Doctor Ron Greenbergspecialist in general and colorectal surgery
The rectum is located near important structures of the pelvis (blood vessels, nerves, reproductive organs), so its resection must be performed with special care. Removal of the rectum or part of it is mainly performed in the treatment of colorectal cancer. There are several techniques for performing this operation. Israeli colorectal surgeons have extensive experience in performing rectal resections and strive to preserve the patient's sphincter muscle, innervation in the perineal area, and the ability to retain gas and stool whenever possible.
Methods of Intervention at Top Ichilov
Unlike other sections of the intestine, the rectum does not have redundant functions, meaning that even with partial resection, its primary function of storing, retaining, and expelling formed stool can only be partially compensated. Therefore, the main task of Israeli specialists when performing such operations is to preserve healthy tissues as much as possible, remove affected areas (tumor and adjacent tissues), and, if possible, completely preserve the sphincter. When it comes to treating colorectal cancer, another important task is the removal of nearby lymph nodes as a potential threat of metastasis.
Depending on the location of the tumor, a specific surgical technique is chosen. If the neoplasm is located relatively far from the anus, an anterior resection or abdominal-anal resection of the rectum (so-called sphincter-preserving operations) is performed. If the neoplasm is located close to the anus and has spread to the sphincter, an abdominal-perineal extirpation is performed, removing the rectum and sphincter. In the latter case, the surgeon forms a permanent colostomy – an artificial opening for stool expulsion.
Sphincter-Preserving Operations
Israeli colorectal surgeons prefer sphincter-preserving operations that ensure a high quality of life for the patient. Some of these operations can be performed laparoscopically – without large incisions. Additionally, our clinic widely uses robot-assisted surgery for treating colorectal cancer, and some rectal resections are performed using the Da Vinci surgical robot. This ensures minimal blood loss, alleviation of pain syndrome, and acceleration of the rehabilitation period.
- Transanal resection – a minimally invasive intervention where only part of the rectal wall is removed. This operation is used for treating small tumors located in the lower part of the rectum.
- An anterior resection of the rectum – removal of the rectum or part of it while preserving the sphincter. This operation is performed if the neoplasm is located more than 12 cm from the anus (i.e., sufficiently distant from the sphincter). Anterior resection is characterized by good preservation of stool retention function and preservation of pelvic innervation, which is critically important for the urogenital system.
- Low anterior resection of the rectum – this operation is performed similarly to the previous one, with the only difference being that it is used when the tumor is located closer than 12 cm but further than 6 cm from the anus. To compensate for the impaired stool retention function during the intervention, a reservoir is formed and anastomosis is applied.
- Abdominal-anal resection of the rectum – this type of intervention is used if the tumor is located 4-6 cm from the anus. Typically, it is also sphincter-preserving, although in some cases it may involve partial removal of the anus.
The operation lasts about 3 hours, with hospitalization ranging from 2 days to a week. Surgical treatment is accompanied by intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy drugs in any case.
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Rectal Resection in Israel – Prices
The cost of rectal resection in Israel varies in each specific case, as different patients require different volumes of intervention. Therefore, the final cost of treatment can only be provided after complete diagnostics.
Israeli clinics successfully combine high-quality medical services with affordable prices. In most cases, performing rectal resection in clinics in the USA, Canada, France, or Switzerland costs at least 30-40% more. Rectal resection in Israel has only positive and grateful reviews from patients.
Advantages of Performing Resection at Top Ichilov Clinic
- Our medical center employs experienced specialists, each with many years of experience in performing intestinal surgeries.
- For rectal resection at Top Ichilov, a full range of sphincter-preserving techniques is used. This allows for maximum preservation of rectal functions, including stool retention.
- The use of the Da Vinci surgical robot during rectal resection significantly increases the precision of the operation, ensuring even greater preservation of physiologically important structures – nerves and pelvic organs, blood vessels.
- Before the operation, the patient undergoes complete diagnostics using modern examination methods.
- Comfortable and calm conditions for preoperative preparation and the rehabilitation period are important for successful treatment. At Top Ichilov, the international department is responsible for these aspects.
Excellent testimonials allow us to see how effectively and safely rectal resection is performed in Israel – reviews from patients of the Top Ichilov clinic. The center receives numerous letters thanking Israeli surgeons and oncologists. This gives our doctors renewed strength in the fight against oncology.