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Rectal Cancer Surgery: Anyone have LAR (low anterior resection)?

Posted by moonchaser389 @moonchaser389, Feb 1 5:20pm

I have rectal cancer Stage 2-3 and I will be meeting with the Oncology Surgeon this coming week.
Have any of you had LAR (low anterior resection) surgery?
Please let me know the temporary and permanent side effects. This surgery appears to be complex.
Thanks for sharing!

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bob49 | @bob49 | Feb 25 3:02pm

Hello, I was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer in September 2023. Although my doctor felt like he removed the tumor completely and didn't see any cells around it, I opted for the resection. 15" of colon was removed and 19 lymph nodes. All was clear. With an 8 inch incision it was pretty painful for a couple of weeks. Within a month I was doing real well. I went back a year later for a follow up colonoscopy. I had one polyup which was negative. Best of luck on your future.

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jaspithill1946 | @jaspithill1946 | Feb 26 7:51am

Highly recommend a colorectal surgeon who is highly skilled and experienced in laparoscopic, LAR surgery.

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branmo | @branmo | Mar 2 3:35pm
In reply to @premi "Hi Had my surgery in 2017 for stage 3B as per PET scan.After taking concurrent chemo..." + (show)
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Hi
Had my surgery in 2017 for stage 3B as per PET scan.After taking concurrent chemo and radiation for 28 days,it was followed byLAR after 10 weeks.Surgeon decided to remove the sigmoid colon and rectum.Brought the descending colon and attached it to the anal canal. The lymph nodes came negative in Pathology.Medical oncologist wanted me to take six courses chemo but I decided against it.My surgeon and Pathologist also accepted my decision as all the lymph nodes have been removed and sigmoid which drains into them has also been removed.As it was an anterior wall tumour,three fourths of vagina and uterus with ovaries were removed as I was 68 yrs then.It was almost a total pelvic clearance,along with the appendix..Had an ileostomy bag for three months and then it was reversed.Initial challenges were pain.After reversal Frequency of stools with incontinence due to radiation damage was a great challenge but as time went by they became tolerable but they continue to challenge me. Refusing the chemo gave me a better quality of life.I am 73, 8 years + in remission.Fully fit to be a total care taker of my 90 year old mother who is bed ridden.If you ask me how are you? my answer would be,Great.
You are at a stage of acceptance of your diagnosis.If you train your mind to accept every day as it comes,challenges are easy to cope up with.Please don’t get into self sympathy mood,it will make it difficult for you.
My surgeon always told me dont look at the staging of the disease.Each cancer is different,just as each persons response is different.
One thing to focus on is healthy LIFE STYLE. God bless you with the great will power,then All Is Well.

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You’re one bad ass lady!!

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Lee | @leeb123 | Apr 9 8:33am
In reply to @colleenyoung "@moonchaser389, how did the meeting with the surgeon go? Will you have LAR (low anterior resection)..." + (show)
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@moonchaser389, how did the meeting with the surgeon go? Will you have LAR (low anterior resection) surgery?

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@colleenyoung
I had LAR on March 27 with permanent ostomy.
Also had left adrenal gland removed and partial nephrectomy on left kidney.
Surgery was about 9 hours and I recovered in the hospital, discharged On March 30.
I have had a weekly visit with homecare nurse.
All cancer removed and all good margins.
Recovery has progressed well and my ostomy works as it should.
I feel I've dodged a bullet here.
Ready to live and move forward after pausing my life for the past year.
Lee

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flaherty2185 | @flaherty2185 | Apr 12 1:23pm

In April 2022, I had an emergency appendectomy and colon resection. The cancer had originated in my appendix and was not detected in a prior colonoscopy. Following surgery, I had six months of chemotherapy. I have since had PET scans every six months with no reoccurrence, at least at this time.

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quitokid2 | @quitokid2 | Apr 12 7:34pm

January 2019 I had Robotic LAR with ostomy bag which was removed that May. Resulting LAR Syndrome has had horrible side effects. Wishing I hadn't had bag removed. Make sure your Team is well versed in latest treatments for LARS.

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williamjohn52 | @williamjohn52 | 21 hours ago
In reply to @leeb123 "I've completed chemo a chemo radiation. Tumor is in lower rectum. It did shrink, however not..." + (show)
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I've completed chemo a chemo radiation.
Tumor is in lower rectum.
It did shrink, however not completely.
Surgery scheduled end of March.
Surgeon said due to location, temporary illiostomy possible but may have complications with bowels after reconnecting.
Also have option of permanent colostomy.
I do have current issues with bowels and urgency.
Looking to get feedback on both.
I'm 59 yrs old and the astetics of colostomy don't bother me.
Continued or prolonged bowel issues do as it certainly impacts daily life.
Look forward to hearing from others who've made a choice and how it has gone.

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@leeb123
Hi Lee, just wondering how things progressed for you after your surgery in March? Did you go for the temporary or permanent bag?
I'm in a similar situation (rectal tumour totally shrunk to near complete recovery ) except with metastases to lung (separate issue). I delayed my original July 2nd rectal resection surgery date because I didn't feel psychologically ready for the results, but will have to deal with it eventually.
Would like to hear how you are dealing with things if you have a chance.
William

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 20 hours ago
In reply to @williamjohn52 "@leeb123 Hi Lee, just wondering how things progressed for you after your surgery in March? Did..." + (show)
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@leeb123
Hi Lee, just wondering how things progressed for you after your surgery in March? Did you go for the temporary or permanent bag?
I'm in a similar situation (rectal tumour totally shrunk to near complete recovery ) except with metastases to lung (separate issue). I delayed my original July 2nd rectal resection surgery date because I didn't feel psychologically ready for the results, but will have to deal with it eventually.
Would like to hear how you are dealing with things if you have a chance.
William

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Hello @williamjohn52 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You mentioned in your post that the tumor had shrunk. That is good news. Did it shrink due to chemotherapy or radiation?

How are you feeling?

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1 reply
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Lee | @leeb123 | 19 hours ago
In reply to @williamjohn52 "@leeb123 Hi Lee, just wondering how things progressed for you after your surgery in March? Did..." + (show)
Profile picture for williamjohn52 @williamjohn52

@leeb123
Hi Lee, just wondering how things progressed for you after your surgery in March? Did you go for the temporary or permanent bag?
I'm in a similar situation (rectal tumour totally shrunk to near complete recovery ) except with metastases to lung (separate issue). I delayed my original July 2nd rectal resection surgery date because I didn't feel psychologically ready for the results, but will have to deal with it eventually.
Would like to hear how you are dealing with things if you have a chance.
William

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@williamjohn52
So glad you reached out.
Surgery went well.
I didn't think about a temporary ostomy with reconnecting after healing for long.
I didn't want any chance of it returning and there's no guarantee it would work.
In my research, I found many, if not most who had the reversal either wished they didn't or move to the permanent ostomy.
I decided prior to treatment ending that I would choose a permanent ostomy.
Honestly, im much more ar ease and mostly have total control over my bathroom habits.
I had a few live and learn mistakes🤣but overall it's not a big deal.
Im back to work where im fairly active and it hasn't been an impediment at all.
A few dietary adjustments and all is good.
I even had 3 beers on the 4th with no problem, but I didn't push it.
I'm happy with my decision.
Lee

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1 reply
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williamjohn52 | @williamjohn52 | 14 hours ago
In reply to @leeb123 "@williamjohn52 So glad you reached out. Surgery went well. I didn't think about a temporary ostomy..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lee @leeb123

@williamjohn52
So glad you reached out.
Surgery went well.
I didn't think about a temporary ostomy with reconnecting after healing for long.
I didn't want any chance of it returning and there's no guarantee it would work.
In my research, I found many, if not most who had the reversal either wished they didn't or move to the permanent ostomy.
I decided prior to treatment ending that I would choose a permanent ostomy.
Honestly, im much more ar ease and mostly have total control over my bathroom habits.
I had a few live and learn mistakes🤣but overall it's not a big deal.
Im back to work where im fairly active and it hasn't been an impediment at all.
A few dietary adjustments and all is good.
I even had 3 beers on the 4th with no problem, but I didn't push it.
I'm happy with my decision.
Lee

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@leeb123
Glad to hear you are doing so well. Is your bag disposable or the kind you clean out yourself?

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