Total mesorectal excision
If you have surgery to remove cancer of the rectum, a total mesorectal excision will be performed at the same time that the bowel tumour is removed. This means that as well as taking out the part of bowel that contains the tumour, the surgeon will also remove the fatty coating that surrounds the bowel. This layer is removed to reduce the risk of the tumour spreading. Although this surgery is very effective at treating bowel cancer, it can cause problems post operatively with bowel control. There is also a risk of leakage at the spot where the surgeon rejoined the large bowel after removing the rectum, which can cause a serious infection called peritonitis and you may need antibiotics or further surgery. To prevent leakage after surgery you may need a temporary colostomy bag.
All Dr Foster health content is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional, or relied upon as a source of comprehensive practitioner material.
All Dr Foster health content has been peer reviewed by GPs and is updated anually when necessary.
Dr Foster is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made or treatment given by a user based on the content of the supplied health content. Dr Foster is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.
Always consult your own GP if you are concerned about your health.