Abdominoperineal Excision

This operation involves the removal of the rectum and anal canal and a variable portion of the sigmoid colon. The grey area of the diagram above. The exact margins of resection are at the discretion of the surgeon and are appropriate to each patient and condition treated.

A permanent end colostomy is created on the left side of the abdominal wall. The operation is carried out for a variety of disorders but most commonly for bowel cancer. The operation is usually performed laparoscopically but for many reasons an open procedure may be necessary.

The bowel is freed from its attachments within the abdominal cavity and pelvis and its blood supply is divided. The bowel is then divided and the diseased segment is removed through a cut made around the anal canal. The tissues and skin of the perineum are then closed.