title: Surgical treatment of low rectal cancers with APER and IGAP flap.
abstract: This article describes current treatments for individuals with a low rectal cancer. It examines the rationale for surgical treatment involving abdominoperineal excision of the anus and rectum (APER) and outlines how surgery for rectal cancer has evolved over recent years. Surgical advances mean the use of regional flaps is advocated to overcome the common problem of impaired perineal wound healing and the principles of this surgery are summarised. Postoperative nursing considerations relating to the inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap will be discussed, as well as the importance of scrupulous wound care and patient education. The implications of this form of surgery on a patient's recovery and discharge planning are also explored.
authors.affiliation: Stoma Care Nurse Specialist, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough.
authors.forename: Juliette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fulham
mesh_terms: D002081:Buttocks / Q000601:surgery; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000451:nursing; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Abdominoperineal excision; Colorectal cancer; Colostomy; IGAP flap; Stoma