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Treatment For Colorectal Cancer

DrGanesh DP 2
Dr Ganesh Ramalingam

Specialist in General Surgery

Procedure

Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery In A Nutshell

  • Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is typically used to treat cancer of the colon or rectum.
  • In this surgery, parts of the colon along with lymph nodes around the region may be removed.
  • In some cases where the cancer has spread throughout the colon, surgical removal of the entire colon may be required.
  • Patients who undergo removal of the colon may be required to undergo colostomy, where an artificial opening is created to allow waste materials to be excreted from the body instead of through the rectum.
  • Downtime: No physical or strenuous activities for 1 month. Allow your body to rest. For recovery time, our doctor will advise you in detail.

Table of Contents

Colorectal Cancer Procedures

What Is The Treatment For Colorectal Cancer?

Surgery for colorectal is the main mode of treatment for colorectal of all stages. Surgery works by removing the part of your colon or rectum which contains the cancer and the regional lymph nodes. In rare cases, your entire colon may have to be removed.

The two ends of the sections being cut are then connected. Should there be a case where your colon is not able to be connected, an artificial opening for the colon, which is known as a colostomy, may be needed. This opening works by allowing waste materials to be excreted from your body if it is not able to be removed from the normal opening of your colon. The colostomy may be temporary, and the ends of your colon may be reconnected when your colon has healed. In other cases, the colostomy is permanent.

In more advanced stages of colorectal cancer, surgery will be performed on other organs to which the cancer has spread to remove the cancer. Surgery may also be performed as a form of palliative treatment to ease the pain, discomfort and other symptoms you may experience. Palliative surgery aims to improve your quality of life.

After surgery has been carried out to remove as much of the cancer as possible, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be required to kill any cancer cells that are still in your body. These increase the chances that you are fully cured from colorectal cancer and lowers the possibility of the cancer returning.

Chemotherapy refers to the injection of anti-cancer medications into a vein on your hand. Radiotherapy refers to the use of high energy X-rays, electron beams or radioactive isotopes to attack your cancer cells. A machine is used to deliver this radiation to targeted cancer cells in your body to stop the growth of cancer cells.

colorectal cancer procedure

What Are The Types Of Surgery For Colorectal Cancer?

A local excision is used for very early stages of colorectal cancer. Instead of cutting through your abdominal wall, your surgeon removes the cancer by using a tube with a cutting tool through the rectum into your colon. This is used to remove the cancer. If the cancer is found in a polyp, which is a mass of cells found on the lining of your colon, a polypectomy is carried out whereby the polyp is removed.

If the cancer is found at later stages where the tumour has grown bigger, resection of your colon is performed. This is known as a colectomy, where your surgeon removes the cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue nearby. Your lymph nodes near the cancer site will likely be removed to test for cancer.

Thereafter, anastomosis may be carried out where the healthy segments of your colon are rejoined. Otherwise, a stoma (opening) will be created on the outside of your body in a procedure known as a colostomy. A colostomy bag is attached to the stoma. This allows waste materials to pass through and be removed from your digestive system. In certain cases, colostomy may be reversed once your lower colon has healed. In cases where your entire lower colon has to be removed, the colostomy may be permanent.

Why Surgery For Colorectal Cancer?

Surgery is the main mode for treatment for colorectal cancer of all stages, as this is highly effective in removing the cancer cells. Removal of cancer cells reduces the possibility of the cancer progressing and spreading to other parts of your body. The type of surgery carried out depends on the stage of colorectal cancer.

What To Expect?

  • Stop taking current medications as instructed by your doctor as certain medications may increase your risk of complications during surgery.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol so that you may recover in a shorter time.
  • You will be given bowel preparation to clear your bowels. This helps to empty your colon prior to the surgery.
  • You may be prescribed antibiotics a few days before the procedure to prevent an infection. Your colon contains bacteria that may leak into your abdomen during surgery, and antibiotics reduce the risk of infection.
  • You may be put on a soft diet or liquid diet two to three days before the procedure.
  • Fast as instructed by your doctor.
  • You will be given anaesthesia to help you fall asleep during the procedure.
  • The surgery may be performed via open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.
  • In open surgery:
    A single larger incision is made in your abdomen.
    Your surgeon accesses your colon through this incision.
    Surgical tools are used to separate your colon from nearby tissue and cut out a segment of your colon or the entire colon.
  • In laparoscopic surgery:
    Several small incisions are made in your abdomen.
    A tiny camera is placed through one of the incisions. Your surgeon watches the video screen in the operating room to view your internal organs. This aids him in using the tools to operate on your colon.
    Special surgical tools are placed through the other incisions.
    Your colon is temporarily removed through an incision and repairs are made before reinserting it back into your body.
  • You will be taken to a recovery room to be monitored by the nurses as the anaesthesia wears off.
  • You may have liquid nutrition inserted through a vein in your arm and then consume a liquid diet.
  • You may gradually add soft foods and solid foods into your diet as your colon recovers.
  • You will be shown how to care for your stoma and change your ostomy bag (to collect waste) by a nurse had you undergone a colostomy.
  • You may be discharged within a few days to a week. This happens once you are able to drink the required liquids without feeling unwell, regain bowel function, move around without assistance and the pain is under control with painkillers.
  • You may have to rest at home for a few weeks to recover. You may get tired easily and have a reduced appetite. This is normal and will go away as your body heals and and your strength returns.
  • Your bowel movements may not be as regular for some time and will return to normal with time.

What Is The Treatment For Each Stage Of Rectal Cancer?

In Stages 0 and some cases of Stage I rectal cancer, the polyp may be removed completely via polypectomy. Polypectomy is usually done during a colonoscopy, where the polyp is removed through the anus and the abdomen does not need to be cut.

In other cases of Stage I rectal cancer, where the cancer has grown into the inner lining of the rectum, and Stage 2 rectal cancer, a small amount of the surrounding tissue which contains the cancer is also removed. This may be done using transanal resection or transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). In other cases, a low anterior resection (LAR), proctectomy with colo-anal anastomosis, or an abdominoperineal resection (APR) may be done. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy is recommended along with surgery for Stage 2 rectal cancer. These work by stopping the growth of new cancer cells and making the tumour smaller in size.

In Stage 3 rectal cancer, surgery is performed to remove the rectal tumour and nearby lymph nodes. This may be done using LAR, proctectomy with colo-anal anastomosis, or an APR.Chemotherapy and radiotherapy is recommended along with surgery.

If the cancer is at an advanced stage where it has spread to other organs in your body such as the liver or lungs, the primary cancer in your rectum will first be removed. Thereafter, your surgeon will perform surgical removal of the cancer in the other organs. These can be done via the LAR or APR. Depending on the extent of the cancer, surgery will help you live longer or may cure you.

After the respective sections of your rectum is removed, the two open ends of your bowel is rejoined. Otherwise, a temporary stoma which is an opening will be in place. A bowel bag is placed over the stoma to collect bowel motions and let your bowel rest after the surgery.

What To Expect?

  • Stop all current medications you are on as instructed by your doctor.
  • Do not smoke or drink alcohol 24 hours prior to the procedure.
  • Fast as instructed.
  • You will be given bowel preparation to take the night before your procedure.
  • You will be given anaesthesia to help you fall asleep.
  • The nurses will clean your abdomen with antibacterial soap and use sterile drapes to cover you.

For open surgery:

  • Your surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen.
  • He or she will insert a narrow telescope with a camera attached and other instruments through the cuts. This is to remove the section of your bowel with the tumour.
  • Most of the operation is performed through the small cuts, though a slightly larger opening is required to remove the portion of bowel from your body.
  • After the cancer has been removed, your surgeon may perform an anastomosis, where healthy parts of the rectum are rejoined, or a colostomy, where a stoma opening is created for waste to pass through. A bag is placed around the stoma to collect the waste.
  • You will be administered pain medications through the epidural catheter, through IV or oral medications.
  • You may consume a liquid diet soon after your surgery. This is to enable your bowel to recuperate.
  • You may gradually consume solid foods two to three days after the surgery. Eat small and frequent meals.
  • You will be assisted to spend more time out of bed by the physical rehabilitation team. This is to promote rehabilitation and proper functioning of your rectum.
  • You may be discharged two days after the surgery.
  • Continue the diet recommended by your doctor at home.
  • Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor one to two weeks after the surgery.

How Serious Is Surgery For Colorectal Cancer?

Surgery is a major treatment option for colorectal cancer. The type of surgery performed depends on the stage of the cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancerous tissue. In some cases, adjuvant therapy, such as radiation or chemotherapy, may be recommended after surgery. 

The decision to recommend adjuvant therapy is based on many factors, including the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. Surgery for colorectal cancer is a major operation that requires careful consideration. Speak to our team at G&L Surgical for a better understanding of the various treatment options available for you or your loved ones.

What Are Potential Side Effects From Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. The type of surgery you have depends on the stage of your cancer. The side effects from colorectal cancer surgery vary depending on the type of surgery you have, how many lymph nodes are removed, and other factors. In general, however, the potential side effects from colorectal cancer surgery include:

  • Short-term: Pain, bleeding, and changes in bowel habits.
  • Long-term: Bowel obstruction, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.

Many of these side effects can be managed with medication or other treatments. For example, pain can be controlled with pain medication, and changes in bowel habits can be managed with dietary changes and stool softeners. 

In some cases, additional surgery may be needed to correct a long-term side effect. However, overall most people are able to recover from colorectal cancer surgery without major problems.

What Happens After Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

The type of surgery performed will depend on the stage of the cancer. For early-stage cancers, a local excision may be all that is needed. This involves removing the cancerous growth along with a small margin of healthy tissue. More advanced cancers may require a partial colectomy, which involves removing a section of the colon. In some cases, a total colectomy may be necessary, which entails removing the entire colon. 

Following surgery, patients will need to stay in the hospital for several days to recover. They will be closely monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding. 

Once discharged, patients will need to follow up with their doctor for regular checkups and screenings. If detected early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable and many patients go on to live normal, healthy lives.

What Foods Should Be Avoided After Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

It is important to follow a low-fibre diet for the first two weeks after surgery. This means avoiding high-fibre foods such as whole grains, legumes, and raw fruits and vegetables. 

Instead, focus on eating soft, easily digestible foods such as cooked chicken or fish, mashed potatoes, and well-cooked vegetables. 

You should also avoid spicy foods, fatty foods, and carbonated beverages, as these can irritate your digestive system. 

Constipation is a common side effect of colorectal cancer surgery, so it is important to make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough fiber in your diet. 

Slowly reintroducing high-fiber foods into your diet after the two-week mark can help to reduce constipation and promote regularity. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your diet after colorectal cancer surgery, be sure to speak to our doctor.

How Is The Quality Of Life After Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

Quality of life is an important consideration when making any major decision, and surgery to treat colorectal cancer is no exception. 

While the goal of any surgery is to remove the cancer and improve the patient’s prognosis, it is also important to consider how the surgery will affect the patient’s quality of life. 

In most cases, patients who undergo colorectal surgery experience a significant improvement in their quality of life after the procedure. The majority of patients are able to return to their normal activities within a month, and many report feeling better than they have in years. 

In addition, the success rate for colorectal surgery is very high, which means that most patients can expect to experience long-term remission from their cancer. For these reasons, surgery to treat colorectal cancer is often considered to be an excellent option for patients who are looking to improve their quality of life.