anterior Resection – for tumors higher up in the sigmoid colon.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
- Hospital stay: typically 5–7 days, longer if complications arise.
- Temporary ileostomy may be created in some cases and reversed later.
- Gradual return to diet and bowel function.
- Possible bowel habit changes (frequent stools, urgency, incontinence) known as Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS).
