Colon Cancer Operation: The two basic types of surgery
Due to advancements in technology and the ongoing efforts of researchers, the methods to treat colon cancer are becoming more and more effective. Surgery is almost always necessary for colorectal cancer treatment, and depending on the stage of the disease, chemo or radiotherapies may also be used as a part of treating colon cancer.
There are two basic types of surgical procedures, ‘open’ surgery, in which a large incision is made in the abdomen, or laparoscopic surgery, known as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). With either type of operation, the surgeon removes the cancerous part of the colon and if necessary, the surrounding lymph nodes. The doctor will also inspect the rest of the intestine and the liver to determine if the cancer has spread, and the two ends of the colon are then reconnected.
In the event the surgeon is unable to reconnect the colon for some reason, a new opening, called a stoma, will be made on the outside of the body in the abdominal area. The end of the intestine is then connected to the outside of the stoma, and a bag is attached to the opening to collect waste materials. This procedure is called a colostomy and in most cases, is only needed on a temporary basis while the bowel heals.
Laparoscopic surgery
A colon cancer operation using a laparoscope is referred to as minimally invasive surgery. With this procedure, a series of small incisions is made, as opposed to the larger incision used in traditional open surgery. Incisions with laparoscopic surgery are made in the abdomen, and are typically a quarter of an inch to about four inches long. The ’scope’ or camera is then inserted into one of the incisions to provide a view of the patient’s colon or bowel which can then be magnified and viewed on a television monitor. Using the other small incisions for inserting surgical instruments, the surgeon then removes the diseased portions of the colon.
MIS is also useful for treating other diseases that affect the bowel such as diverticulitis and Crohn’s disease. It also offers several benefits over open surgery for colon cancer. Patients report that there is less pain and scarring with the laparoscopic technique, as well as a shorter stay in the hospital. The overall recovery time following this type of procedure is also less, another positive benefit to having laparoscopic surgery.
As with all types of surgery for any reason, there are complications and risks to consider that may occur with laparoscopic surgery. Complications can include infection, injury to blood vessels, bleeding, reactions to anesthesia, and the perforation of surrounding organs. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with your doctor when facing a colon cancer operation. Weigh the benefits of the different types of surgery and be sure to discuss the possible risks of each.
Open surgery
Traditional surgery for colon cancer, referred to as open surgery, involves an incision that can be up to 16 inches long and span the length of the upper and lower abdomen. The removal of a portion of the bowel is referred to as a colectomy, and the exact type of procedure used will depend on the location of the cancer and how far it has spread.
If the cancer is on the right side of the large intestine, half of the colon will be removed in a procedure called a right hemi-colectomy. If it is present on the left side, a left hemi-colectomy will be performed, and a sigmoid colectomy will be necessary if the cancer is in the sigmoid portion of the colon.
If there is cancer in the rectum, the final portion of the bowel before the anus, an operation known as an anterior resection will be needed. Because of the invasiveness of this type of procedure, most patients will have to remain in the hospital for at least a week while they heal. Many patients also experience a lengthy healing process that can last as long as six to eight weeks following a colon cancer operation. Open surgery may be necessary for patients who are obese or who have a colon cancer tumor that is too large to be removed using the laparoscopic method.
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