What does the LAR procedure involve?

• A. Low anterior resection; resection of low rectal tumors through an anterior abdominal incision
• B. Abdominal perineal resection with permanent end colostomy
• C. Ureterostomy
• D. Ileal conduit creation for urinary diversion

Answer: (A)

Low anterior resection involves removing the rectum for tumors in the lower rectum while preserving the anal sphincter. The procedure is typically performed through an abdominal approach, removing the diseased rectal segment and then connecting the colon to the remaining rectal stump or anal canal to restore continuity. The aim is sphincter-sparing restoration of bowel continuity, with a possible temporary diverting ostomy to protect the new connection.

This matches the description of resecting low rectal tumors through an anterior abdominal incision. It differs from an abdominoperineal resection, which removes the anus and sphincter and usually results in a permanent end colostomy. The other options describe urinary diversions rather than colorectal sphincter-sparing resection.