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coloanal anastomosis

(KOH-loh-AY-nul uh-NAS-toh-MOH-sis)
A surgical procedure in which the colon is attached to the anus after the rectum has been removed. Also called coloanal pull-through.
Three-panel drawing showing rectal cancer surgery with anastomosis; the first panel shows area of rectum with cancer, the middle panel shows cancer and nearby tissue removed, and the last panel shows the colon and anus joined.Enlarge this image in new window
Resection of the rectum with anastomosis. The rectum and part of the colon are removed, and then the colon and anus are joined.
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