Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer

Laparoscopic resection removes the cancer-affected part of the rectum through several small abdominal incisions. Lymph nodes are also removed, and the healthy sections of bowel are joined together.

This approach is one of the accepted standard techniques for the surgical treatment of rectal cancer. The clear camera view allows the procedure to be monitored. Alongside oncological safety, the operation aims to preserve organ function as far as possible, particularly the sphincter that controls bowel movements.

Before surgery, endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) establish the tumour stage. Surgery is planned after assessing suitability for a laparoscopic procedure. In some cases, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, meaning chemotherapy before surgery, is given to shrink the tumour and allow resection with less tissue damage.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. Using a camera and fine instruments, the surgeon removes the diseased part of the rectum and the lymph nodes, then joins the healthy sections of bowel. A three-dimensional laparoscopic system provides a full view of the areas containing the tumour and lymph nodes.

Procedures include laparoscopic anterior resection and, for mid-rectal cancer, laparoscopic low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME). Anterior resection removes the part of the rectum containing the tumour and restores bowel continuity. TME means removing the entire mesorectal tissue surrounding the rectum, including its lymph nodes.

After surgery, intake starts with liquids and then progresses to a normal diet. A return to a normal diet is usually possible within one week.

There may be pain in the first few days, but pain is less severe with the laparoscopic approach. Early mobilisation is part of recovery. Being able to move does not mean recovery is complete; returning to daily activities is a separate stage.