High Anterior Resection
This operation involves the removal of the sigmoid colon, the upper rectum and a variable portion of the left colon. The grey area of the diagram below. 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 and diverticular disease. 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 its blood supply is divided. The bowel is then cut, the diseased segment is removed and the colon and rectum are rejoined with stitches and/or staples.