Low anterior resection (LAR), also known as restorative proctectomy, is a surgical operation performed to treat cancer in the rectum. In this procedure, a portion or the entirety of the rectum is removed. The end of the healthy colon is then connected to the remaining rectum or anus to reconstruct the gastrointestinal tract.

This video provides a helpful guide to patients and caregivers about rectal cancer, the procedure of low anterior resection, expectations before and after the operation, as well as strategies to improve recovery.

This video was a collaboration project with:

Christina J.H. Kim, MD
Division of General Surgery
University of Toronto

Karineh Kazazian, MD PhD FRCSC
Surgical Oncology
University Health Network | Mount Sinai Hospital

Natalia Lauzon, MN RN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Colorectal Surgery
University Health Network

Keegan Guidolin, MD PhD
Division of General Surgery
University of Toronto

Catherine O’Brien, MD PhD FRCSC
Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Malignancies | University Health Network
Senior Scientist | Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Translational Research in Colorectal Cancer
Cross-appointed Faculty Member | Department of Physiology, University of Toronto
Associate Professor| Department of Surgery, University of Toronto

Fayez Quereshy, MD MBA FRCSC FACS
Surgical Oncology and Minimally Invasive Surgery | University Health Network
Vice President, Clinical | University Health Network
Associate Professor| Department of Surgery, University of Toronto

Sami A. Chadi, MD MSc FRCSC FACS FASCRS
Minimally Invasive and Colorectal Surgery| University Health Network
Section Lead, Colorectal Surgery |University Health Network
Luminal Gastrointestinal Malignancy Site Lead| Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Associate Professor| Department of Surgery, University of Toronto