Colon Cancer Surgery – Possible Types of Surgery for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer affects more than 150,000 people each year. In fact, it is the third most common type of cancer in men and women. The usual treatment of colorectal cancer includes surgery aside from chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment option depends on the particular case of the patient. Here are the different surgeries for colon cancer.

Partial Colectomy

This procedure involves the removal of a part of the colon. The remaining parts are then joined together in a procedure called anastomosis. After this surgery, bowel habits usually return to normal or to what they were before the cancer. This is one of the most common surgeries for colon cancer.

Right Colectomy (Ileocolectomy)

As the name implies, the right part of the colon is removed during this procedure. During an ileocolectomy, the ileum which is the last segment of the small intestine is removed.

Abdominoperineal Resection

This colon cancer surgery involves the removal of the anus, rectum and sigmoid colon. Since the anus is removed, a permanent colostomy is necessary. This surgery is usually conducted when the cancer reaches the later stages.

Proctosigmoidectomy

In this colon cancer surgery, the affected parts of the rectum and sigmoid colon are removed.

Polypectomy

This is a surgery which involves the removal of polyps or small growths on the colon’s inner lining when a colonoscopy is conducted. Colonoscopy is a procedure wherein a special instrument called the colonoscope is inserted into the rectum in order to see the rectum and colon.

Laparoscopic Surgery

The term “laparoscopy” simply means looking inside the abdominal cavity using a special camera or scope. This procedure involves making around 3-6 small incisions in the abdomen. The laparoscope is then inserted through these small incisions to see the intestinal organs on a video monitor.

Local Excision

This surgery is used to treat cancers in the lower parts of the colon specifically the rectum. It involves the removal of the cancer along with some tissue of the rectum’s wall. It can be done through the anus or through a small cut in the rectum. This procedure doesn’t require major abdominal surgery.

Total Proctocolectomy

This is the most extensive kind of colon cancer surgery wherein the colon and rectum is removed. In some cases wherein the anus works properly, it is left and sometimes an ileal pouch is created so that the patient can have normal bowel movements just like before the cancer. However, a permanent ileostomy is usually needed.