Abdominoperineal resection

An abdominoperineal resection (abbreviated as AP resection, APR, or APER), formally known as an abdominoperineal resection of the rectum or an abdominoperineal excision of the rectum, is a surgical procedure performed to treat rectal cancer or anal cancer.

This operation involves the removal of the distal colon, rectum, and anus, resulting in the creation of a permanent colostomy. It is typically indicated for tumors located in the lower rectum or anal canal that cannot be adequately removed while preserving sphincter function. The procedure is performed via both an abdominal and a perineal approach, requiring the excision of affected tissues along with adjacent lymph nodes to ensure complete tumor removal and reduce the risk of recurrence.