Jon Lund continues the series on explaining the principles of operations for colorectal cancer with anterior resection. In this video podcast the underlying principles of surgery for cancer are explained, and the indications for operation, adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment in rectal cancer are discussed. The operation is explained with the help of diagrams, as well as indications for formation of defuntioning ileostomy. This podcast will be helpful to medical students on surgical attachments and core surgical trainees (junior residents). Viewing this will help you to understand better what's going in on in a forthcoming operative video podcast of anterior resection, as well has helping in the operating theatre. If you would like to see podcasts on any particular topic, let us know by leaving a message on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/surgeryschool)