After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to:

1. Describe the anatomy and blood supply of the distal colon and rectum.

2. List what is resected and what is reconnected during a low anterior resection.

3. Describe the major differences between a low anterior resection and an abdominoperineal resection, and the indications for each.

4. Outline risk factors for anastomotic leak after a low anterior resection.