Low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer

Your surgeon may perform your colectomy as anopen surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery.

The technique will depend on:

• your overall health
• tumor size
• the surgeon's experience and preference

After left hemicolectomy surgery:

• You will have some pain that can be controlled with medication.
• For a few days, you may be on a liquid diet to let your colon heal.
• Bowel function usually returns within three days after surgery.
• Your doctor will determine when you can return to work, driving, and other activities.

Risks of any surgery depend on several factors, including your overall health and the extent of the surgery.

Rectal cancer patients are also at increased risk of developing low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), a collection of symptoms ranging from fecal incontinence with frequency and urgency to constipation and incomplete emptying.

Other problems are rare but can include:

• infection
• bleeding
• blood clots in the legs (DVT)
• leak at the anastomosis
• scar tissue in the abdominal cavity (adhesions)
• sexual dysfunction