Abdominoperineal Resection

Abdominoperineal resection is a surgical procedure carried out in the rectum, sigmoid colon and anus. Also known as rectum cancer surgery, the procedure is used for the treatment of cancers found in the lower portion of the rectum or the anus. A colostomy is created once the rectum and anus are removed.

Colectomy procedure is part of the rectal cancer treatment, which involves removal of all parts of the large intestine through the process of resection. Remember, the large intestine consists of the descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon, the rectum and the sigmoid colon.

Rectal cancer or colon cancer is characterized by abnormal growth of cells in the lower portion of the colon. It is usually caused because of family history of the cancer, smoking and the presence of inflammatory bowel disease.

Bleeding is one of the major symptoms of rectal cancer, however, other common symptoms include small diameter stools, anemia, shortness of breath, dizziness and weight loss. Endoscopy, occult blood testing, endoscopy and MRI are some of the diagnostic tests used for rectal cancer diagnosis.

Radiation therapy and multiple chemotherapies are required for the treatment of individual stages of rectal cancer. Eventually, a follow-up procedure is carried out to ensure that the patient is fine.