Proctectomy for Colorectal Cancer

A rectum resection (protectomy) is an inpatient procedure involving the surgical excision, or removal, of the cancerous portion(s) of the rectum.

The following are two forms of rectum resection commonly used for rectal cancers:

Low anterior resection (LAR)
Low anterior resection involves the surgical removal of cancers located in the upper part of the rectum, which is closest to the S-shaped sigmoid colon. After the cancerous portion of the upper rectum is removed, your surgeon will connect the sigmoid colon with the remaining healthy tissue located in the lower part of the rectum. This allows waste to pass normally out of the body through the anus.

Abdominoperineal resection (APR)
Abdominoperineal resection is used to treat cancers located in the lower part of the rectum. Since APR requires the surgeon to remove the section of the cancerous portion of the lower rectum nearest the anus, some or all of the sphincter muscle may also be removed. The sphincter muscle is located just above the closure of the anus, and is responsible for bowel control. When this muscle is removed, the surgical oncologist must create another way for your body to excrete waste, using a procedure called a colostomy.

A colostomy is needed when your surgeon is unable to reconnect the healthy portions of the colon and rectum. During this surgical procedure, a segment of your colon will be attached to the skin of the abdomen. Your surgeon creates an artificial opening (called a stoma) in the lower abdomen to allow your body to eliminate waste.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we also provide supportive care, including nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, oncology rehabilitation, mind-body medicine, and spiritual support. These therapies may help minimize the trauma of colorectal cancer surgery and boost your energy levels.

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