Open/Laparoscopic APR

What is an Open/Laparoscopic APR?

An abdominoperineal resection (APR) is a surgery in which the rectum, anus, and sigmoid colon are removed.

When is an APR needed?

The procedure is most commonly used to treat cancers located very low in the rectum or in the anus. In some instances, a more limited surgery can be used to avoid a colostomy. Alternatively, radiation therapy can be used to shrink the rectal cancer prior to surgery, allowing the patient to maintain control of bowel function.

What to expect from the procedure

First, you'll receive general anaesthesia, so you'll be asleep during the operation.

In open surgery, Dr Taylor will make a large incision near the belly button.

In laparoscopic surgery, he will make a small cut (about 1/2 inch) near your belly button. He'll insert a tool called a laparoscope, which has a tiny camera on it, through the cut so he can see inside.

In both procedures (open and laparoscopic) the sigmoid colon and rectum and anus are removed.

After removing the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon, Dr Taylor will make a stoma (opening in the belly wall) from one of the surgical cuts. He usually places it on the left side of the abdomen.