Surgery

Surgery is often the most common treatment for colorectal cancers. The type of surgical procedure can vary based on the Staging of the cancer involved.

Basically there are three types of surgeries for colorectal cancers:

• Polypectomy
  This procedure involves the removal of cancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Most often, polypectomies are performed by colonoscopy. The polyp can be visualized, snipped off and retrieved for pathologic examination simply by utilizing an endoscopic procedure (non-form surgical procedure). This procedure is most often used for diagnostic purposes and the treatment of pre-cancerous or very early cancerous polyps.
• Open Surgery
  This approach is when a formal incision in the patent's abdomen is required to remove a segment of the colon or rectum which contains the cancer. The cut ends of the bowel are then reconnected to reestablish the continuity of the digestive tract. This procedure removes the cancer while typically preserving normal bowel function. On rare occasion, some patients may have to have a colostomy where the colon is bypassed and waste is collected via a colostomy bag. Today, less than 5% of surgeries for colorectal cancer will require a permanent colostomy.
• Laparoscopic Surgery
  Known as minimally invasive surgery, this implies that the same operation to remove a cancer can potentially be performed with significantly smaller incisions as compared to an open surgical procedure. This surgery involves three to four small incisions in which a lighted scope and thin instruments are used to perform the operation. Often times, it is up to the discretion of the surgeon to determine if a situation is amenable to laparoscopic surgery. If so, the benefits to the patient include less scarring, shorter recovery time, and less pain. This option is provided only if the surgeon feels that an equally good cancer operation can be performed as compared to open surgery.
• Da Vinci ® Robotic Surgery
  DaVinci Robotic surgery is a more specialized form of minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon uses a robot to assist with laparoscopic surgery. The robot offers technical advantages in certain situations which may improve success rates for surgeries performed in a minimally invasive fashion. Benefits can include shorter recovery time, less pain, and a quicker return to normal, daily activities.

To select a surgeon who treats colorectal cancer, visit our Colorectal Cancer Specialists web page.

Reviewed 03/2011