What is colon and rectal cancer surgery?
Colon and rectal cancer surgery is the first treatment option for colon and rectal cancers. The type of surgery will depend on the stage of the cancer, its location and what the surgery is intended to achieve. Specialists often administer radiotherapy or chemotherapy before or after surgery. Before performing the surgery it is of utmost importance to know how far from the anus the tumor is located, a detail that will influence the type of surgery to be performed (rectal cancer). As for colon cancer, it is necessary to start a special diet before surgery and it may be necessary to consume laxative drinks and apply enemas in order to expel all the fecal material from the colon.
Why is it performed?
Surgery is the main treatment and is performed in the event that the tumor cannot be completely resected through colonoscopy. General anesthesia is used at the time of the procedure and consists in the resection of the fragment of the colon in which the tumor is located. This type of resection can be performed conventionally or with the help of paparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique and facilitates a faster postoperative period.
Any type of colon surgery requires that the colon is empty and clean.
What does it consist of?
Colon and rectal cancer surgery consists of the following: first of all, the type of pathology must be considered. In this way, in patients with benign diseases, a conservative intervention will be performed, controlling the principles against infection. However, when treating cancer, it is very important to follow the basics of oncological resection to the letter.
Preparing for colon and rectal cancer surgery
As noted above, the patient will need to follow a special diet prior to surgery and may need the help of laxative drinks and enemas in order to expel all fecal matter from the colon. This is because any type of colon surgery requires the colon to be empty and clean.
Alternatives to this treatment
There are other types of treatments that are considered alternatives:
- Local treatments: they treat the tumor without damaging the rest of the body, these types of treatments are more effective in early stage cancers. However, they can also be used in other cases.
- Systemic treatments: Drugs are also another valid form of treatment and can be administered orally or directly through the bloodstream. They are called systemic therapies as they are able to reach all cancer cells in the body.
- Common treatment approaches: Depending on the stage of the cancer, among other factors, there is the possibility that different types of treatment may be used in combination, either at the same time or consecutively.