Abdominal-Perineal Resection of the Rectum

An abdominal - perineal resection of the rectum is a major healthcare operation that involves removal of a patient’s lower bowels and rebuilding a new passage route for bodily waste with the remaining colon.  The new passage route for bodily waste is created from the remaining portion of the colon to an opening in the abdominal wall (colostomy).   

Recovery from an abdominal - perineal resection of the rectum procedure can take up to three months.  Up to 30% of patients who have undergone this procedure experience some surgical complications and may require substantial post-op treatment from healthcare professionals.  Patients may also experience damage to sex nerves, bladder, and blood vessels.  However, successful abdominal - perineal resection of the rectum operations allow patients to resume normal lifestyles in most cases.  

Who Requires Abdominal - Perineal Resection of the Rectum

Most patients requiring an abdominal - perineal resection of the rectum procedure have suffered irreparable damage to their bowels by injury or diseases (examples: diverticulitis and colon cancer).  Healthcare treatments that rely solely on drugs are not always sufficient at resolving bowel damage, but can be beneficial.  

Abdominal - Perineal Resection of the Rectum Procedure