Colon Cancer Surgery

There are several different options to treat colon cancer. One of the primary treatments is colon cancer surgery. There are several different types of colon cancer surgery. The surgery performed depends on the where the cancer is located and how extensive the cancer has grown.

Open Colectomy

In this colon cancer surgery the doctor actually excises a portion of the colon and surrounding lymph node. It is called an open colectomy because the process is completed through a single incision. In preparation for your surgery you will be asked to empty your bowels through fasting and colon cleansing. During the surgery, the surgeon will remove approximately one third of your colon. The colon is then sewn back together. The surgeon will also remove no less than 12 of the surrounding lymph nodes. You will be able to go back to eating solid food within a few days of the surgery.

Colon Blockage

When your colon is blocked by a tumor, immediate colon cancer surgery is required. In this case the bisected colon is not reattached. Instead the top portion of the colon is sewn to an opening in the abdomen called the stoma. This is called a colostomy and you will be instructed in the use of a colostomy bag. This is only a temporary measure and once your health has improved, surgery will be done to connect the bisected ends.

Laparoscopic-assisted Colectomy

This is a relatively new colon cancer surgery. In this case, instead of one long incision, the surgeon completes a few small incisions. Elongated instruments are pushed through these incisions to remove the diseased colon and surrounding lymph nodes. A small camera is also inserted so the surgeon can clearly see where to incise the colon. Recovery time is a bit quicker due to the smaller incisions.

Polypectomy

This type of colon cancer surgery is performed on cancer discovered in the early stages. In this case no incision is made in the belly. Instead, a colonoscope is inserted through the anus and the polyps are removed using a surgical knife attached to the camera. Recovery is only a few hours.

Transanal Resection

Similar to polypectomy, this excision is done through the anus to treat rectal cancer. Complete layers of the rectum are removed and the hole is sewn closed. Local anesthesia is all that is needed for this colon cancer surgery. A similar surgery involves an endoscope. This flexible camera is inserted in the anus along with cutting tools. The camera allows for very precise extraction of cancer from a very particular area in the anus. Cancers in a more advanced state undergo a low anterior resection where the rectum is removed without harming the anus. The remaining colon is then attached directly to the anus. For all of these rectal surgeries the doctor will ask you to complete a colon cleanse, as they need the area to be empty of fecal material.

The type of colon cancer surgery your physician chooses does depend on the stage the cancer is in, the expertise of the surgeon and the location of the cancer. Least invasive surgeries require the skills of specially trained surgeons. These types of laparoscopic surgeries are only done in few medical facilities.