Abdominoperineal resection (APR) in Hyderabad
An APR is surgery for a cancer very low in the rectum, or at the anus, that sits too close to the sphincter to save it. Because the anus is removed, it means a permanent colostomy — and that fear is completely understandable. The honest reason is where the cancer sits, not a lack of trying: wherever a cancer is higher up, we save the sphincter instead. An APR removes the cancer completely, and life with a colostomy is manageable and fully supported.
- Sphincter-preserving surgery whenever it is safe · TME standard
- Specialist stoma-care nurse & support · keyhole where suitable
- Aarogyasri for cancer · clear indicative costs
What is an abdominoperineal resection?
An APR is only done when the sphincter genuinely cannot be saved. For cancers higher up, a sphincter-preserving operation (a low anterior resection) rejoins the bowel and avoids a permanent colostomy — and this is always done when it is safe. Rectal cancer surgery follows the TME standard (removing the rectum within its surrounding envelope for a clean margin), and most low rectal cancers are treated with chemoradiation before surgery to give the best result.
Removes the cancer completely
The anus, rectum and surrounding tissue are removed together with a clear margin, to the TME standard.
A permanent colostomy
Because the anus is removed, a small permanent stoma on the tummy collects bowel motions in a discreet pouch.
Only when the sphincter can't be saved
For cancers higher up, sphincter-preserving surgery avoids a permanent colostomy — done whenever it is safe.
APR vs sphincter-preserving surgery (LAR)

| Low anterior resection (LAR) | Abdominoperineal resection (APR) | |
|---|---|---|
| For | Upper & mid rectal cancers (higher up). | Very low rectal or anal cancers involving the sphincter. |
| The sphincter | Saved — the bowel is rejoined. | Removed — it cannot be safely kept. |
| Stoma | Often a temporary stoma, reversed after a few weeks. | A permanent colostomy. |
| What decides it | How low the cancer sits — the team always saves the sphincter whenever it is oncologically safe. | |
What an APR involves
Abdominal approach
Through the tummy, the lower bowel is freed to the TME standard and the colostomy is formed on the abdomen.
Perineal approach
Through a cut around the back passage, the anus and lowest bowel are removed with the surrounding tissue.

Keyhole where suitable
Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for smaller wounds and quicker recovery, with robotic available through a partner pathway.
Nerve-sparing technique
The nerves to the bladder and sexual function run close to the rectum and are protected wherever possible.
Tumour-board planned
Every case is planned by a colorectal multidisciplinary tumour board so surgery, chemoradiation and support fit together.
Tests that confirm the diagnosis and guide surgery
Diagnostic services we offer — book any of these:
Colonoscopy & tissue biopsy
A camera examines the rectum and takes a small tissue sample that confirms whether it is cancer — the step that guides everything after.
MRI of the pelvis (rectum)
Detailed imaging that shows how low the cancer sits and how close it is to the sphincter — the scan that decides APR vs sphincter-saving surgery.
PET-CT / CT staging scan
Whole-body imaging to stage the cancer accurately and check the lymph nodes before treatment.
Biopsy & histopathology
Expert reading of the tissue sample to confirm the type and grade of cancer and guide the plan.
Colorectal tumour board
Your biopsy and scans reviewed together by surgical, radiation & medical oncologists to set the safest plan.
Biopsy & scan cost check
Understand indicative costs for the colonoscopy, biopsy and scans, with Aarogyasri and insurance guidance.
Life with a permanent colostomy
A specialist stoma-care nurse
Teaches you to manage the colostomy from before surgery through life at home, and is there whenever you need — you are never left to work it out alone.
Discreet & manageable
A small, secure pouch that is emptied and changed simply, and is not visible under clothes. Most people find it becomes routine.
A full life
People return to work, travel, exercise, family life and the food they enjoy. Emotional support for the adjustment is part of the care.
Rectal & colorectal cancer treatments we deliver
Treatments we deliver — book a consult for any of these:
Abdominoperineal resection (APR)
Removing the anus, rectum and lower bowel to the TME standard, with a permanent colostomy, for very low rectal or anal cancer.
Sphincter-preserving surgery (LAR)
For higher rectal cancers, removing the affected part and rejoining the bowel — keeping the back passage, avoiding a permanent colostomy.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) rectal surgery
Minimally invasive rectal surgery through small ports — less pain, a shorter stay and quicker recovery where suitable.
Chemoradiation before surgery
For most low rectal cancers, radiation with chemotherapy first to shrink the cancer and improve the result. Aarogyasri-covered.
Targeted therapy & chemotherapy
Advanced medical treatment matched to the tumour, added after surgery when the pathology calls for it.
Stoma care & rehabilitation
A specialist stoma-care nurse, nutrition and physiotherapy to help you live well with a colostomy after surgery.
What to expect & recovery
Before surgery
MRI staging and, for most low rectal cancers, chemoradiation first. A stoma-care nurse marks the best site for the stoma and answers your questions.
The operation
Through the tummy and around the back passage, the rectum and anus are removed to the TME standard, the colostomy is formed, and nearby nerves are protected — by keyhole surgery where suitable.
In hospital
A stay of several days, with good pain control. The stoma-care nurse teaches you to manage the colostomy, and the perineal wound is cared for.
Early healing
Back to gentle activities within a few weeks, with the perineal wound settling over a little longer, supported at every step.
Follow-up
The results guide any further treatment, and your team and stoma nurse follow up so you are well long-term.
Recovery is a supported journey rather than a single day. A stoma-care nurse, a dietitian and — where you want it — emotional support walk with you at every step.
APR cost in Hyderabad Indicative
Indicative cost estimator
Pick your situation for an indicative range, then request an exact estimate for your case.
Financial support & Aarogyasri
Cost should not delay treatment. Because an APR is treatment for rectal (or anal) cancer, eligible surgery is generally covered under Aarogyasri at empanelled centres, and private insurance is accepted cashless — usually alongside the chemoradiation given before it. Our counsellors help check eligibility, arrange approvals and map out what you will actually pay — often far less than families fear.
CION cancer care is closer than you think.
We're never more than 30 minutes away. Same panel of specialists at every centre. Same tumour board reviews. Same NCCN protocols. Pick the closest one and call directly — or let us pick for you.
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Your APR is planned by a team, not one doctor.
Colorectal surgical, radiation and medical oncologists plan every case together in a multidisciplinary tumour board — part of 17 senior specialists across CION.
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Want a specific doctor for your case? Mention them when booking.
Book Free ConsultationBook an appointment with our specialist
Share your name and number — we'll call you back within 30 minutes to schedule your consultation.
Told you need a permanent colostomy? Ask us first — the honest answer may reassure you.
Before you decide anything, let a colorectal surgeon review your MRI and biopsy and tell you honestly whether the sphincter can be saved. Free consultation and free written second opinion.
Common fears about an APR & a permanent colostomy — answered
These are the worries people rarely say out loud. Here are honest, respectful answers to the ones we hear most in Telangana — without any judgement.
Why choose CION for an APR in Hyderabad
Sphincter-preservation first
The sphincter is saved whenever a cancer allows it — an APR is used only when it genuinely cannot be kept.
TME — the surgical standard
Removing the rectum within its surrounding envelope for a clean margin — the technique that most affects outcome.
Keyhole where suitable
Laparoscopic surgery for smaller wounds and faster recovery, with robotic available through a partner pathway.
Stoma care & support
A specialist stoma-care nurse from before surgery through life at home, and emotional support for the adjustment.
A tumour-board approach
Every case planned by a colorectal multidisciplinary tumour board, so surgery, chemoradiation and support fit together.
Aarogyasri & care close to home
Rectal cancer surgery is covered under Aarogyasri at empanelled centres; 35+ centres and Telugu-speaking teams.
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Start Your Story. Book Free Consultation.Integrated support, before and after surgery
Living well with a colostomy is as important as the surgery itself. At CION, stoma care, nutrition, physiotherapy and emotional support are one coordinated plan — from diagnosis through survivorship.
Stoma-care nursing
A specialist nurse teaches you to manage the colostomy from before surgery through life at home. Ask us
Nutrition counselling
Practical diet guidance for living well with a colostomy, built around familiar home cooking. Learn more
Psychology counselling
Emotional support for you and your family through diagnosis, surgery and the adjustment. Learn more
Cancer rehabilitation
Physiotherapy and recovery support to rebuild strength after surgery. Learn more
Second opinion
A confidential second opinion on whether the sphincter can be saved — free with a biopsy and MRI. Learn more
Financial counselling
Aarogyasri and cashless insurance guidance so cost never blocks care. Learn more
Abdominoperineal resection (APR) in Hyderabad — frequently asked questions
What is an abdominoperineal resection (APR)?
An APR removes the anus, the rectum and part of the lower bowel, together with the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes, through an abdominal (tummy) approach and a perineal (back passage) approach. Because the anus is removed, the bowel cannot be rejoined, so a permanent colostomy is made on the tummy. It is used for a cancer very low in the rectum, or an anal cancer, that involves or is too close to the sphincter to save it.
Why do I need a permanent colostomy — can the sphincter not be saved?
Whether the sphincter can be saved depends on how low the cancer sits. When a rectal cancer is higher up, a sphincter-preserving operation (a low anterior resection) rejoins the bowel and avoids a permanent colostomy, and this is always done when it is safe. When a cancer is at or into the sphincter, it cannot be removed fully and safely while keeping the anus, so an APR with a permanent colostomy is needed. It is decided by the cancer's position, not a lack of trying.
What is the difference between an APR and a low anterior resection (LAR)?
A low anterior resection (LAR) is for upper and mid rectal cancers: the affected part is removed and the bowel is rejoined, keeping the sphincter, often with a temporary stoma that is reversed after a few weeks. An APR is for very low rectal or anal cancers involving the sphincter: the anus and rectum are removed and a permanent colostomy is made. Your surgeon recommends whichever safely clears your cancer while preserving as much function as possible.
What is life like with a permanent colostomy?
A colostomy changes daily life, but most people find it becomes routine and live fully with it. Bowel motions collect in a small, discreet pouch on the tummy that is emptied and changed simply, and it is not visible under clothes. A specialist stoma-care nurse teaches you everything and supports you long-term. People return to work, travel, exercise, family life and the food they enjoy, and support is there for the adjustment.
Can I eat normally with a colostomy?
Yes. A colostomy changes how bowel motions leave the body, not how you digest food. Most people return to a normal, varied diet — including their usual home cooking — building up gradually, with a few foods eased back in at first. Our dietitians give practical, culturally familiar guidance so eating well feels manageable.
What is the perineal wound, and how does it heal?
The perineal wound is where the anus was removed, at the base of the pelvis. It takes a little longer to heal than the tummy wounds, and the team guides you in caring for it. Where a larger area is removed, tissue is sometimes used to fill and help heal the space. Most perineal wounds settle over the following weeks with support.
Can an APR be done by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery?
Often, yes. Wherever it is suitable, an APR is done by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, which means smaller cuts, less pain and a faster recovery, with robotic surgery available through a partner pathway. Your surgeon advises whether a keyhole or open approach is safest for your cancer, and both remove the cancer to the same TME standard.
Will an APR affect my bladder or sexual function?
It can, because the nerves to the bladder and sexual function run close to the rectum. Surgeons use nerve-sparing techniques to protect them wherever possible, and any effects are often temporary. Your team discusses this honestly beforehand and offers support and simple measures that help, so it is not left unspoken.
Do I need chemoradiation before an APR?
For most low rectal cancers, yes. A course of chemoradiation (radiation with chemotherapy) is usually given before surgery to shrink the cancer and improve the result. This is standard, decided by the colorectal tumour board, and is part of the plan — not a sign the cancer is hopeless. Your team explains whether it applies to you.
Is an APR covered by Aarogyasri or insurance?
It is cancer surgery, so it is generally covered under Aarogyasri at empanelled centres and by most health-insurance policies, usually alongside the chemoradiation given before it. CION's team checks your policy and scheme eligibility and provides a written estimate before anything is planned.
How much does an APR cost in Hyderabad?
The indicative cost depends on the approach — keyhole (laparoscopic) or open — the hospital stay and the treatment around the surgery. Because it is rectal cancer surgery, eligible cases are generally covered under Aarogyasri at empanelled centres, with insurance accepted cashless, usually alongside the chemoradiation before it. CION gives an accurate written estimate after assessment. Figures shown online are indicative only and not a quotation.
How long does recovery take after an APR?
An APR needs a hospital stay of several days, with good pain control. The perineal wound takes a little longer to heal than the tummy wounds, and a stoma-care nurse teaches you to manage the colostomy from early on. Most people are back to gentle activities within a few weeks and to fuller life over one to two months. Recovery is a supported journey, and your team explains each step in advance.
Is the colostomy after an APR ever reversed?
After an APR the colostomy is permanent, because the anus has been removed and the bowel cannot be rejoined. That is honest — but permanent does not mean life-limiting: with a stoma-care nurse's support it becomes routine and people live full, active lives. Where a cancer is higher up and a sphincter-preserving operation is possible, a temporary stoma may instead be reversed later.
Does removing the cancer with surgery make it spread?
No. Removing the cancer under controlled surgical conditions — with a clear margin and the surrounding tissue, to the TME standard — does not spread it. This is a common myth. What causes real harm is delay, which lets a treatable cancer grow. An APR that removes the cancer completely is one of the most effective ways to treat a low rectal cancer.
Can a low rectal cancer come back after an APR?
Removing the cancer completely with a clear margin, to the TME standard, gives the best chance of long-term control, and for most people it stays controlled. Regular follow-up checks so that anything is caught early, when it is most treatable. Your final tissue results guide whether any further treatment is helpful.
Will I need a temporary breathing or feeding tube?
An APR does not usually involve a breathing or feeding tube. It needs a hospital stay of several days with good pain control, and the stoma-care nurse teaches you to manage the colostomy from early on. Eating usually resumes within a day or two as the bowel recovers, guided by your team.
How is an APR different from a colectomy?
A colectomy removes part of the colon higher up the bowel, and for most colon cancers the bowel is rejoined so no permanent bag is needed. An APR is for a cancer very low in the rectum or at the anus, where the anus is removed and a permanent colostomy is made. A permanent bag is far more associated with low rectal cancer than with colon cancer.
Which is the best hospital for rectal cancer surgery in Hyderabad?
Look for a cancer centre with fellowship-trained colorectal surgical oncologists, multidisciplinary tumour-board planning, TME-standard rectal surgery, laparoscopic (keyhole) capability, and dedicated stoma-care nursing. CION Cancer Clinics offers these across 35+ centres in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with Aarogyasri and insurance counselling and Telugu-speaking teams.
Which doctor should I see for an APR in Hyderabad?
For an APR, see a colorectal (GI) surgical oncologist who performs TME-standard rectal surgery. At CION your case is reviewed by a team — surgical, radiation and medical oncologists together — so you get a coordinated, cancer-first plan rather than a single-doctor decision, and an honest answer on whether the sphincter can be saved. You can request a specific surgeon when booking.
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Early answers change outcomes — and life with a colostomy is manageable and fully supported. Book a free consultation or second opinion at any of our 9 Hyderabad clinics — part of 35+ centres across Telangana & Andhra Pradesh.
