Colon Cancer Surgery

Most colon cancer surgeries performed these days are done using minimally invasive techniques. Instead of making one large incision in the abdomen, five or six small incisions are made instead. A laparoscope and other instruments are inserted into these openings to give the surgeon a live video feed of the region. Watching through a video monitor, the skilled surgeon then uses the instruments to perform the delicate procedures required to remove the cancer.

The actual procedure depends on the staging of the cancer and its location. In a partial colectomy, only a portion of the colon is removed. The rest is then joined together. If you have this procedure, you should look forward to your bowel habits returning to normal. During a right colectomy, the ride side of the colon is removed along with the part of the small intestine that connects to it. In an abdominoperineal resection, the anus, rectum and sigmoid colon are removed. In contrast, a proctosigmoidectomy only removes the sigmoid colon and any diseased sections of the rectum. In a total abdominal colectomy, the colon is removed, but the rectum and anus remain. Finally, there is the total proctocolectomy, which is the most extensive operation, removing the rectum and colon. If the anus is unaffected and in working order, the surgeon may create an ileal pouch so you can go to the bathroom normally. If it is affected, it may also be removed in a procedure known as a permanent ileostomy. The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques has revolutionized the treatment of colon cancer, since it offers patients a reduced recovery time, less chance of infection and fewer complications.

If you'd like to learn more about colon cancer surgery options, please make an appointment today.