Rectal resection has potential risks similar those of other major surgeries. Complications usually occur while the patient is in the hospital and the patient's general health prior to surgery will be an indication of the risk potential.

A Low Anterior Resection is an operation to remove rectal cancers which are very low in the pelvis but not low enough to warrant surgery on the rectal sphincters. In surgical terms, this means at least 2 cm margin from the levator ani.

During a rectal resection, the surgeon removes the diseased or perforated portion of the rectum. If the diseased or damaged section is not very large, the separated ends are reattached. Such a procedure is called rectal anastomosis.

An abdominoperineal resection is a kind of surgery in which the rectum, anus or colon are removed. This surgery is often used to treat people with rectal or anal cancer.Ê

Mortality has decreased from nearly 28% to under 6%, through the use of prophylactic antibiotics before and after surgery.