What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal surgery is the preferred procedure for colorectal cancer. It involves either small or large incisions made during open or laparoscopic surgeries. Sometimes, no incisions are involved, as in polypectomy (removal of polyp: a small abnormal tissue in the intestine) that is performed during a colonoscopy.
Types of colorectal surgeries
- Local excision: Removal of cancerous tissue and a small portion of healthy surrounding tissue.
- Polypectomy: Removal of polyps.
- Proctectomy: Removal of a portion (lower anterior resection) or whole part of the rectum (abdominoperineal resection).
- Total proctocolectomy: This is the most extensive bowel procedure carried out and includes both the rectum and the colon removal.
- Colectomy: Removal of a part or whole of the colon. Common procedures in colectomy include hemicolectomy (removal of an ascending colon & a portion of the transverse colon) and left hemicolectomy (removal of a portion of three regions; transverse colon, descending colon, & sigmoid colon being the left-sided regions of the intestine).
These surgeries can be performed either openly or laparoscopically, & sometimes through robotic techniques.
- Laparoscopic surgery: A minimally invasive approach using small incisions in the abdomen and a camera to perform the surgery with specialized instruments.
- Open surgery: It involves a larger incision to access the intestines directly for the surgical alterations.
| Procedure Name | Colorectal Cancer |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Open, Laparoscopic or Robotic Surgery |
| Type of Anesthesia | Deep sedation (monitored anesthesia care)a |
| Procedure Duration | Nearly 2-8 hrs. |
| Recovery Duration | 6 weeks; full recovery can take upto months |
Colorectal Cancer: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Preparation For Colon Cancer
Before the colorectal procedure, you may be advised to fast for a specific period. Also, certain diagnostic tests, such as blood and urine tests, MRI, ultrasound, colonoscopy, etc., are performed. However, apart from these general precautions of fasting and imaging tests, bowel preparation, i.e., administration of laxatives to clear or cleanse the colon, is the preferred step before the surgery.
During the Procedure
Once in the procedure room, you will be administered anesthesia, followed by making small or large incisions in the abdomen to access the intestine & further removing the part of the colon or rectum, depending on the location of the tumor. Finally, the bowel ends are properly rejoined.
Colon Surgery Recovery
The length of time it takes to recover from a colorectal cancer surgery is determined by the type of surgery and your overall health. You will typically spend a few days in the hospital following the procedure. Many individuals can resume their normal activities or work within two to three weeks, but it’s important not to engage in physical activities until approved by the surgeon.
Post-procedure care
Maintain cleanliness of the incision, take prescribed medication for pain, and follow dietary modifications such as consuming easily digestible foods and avoiding high-fiber foods for a few days or weeks & activity restrictions as per your doctor’s suggestions. Attend follow-up appointments for monitoring and guidance.
Benefits of Colorectal Cancer at Yashoda Hospitals
- Improved digestive functions
- Improved quality of life
- Decreased chances of reoccurrence.
- Prevention of complications & risk.
- Reduced blood loss & high precision rates with advanced techniques.
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