Abdominoperineal is an adjective meaning “referring to the abdomen and the perineum” together. It joins two body regions into one term:

• the abdomen (the belly, holding the stomach, intestines, and liver), and
• the perineum (the area at the very bottom of the trunk, between the anus and the genitals).

The word is built from abdomino- (“abdomen”) + perineal (“perineum”), so it literally means “of the abdomen and perineum.”

What the perineum is

The perineum is the diamond-shaped region forming the floor of the pelvis, located between the genitals and the anus. It contains important muscles and structures involved in supporting the pelvic organs, as well as in bowel and bladder control. Because it sits at the lowest point of the trunk, reaching certain structures here sometimes requires approaching the body from below as well as from the belly.

How it’s used

“Abdominoperineal” appears most often in the context of surgery, where an operation needs to be carried out through both the abdomen and the perineum at the same time. The best-known example is the:

• abdominoperineal resection (APR) → a surgical procedure, often used to treat cancer of the lower rectum or anus. The surgeon works through an abdominal incision and a perineal incision together to remove the affected section of bowel. This typically results in a permanent colostomy (where the bowel is rerouted to an opening on the abdominal wall).

The term signals that a procedure or structure spans these two regions, requiring access from above (the belly) and below (the perineum).

Why the combined term matters

Using a single word for “abdomen and perineum” is efficient and precise in medicine. It tells the care team immediately that two surgical approaches are involved, which affects planning, positioning the patient, and recovery. It’s a good example of how medical language stitches together roots to describe complex, real-world procedures in one word.

Disclaimer

This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Procedures such as an abdominoperineal resection are major operations with significant implications, and decisions about them must be made with qualified healthcare professionals based on your individual circumstances. If a procedure of this kind has been discussed with you, or you have related symptoms or concerns, consult your doctor or surgical team for guidance specific to your situation.