Low Anterior Resection

This operation involves the removal of the sigmoid colon, rectum and a variable portion of the left 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.

The operation is carried out for a variety of disorders but most commonly for bowel cancer. The operation is often 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 cut, the diseased segment with its surrounding package of fat is removed and the colon and anal canal are rejoined with stitches and/or staples. An ileostomy is usually formed on the right side of the abdominal wall do divert the flow of faecal material while the join in the bowel heals.