LAR

Medical abbreviation · Surgical

LAR
Stands forLow anterior resection
CategoriesMedical

LAR stands for Low anterior resection, a surgical abbreviation.

Sphincter-preserving operation for rectal cancer that removes the diseased rectum with its surrounding mesorectum and joins the colon to the remaining rectum or anal canal. A temporary diverting loop ileostomy often protects the new connection.

Example: LAR with stapled colorectal anastomosis and diverting loop ileostomy.

Usage notes

Many patients develop low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), with urgency, frequency and clustered bowel movements. Some patients whose tumors disappear after chemoradiation now avoid surgery under a "watch and wait" approach with close surveillance.

More surgical abbreviations

  • I&D – Incision and drainage
  • IM – Intramedullary (nail or rod)
  • IOL – Intraocular lens
  • LAGB – Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band
  • Lap – Laparoscopic (laparoscopy)
  • Lap chole – Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
  • LASIK – Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis
  • LOA – Lysis of adhesions
  • M&M – Morbidity and mortality (conference)
  • MIS – Minimally invasive surgery
  • MRM – Modified radical mastectomy
  • NSQIP – National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

See all 51 surgical abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.