Abdominal Perineal Resection

An abdominal perineal resection is the removal of the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon, and the creation of a permanent colostomy. This procedure is usually performed to treat cancer located very low in the rectum or in the anus, close to the anal sphincter (control) muscles. If surgery is the form of treatment your doctor recommends, physicians at the Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New york can determine if laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for you.

How Is Laparoscopic Abdominal Perineal Resection Performed?

Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision at the umbilicus (belly button). The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera--smaller than a dime--which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors located in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, a gas, to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area. Three or four additional small incisions are made on the abdomen through which the surgeon inserts very small specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon uses these instruments to perform the operation. The small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape. A permanent colostomy is made on the abdominal wall.

What Are the Benefits?

Four or five tiny scars instead of one large abdominal scar.

Less pain after surgery.

Shorter hospital stay.

Shorter recovery time and quicker return to daily activities, including work.

What Can I Expect after Surgery?

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions after surgery. You will need to take it easy for a few weeks.

How Safe Is Laparoscopic Abdominal Perineal Resection?

If performed by experts in this field, laparoscopic abdominal perineal resection is as safe as "open" surgery in carefully selected cases.