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Understanding Rectal Resection Surgery

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops in the large bowel (colon) and the back passage (rectum). The type of treatment you receive depends on the location of the cancer in your bowel.

The most common treatment for bowel cancer is surgery, which can facilitate the removal of the cancer and reduce the risk of it recurring in the rectum or nearby tissues. Surgery to remove part or all of the rectum is referred to as a resection.

In cases of small, very early rectal cancer or when major surgery is not an option, your surgeon might suggest a local resection (transanal resection). If the cancer is in the rectum or the sigmoid colon, an anterior resection is likely to be offered. If the cancer is located very low in the rectum, the surgeon will need to perform abdomino-perineal resection of the rectum (APeR), which involves removing the rectum and anus.

Rectal Resection Surgery Treats:

Check Icon Bowel cancer
Check Icon Bowel cancer Spread
Check IconInfectious part of the rectum that contains cancer
 
 

How Does the Rectal Resection Surgery Work?

Your surgeon could offer you open surgery, keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery. The type of surgery you have will depend on factors such as where the cancer is, whether it has spread, and your overall health. Your doctor will suggest the best and safest option for you.

Open surgery

Open surgery involves the surgeon making one large opening in the stomach area to remove the cancer. Your surgeon might suggest open surgery if the tumour is large or hard to reach, if you have previously had abdominal surgery, or if you are very overweight. In this method, the surgeon is able to directly see and feel what they are doing, which can make the operation easier. Additionally, open surgery usually takes less time to complete .

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery

When your doctor plans your surgery, they might suggest keyhole surgery, which is also known as laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery. During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes a few small openings in the stomach area to remove the cancer. They use special tools and a thin tube with a light and camera on end (called a laparoscope) to take out the tumour.

Some surgeons offer a newer type of keyhole surgery called Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), which involves making just one small cut in the abdomen. SILS has similar results to standard keyhole surgery. After surgery, you might feel less pain, have a lower chance of complications like infection, a reduced need for a blood transfusion, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery .

Robotic-assisted surgery

In robotic-assisted surgery, a surgical robotic system is used by the surgeon to perform the operation on the cancer. The surgeon creates several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts instruments through them to remove the tumour .

The robotic system has four arms carrying a camera and the necessary surgical tools. The surgeon operates the robotic system from a console in the operating theatre.

Treatment at a glance

Purpose

Purpose

Treat bowel cancer
Procedure Duration

Procedure Duration

Around 2-3 hours
Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia

General

Purpose

Treat bowel cancer

Pain Level

Moderate to mild

Procedure Duration

Around 2-3 hours

Recovery Time

3 to 6 weeks

Drive

At least 2 weeks

Anaesthesia

General

Recovery Time

Recovery Time

3 to 6 weeks
Pain Level

Pain Level

Moderate to mild
Drive

Drive

At least 2 weeks

Benefits of Rectal Resection Surgery

Relief from Symptoms

Reduces pain, bleeding, and bowel obstructions, significantly improving overall quality of life.

Fewer Long-Term Complications

Reduces risks of long-term complications, improving bowel control and overall post-surgery function.

Supports Better Digestive Health

This surgery enhances digestion and nutrient absorption by removing damaged rectal sections.

Removes Cancerous Tissue

Removes cancerous tissue from the rectum, helping reduce cancer spread and promoting recovery.

Improved Quality of Life

Surgery alleviates cancer-related symptoms, helping patients regain their energy and comfort in daily activities.

Minimally Invasive

Offers minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic surgery, reducing recovery time, pain, and scarring .

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Rectal Resection Surgery Cost

Consultations start at £200. Please request a callback by filling out the contact form. We look forward to assisting you!

Why Choose Leicester Bowel Clinic?

Expertise At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders.

Our Locations

Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital

  • Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
  • To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685

*Free on-site parking is available.

Meet The Team

Sanjay Chaudhri

Mr Sanjay Chaudhri

Francois Runau

Mr Francois Runau

Pippa Powley

Pippa Powley

Rebecca West

Rebecca West

Frequently Asked Questions

01.What are some common bowel symptoms I might have?

After your surgery, you might have these common bowel symptoms:

    • Going to the bathroom more often.
    • Passing small amounts of stool frequently.
    • Leaking stool or not being able to control your bowel movements.
    • Feeling like you constantly need to pass stool even when your bowel is empty..
    • Getting sore skin around the back passage area.

02. Is rectal resection surgery risky?

The risks of surgery depend on the size of the operation and the health of the person before surgery. Some problems during or right after the operation could be bleeding, infections in the surgery area, and blood clots in the legs.

03.Can you move around after rectal surgery?

After your surgery, you may be able to sit in a chair within 12 hours. The next day, you might be able to walk around your bed. And in a few days, you should be able to walk along the hospital corridor.

04. What can you eat after a rectal resection?

Eating 6 times a day or every 2 to 3 hours is recommended. Stick to foods that are easy to swallow and digest, such as soft, moist foods like soup, gelatin, pudding, and yoghurt. Avoid hard-to-chew foods like bread, tough meats, and spicy, fried, or gas-producing foods.

05. How much of the colon is removed in a resection?

Depending on the size and location of the cancer, one-fourth to one-third of the colon is often removed. The colon’s remaining portions are then rejoined. In order to examine the lymph nodes for cancer, at least 12 adjacent nodes are also removed. A total colectomy is performed when the entire colon is removed.

06. How long does it take for the bowel to heal after resection?

Recovery at home takes up to 6 weeks. After surgery, many return to most of their routines in two weeks or less. Try to be particularly careful with yourself in the initial days after you return home.

07. Is bowel resection painful?

The doctor made a large cut in your belly to take out part of the intestine. After bowel surgery, pain is likely to come and go for the next few days. Your incision may hurt and you may get cramping in your bowels.

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Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and the best treatment options for you. For more information about the treatments, book a consultation and contact our Leicester clinic.