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Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Getting a diagnosis of colorectal cancer can feel scary. But knowing your surgery options is a big step towards healing.
At Liv Hospital, we focus on you. Our patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach uses the newest in colon surgery.
The kind of surgery you need depends on where and how big the cancer is. It also depends on your health.
Knowing about the different surgeries helps you make better choices about your care.
It’s important for patients and doctors to understand why surgery is needed for colorectal cancer. This type of cancer affects the colon or rectum and is common worldwide. Surgery is often key to treating it well.
Colorectal cancer is a big health issue globally. It’s among the top three most common cancers. Knowing about its treatment, including surgery, is critical.
This cancer affects not just the person but also their family and healthcare systems. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve chances of survival. This shows why awareness and screening are so important.
Surgery is often the main treatment for colorectal cancer, mainly when it’s in one place. The decision to have surgery depends on several things. These include the cancer’s stage, the patient’s health, and the tumor’s details.
Surgical procedures like polypectomy, local excision, and colectomy are common. For example, a colectomy might be needed to remove the cancerous part of the colon. This surgery can cure colon cancer if caught early.
The main goals of surgery for colorectal cancer are to remove the cancer, prevent it from coming back, and keep the colon and rectum working. Modern surgery aims to be less invasive, helping patients recover faster and do better.
In some cases, surgery is combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. The type of surgery depends on the cancer’s location, stage, and the patient’s health.
For instance, surgeries on the colon are different from those on the rectum. The Cleveland Clinic says a colectomy can help with painful symptoms and might even cure colon cancer.
Surgery for colorectal cancer varies based on the cancer’s location, stage, and other factors. This variety shows the complexity of colorectal cancer. It also highlights the need for treatment plans tailored to each patient.
The tumor’s location in the colon or rectum affects the surgery choice. For example, tumors in the upper rectum need different surgeries than those in the lower rectum or colon.
Many factors decide the surgery type. These include the cancer’s stage and location, the patient’s health, and their preferences. Surgeons also think about preserving bowel function and improving quality of life.
Colorectal cancer surgery has changed, thanks to new techniques. These advancements mean smaller cuts, less pain, and quicker recovery. Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries are becoming more common, bringing precision and lowering complication risks.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance notes these advancements are key to better patient outcomes and quality of life. The move towards personalized and less invasive surgeries shows the value of ongoing research and innovation in treating colorectal cancer.
For those with early-stage colorectal cancer, there are good options. Polypectomy and local excision are minimally invasive. They remove cancer or precancerous lesions with little harm to the area around them. This means less recovery time and more comfort for the patient.
Polypectomy removes polyps from the colon or rectum. Precancerous polyps can turn into cancer if not removed. During a colonoscopy, a special tool cuts or cauterizes the polyp at its base. This way, the polyp is taken out completely, helping prevent cancer.
Local excision removes early-stage tumors from the bowel lining. It involves taking out a small part of the lining. Local resection is another name for this surgery. The aim is to remove the tumor fully while keeping bowel function as much as possible.
Both polypectomy and local excision have high success rates and quick recovery times. Patients usually feel little pain and can get back to normal quickly. The success depends on the cancer’s stage and the patient’s health.
It’s important for patients and doctors to know about these treatments. Polypectomy and local excision are big steps forward in treating early-stage colorectal cancer.
Removing the diseased part of the colon is a common treatment for colon cancer. This method, known as partial colectomy or segmental resection, removes the cancerous area. Then, the healthy parts are connected again.
Partial colectomy is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to reach the colon. They find the tumor and tie off the blood vessels.
Then, they remove the diseased part. If possible, they reconnect the colon to keep bowel function normal.
Laparoscopic partial colectomy is a less invasive option. It uses small incisions and a camera with instruments. This method can lead to quicker recovery and less pain.
Partial colectomy is often recommended for localized colon cancer. The decision depends on the cancer’s stage, location, and the patient’s health.
After surgery, patients are watched in the hospital for several days. They manage pain and watch for complications. Moving around early helps prevent blood clots and aids healing.
| Aspect of Care | Description |
| Pain Management | Medications are used to control post-operative pain. |
| Nutrition | Patients are initially on a liquid diet, gradually advancing to solid foods. |
| Follow-Up | Regular follow-up appointments are key for monitoring recovery and detecting any recurrence. |
Knowing about partial colectomy and segmental resection helps patients prepare. It’s a big step in treating colon cancer effectively.
Hemicolectomy is a surgery for colorectal cancer. It removes the affected part of the colon. The choice of procedure depends on the cancer’s location and size. There are mainly right and left hemicolectomies, each with its own method and use.
A right hemicolectomy removes the right colon part. It’s used for cancers in the ascending colon. The surgery takes out the cancerous part, nearby tissue, and lymph nodes.
The surgery starts with an abdominal incision. The surgeon finds and removes the cancerous section. Then, they reconnect the colon to keep its function.
A left hemicolectomy treats cancers in the descending colon. It removes the left colon part. The surgeon makes an incision, finds and removes the cancer, and reconnects the colon.
Choosing left hemicolectomy depends on the cancer’s location and size. It’s key to remove cancer while keeping colon function.
An extended hemicolectomy removes more colon and lymph nodes. It’s used for larger or more spread cancers.
Each hemicolectomy type shows the need for a custom approach to cancer surgery. The right, left, or extended choice depends on the cancer’s details.
For those with advanced colorectal cancer, total or subtotal colectomy might be the best choice. These surgeries are big steps. They’re considered when cancer has spread a lot in the colon.
A total colectomy means taking out the whole colon. It’s done when cancer has spread a lot in the colon. Removing the whole colon helps get rid of the cancer.
Indications for Total Colectomy: This surgery is for patients with cancer that has spread a lot in the colon. It’s also for those with many polyps in the colon.
In a subtotal colectomy, part of the colon is taken out, but not all. This is done when some of the colon can be saved. It helps keep more of the patient’s natural bowel function.
Benefits of Subtotal Colectomy: Keeping part of the colon can lead to better bowel function after surgery. It might also cause fewer problems than a total colectomy.
A proctocolectomy is a bigger surgery that takes out both the colon and rectum. It’s for patients with cancer in both areas.
Implications of Proctocolectomy: This surgery often means creating an ostomy. The normal way for stool to leave the body is changed. Patients will need help with ostomy care and management.
| Procedure | Description | Indications |
| Total Colectomy | Removal of the entire colon | Advanced colorectal cancer spread throughout the colon |
| Subtotal Colectomy | Removal of a portion of the colon | Cancer in a significant portion of the colon, with some areas remaining cancer-free |
| Proctocolectomy | Removal of both the colon and rectum | Colorectal cancer affecting both the colon and rectum |
LAR and APR are two main ways to treat rectal cancer. Each has its own benefits and things to consider. The choice depends on the cancer’s location, stage, and the patient’s health.
Low Anterior Resection (LAR) aims to remove cancer while keeping the anal sphincter. This helps patients keep normal bowel function. It’s often chosen for cancers higher up in the rectum.
The LAR procedure removes the bad part of the rectum and connects the rest. It can be done with or without big cuts. The goal is to get rid of the cancer and keep as much function as possible.
Abdominoperineal Resection (APR) removes the rectum and anus. It’s used when cancer is near the anus or has damaged the sphincter muscles. This makes keeping anal function impossible.
In an APR, the surgeon takes out the rectum, anus, and nearby tissues. A permanent colostomy is made for waste. Though it’s a big surgery, it’s a lifesaver for many with advanced cancer.
Transanal excision is for small, early cancers. It removes the cancer through the anus, avoiding big cuts. This method is less invasive and has fewer risks.
It’s for patients with small, early cancers. The benefits include less pain, quicker recovery, and fewer complications. This makes it a good option for some patients.
| Procedure | Description | Indications |
| LAR | Removes cancerous portion of rectum, preserves anal sphincter | Cancer higher up in rectum |
| APR | Removes rectum and anus, creates permanent colostomy | Cancer close to or invading the anus |
| Transanal Excision | Removes early-stage cancer through the anus | Small, early-stage cancers |
Colorectal cancer surgery often leads to ostomy procedures. These can be either temporary or permanent. An ostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen for waste to be discharged into a bag or pouch. This is needed when part of the colon or rectum is removed or needs to heal.
The choice between a temporary or permanent ostomy depends on the cancer’s extent and location. It also depends on the patient’s health. Temporary ostomies help the bowel heal after surgery, with the chance of reversal later. On the other hand, permanent ostomies are needed when a big part of the rectum or anus is removed, making normal bowel function impossible.
A colostomy creates an opening in the colon to divert fecal matter. There are various types, like loop, end, and double-barrel colostomies, each with its own use and care. Patients with a colostomy must learn to manage their ostomy, including changing the pouch and keeping the skin clean. They also need to adapt to lifestyle changes.
An ileostomy is done when the surgeon needs to divert intestinal contents away from the colon or rectum. This is often needed when the colon or rectum is severely diseased or damaged. Managing an ileostomy is similar to colostomy care, focusing on pouch maintenance and preventing problems.
It’s important for patients and caregivers to understand the role of ostomy procedures in colorectal cancer surgery. While adjusting to a stoma can be tough, with the right care and support, people can live full and meaningful lives.
Advanced surgical techniques like laparoscopic and robotic-assisted methods have changed how we treat colorectal cancer. These methods are less invasive than traditional surgery. They lead to smaller cuts, less pain, and quicker healing.
Laparoscopic surgery uses small cuts for instruments and a camera. This method reduces blood loss, pain, and hospital stays. But, it needs skilled surgeons and can take longer.
Success in laparoscopic surgery depends on the surgeon’s skill and patient selection. Research shows it can match open surgery’s results, with the benefits of being less invasive.
Robotic-assisted surgery is a step up in minimally invasive surgery. It offers better precision and flexibility. The robotic system gives a 3D view and precise control. This is great for complex surgeries.
Robotic surgery has many benefits, like less blood loss and fewer open surgery needs. But, it’s expensive and requires a lot of training.
Open surgery has a big cut and more damage. This means longer healing and more pain. Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries have smaller cuts, less damage, and faster healing.
Minimally invasive methods have fewer complications and lower infection risks. But, the choice between them depends on the cancer’s stage, the patient’s health, and the surgeon’s skill.
The future of colorectal cancer surgery looks bright. New surgical methods are being developed. These changes are making treatments better and recovery times shorter.
There are now many ways to treat colorectal cancer. Doctors can choose from simple to complex surgeries. This means each patient gets a treatment plan that fits their needs.
As technology improves, so does surgery. Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques are making surgeries more precise. This is great news for patients, as it means less time in the hospital.
Research and innovation are key to improving care for colorectal cancer patients. By keeping up with new techniques, doctors can offer better treatments. This leads to better survival rates and a better quality of life for patients.
There are several types of colon surgery for colorectal cancer. These include polypectomy, local excision, and partial colectomy. Other types are right and left hemicolectomy, total and subtotal colectomy, and proctocolectomy. The choice depends on the cancer’s location, stage, and the patient’s health.
Surgery is needed for colorectal cancer when it’s in its early stages and can be removed. It’s also necessary when symptoms need to be relieved. The goal is to remove the cancer and affected parts of the colon or rectum.
A colectomy removes a part of the colon. A hemicolectomy removes half of it. The right side is removed in a right hemicolectomy, and the left side in a left hemicolectomy.
A polypectomy removes precancerous polyps from the colon. It’s often done during a colonoscopy. This helps prevent colorectal cancer.
A temporary ostomy diverts stool to help a healing area. A permanent ostomy is needed when part of the colon or rectum is removed and can’t be reconnected.
Laparoscopic surgery has many benefits. It uses smaller incisions, leading to less pain and faster recovery. This is compared to traditional open surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive method. It uses a robotic system to help the surgeon. This offers better precision and dexterity, which is helpful for complex surgeries.
The cancer’s location affects the surgery type. For example, rectal cancers might need a low anterior resection (LAR) or abdominoperineal resection (APR). Colon cancers might require a colectomy or hemicolectomy.
Recovery after colon surgery varies. It depends on the procedure and the patient’s health. Patients usually stay in the hospital for days. They may need a special diet and activity restrictions during recovery.
While surgery is key for colorectal cancer, other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation may be used too. They might be used with surgery or as alternatives for some patients.
Cancer Genome Atlas Network. (2012). Comprehensive molecular characterization of human colon and rectal cancer. Nature, 487(7407), 330-337.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3401966/
