Anyone had open low anterior resection (LAR) surgery?

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Hi,

i was diagnosed with low rectal cancer last month via colonoscopy. After my MRI and CT scans showed no spread my Consultant said she wants to go straight to surgery open LAR, I’ve seen so many people have radiotherapy and chemotherapy first to shrink their tumours which I thought I would need as it’s about 5cm. It was said I won’t know whether I need chemo until after the surgery when the lymph nodes are tested. Also it was mentioned that I may need a temporary stoma I’m hoping not but read so many people have them afterwards. The question I’m asking, is there anyone out there who has had this as open surgery (not keyhole)? I’m at the moment on the waiting list so could be soon, I’m petrified xx

  • Hi

    I don't have any experience with low anterior resection but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. This is probably because this group is very busy and posts can quickly disappear off the first page before someone with the right experience has seen them. By replying to you it will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussions list. I'm also 'tagging' this group's Champion into my reply to you as she may be able to help you further.

    While you're waiting for replies if you type 'low anterior resection' into the group's search bar you'll find lots of previous posts on this topic. You could have a read through some of the more recent ones and reply to any of the posters if you think they can help you further.

    When you have a minute, it would be great if you could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

    Wishing you all the best with your surgery.

    x

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  • Hi 

    I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2017. Following further investigations I had an open anterior resection. I was made aware of possible stoma but was not needed.  I was advised to have 6 months oral chemotherapy post surgery. Although it is big surgery you are up and out of bed the next day. If there is no obvious signs of spread and the tumour is still within a certain size then sometimes they go straight for surgery.

    hope this helps

    lattee

  • Thank you for your reply. Mine it’s 4-5 cm but apparently with clear margins so they want me to go straight to surgery although I’m still waiting for a date I just hope it doesn’t cause more damage or grow while I’m waiting. 

    Can I ask why did you have open surgery? I’ve read so many people have keyhole which I assumed I would be until I signed the consent form and read it was open surgery. x

  • Hi. My husband was diagnosed with low rectal cancer last year. After his CT scan and MRI he was told he has prostate cancer as well, both T3. As you can amaging it was a shock. They have decided to treat rectal cancer first with hormone Injection for prostate. He had a week's blast off radiotherapy, which I questioned because most people have 5 weeks. But I have been told it will have same effect. We believe it has infected some of his lymph nodes, but luckily not spread. He has been told he well have surgery with a bag, possible permanent as he has heart failure, and they do t think he will go through 2 ops. It sounds like it's a worrying time for both of you. Sorry I can't help you with surgery question though. We are waiting for oncologist to ring this month so hopefully his has shrunk. Stay strong and reach out to others.

  • Hi 

     i have had Keyhole in May 2019 , i didnt need any chemo or radio , why are they saying open surgery , if you read my profile you will see what i went thorough it might help 

    Darren 

    To Dare is To Do 
  • Hi from what I gather it's on the left hand side of rectum and it's where it is. I myself am wondering if surgeon is picking a quick option. Hope you recover soon. It sounds horrendous x

  • I’m thinking each surgeon works differently? Or possibly because the tumour is pretty large, I’ve not had pre chemo or radiotherapy first either. Hope it won’t be needed afterwards either, but I won’t know until they’ve tested the lymph nodes. Thanks x

  • Hi Scared_Mummy

    your tumor is the same size as mine and you sound like you have the same as i did ,i still think you should ask the question why you cant  i have keyhole , i went to St Marks in Harrow because my local Hospital was talking the same way that yours is and St Marks is the leading Bowel specialist in Europe 

    regards

    Darren

    To Dare is To Do 
  • Maybe I should have 2 months ago but I don’t want to hold up surgery any longer and just want it done now. I’ve been told I may need a temporary stoma, were you told you would need a permanent one?