Introduction
When a colorectal cancer (also referred to as bowel cancer) is diagnosed, surgery will be required to remove it. In many cases, other treatments may also be recommended to help increase the chances of successful outcomes. The main therapies are radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Preoperative Instructions
Information related to before surgery can be found on the section on Preparing for Bowel Surgery.
Procedure
Colorectal surgery can be performed using two approaches – conventional 'open' surgery, or 'minimally invasive' laparoscopic surgery. In most cases minimally invasive surgery will be recommended, although there are specific circumstances where open surgery is the best option.
During the procedure itself the surgeon locates and identifies the section or sections of colon where the cancerous cells are located and removes these. In some cases, a complete section will need to be removed, and the remaining sections are then joined together (this is called an 'anastomosis'). Where a section of bowel is removed, sometimes anastomosis may not be an option, in which case either a temporary or permanent stoma will be fitted.
Postoperative instructions
Please refer to the page Going Home after Bowel Surgery.
Risks
The risks of colorectal cancer surgery include:
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Anastomotic leak.
- Recurrence.
- Incisional hernia.
- Change of bowel habits and bowel control.
- Bladder emptying problems and sexual dysfunction (with rectal cancer surgery).
