Colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon or rectum cancer, is among the most widespread cancers worldwide. Colon and rectum are part of our body’s digestive system which processes food for energy and eliminates solid waste from the body. A polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum that often turns into a cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Surgery Types
Surgery is an important treatment option for colorectal cancer patients. Several colorectal cancer surgery types are used depending on the cancer’s location, stage, and other health factors. The main aim of these surgeries is removing the parts affected by cancerous cells together with adjacent lymph nodes in some cases.
Colectomy
Colectomy is one of the common surgical procedures done for colorectal cancer whereby part or all of the colon is removed. Colectomies could be done in various ways including:
- Partial Colectomy: Removal of only the diseased section of the colon along with a small part of healthy tissue.
- Total Colectomy: This means removal of the whole large intestine which can be necessary if there’s wide-spread metastasis.
This procedure often employed less invasive techniques such as laparoscopic surgery with smaller incisions resulting in faster healing compared to open operation.
Proctectomy
In case of rectal cancers, proctectomy might be required. It involves removing some or all parts of your rectum. The types include:
- Low Anterior Resection (LAR): In this case the upper portion of rectum is removed leaving its remaining attached to the colon.
- Abdominoperineal Resection (APR): This entails removal of both anus as well anus meaning permanent colostomy whereby stool empties through the stoma situated at the lower abdomen region.
These surgical procedures seek to remove all malignant cells while maintaining normal functioning abilities to a reasonable extent.
Laparoscopic Surgery
In recent years, laparoscopic surgery has become a commonly used minimally invasive technique for treating colorectal cancers. A laparoscope is a thin tube attached with a camera and light that enables surgeons to see and work on the internal organs through tiny cuts.
This method comes with several advantages such as less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. For partial or total colectomy or some types of proctectomy, doctors may use laparoscopic surgery.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
It usually takes time for patients to fully recover after colorectal cancer surgery. Postoperative care involves managing pain, preventing complications, and gradually resuming normal bowel activities. There is also a need for patients to follow dietary prescriptions as they reintroduce solids back into their meals.
Physical exercises facilitate regaining strength as well as reducing chances of conditions like deep vein thrombosis due to immobility. Furthermore, follow-up care is important in order to watch out for any signs of recurrence or other health issues that may be ongoing.
Possible Complications
There are risks associated with this type of colon cancer surgery just like all other major surgeries you know about. Some potential issues include:
- Infection: An infection at the surgical site or within your abdominal cavity.
- Bleeding: Too much blood loss during or after the operation.
- Bowel Obstruction: Formation of scar tissue from surgical incisions could lead to intestinal blockages
- Anastomotic Leak: Leakage in the area where the colon is reconnected to rectum after removing cancerous part(s).
Management of these complications necessitates close monitoring and at times additional medical interventions.
Innovations in Colorectal Cancer Surgery
New developments in surgical methods and techniques are now being used to address colorectal cancer. Some of the latest inventions have been:
- Robotic Surgery: This means greater precision and control, less postoperative pain and more rapid recovery.
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols: Designed to reduce surgical stress, optimize pain management and nutrition so as to aid the healing process.
- Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT): It administers targeted radiation during surgery in order to kill any remaining cancer cells thereby minimizing chances of recurrence.
These innovations are making colorectal surgeries safer and more efficient.
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer surgery is a critical treatment option that can significantly improve patient outcomes. Understanding different types of surgeries, possible complications and recent advancements in surgical techniques will help patients along with their families make informed choices about their care.
Staying well-informed through close collaboration with healthcare providers can enable patients to go through their treatment journey with confidence as they look forward to a healthy future.
