Does a surgical oncology perform rectal cancer surgery?

The operation removes the rectal tumour with surrounding tissue and may include nearby lymph nodes. Depending on where the tumour lies and how it has responded to other treatment, the surgeon may reconnect the bowel or create a stoma.

A low anterior resection removes the affected rectum while aiming to preserve the anal opening and reconnect the bowel. An abdominoperineal resection removes the rectum and anus and creates a colostomy that is not intended to be reversed. Some people need a temporary stoma to protect a new bowel join while it heals.

Imaging, examination, tumour position, continence, previous pelvic treatment, and overall fitness shape the plan. Surgery may be open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted. The team also considers whether chemotherapy or radiotherapy should come before or after the operation.

Tell the team about all medicines, bowel symptoms, urinary problems, and any conditions affecting the heart, lungs, or mobility. Follow the hospital's instructions on bowel preparation, food, fluids, and medicine adjustments. If a stoma is possible, meeting a stoma nurse beforehand can help with site marking and practical planning.

After the operation, walking, pain relief, hydration, and a gradual return to food support recovery. Bowel frequency and urgency may change after a rectal resection, particularly when the bowel has been reconnected low in the pelvis. Record troublesome patterns and discuss diet, skin care, pelvic-floor support, and medicines with the clinical team.

Call the surgical team for fever, increasing abdominal or pelvic pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, a swollen abdomen, wound discharge, inability to pass stool or gas, or a stoma that stops working. Heavy rectal or stoma bleeding, fainting, severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness warrants emergency care. Prompt assessment can identify bleeding, infection, bowel blockage, a clot, or leakage from a bowel join.

Find out which operation is recommended and why, whether the bowel can be reconnected, and whether a stoma would be temporary or not intended for reversal in your individual plan. Ask how surgery may affect bowel control, urinary function, sexual function, work, driving, and physical activity, and who will support rehabilitation after discharge.