Surgery for anal cancer

You might have surgery for anal cancer if you have a very early cancer (stage 1) of the anal margin. Or if you've had chemoradiotherapy that didn't get rid of the cancer completely. 

You usually have a colostomy if you have an operation called an abdominoperineal resection (APR).

Before surgery, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team. 

You have a general anaesthetic so you can't feel anything during the operation. This sends you into a deep sleep.

How you feel after your operation depends on what type of surgery you have. 

There is a risk of problems or complications after any operation. Many problems are minor but some can be life threatening. Treating them as soon as possible is important.