Colon Cancer Surgery
Surgery remains the most important and critical form of therapy for patients with colon cancer. Tumors that involve the cecum, ascending colon, or proximal transverse colon are removed by a right hemicolectomy (see diagram below). Tumors that involve the distal half – the transverse colon, descending, or sigmoid colon are removed by a left hemicolectomy (see diagram below). It is important to not only remove the tumor itself, but a portion of the surrounding colon and adjacent blood vessels and lymph nodes. This procedure has been shown to help eliminate cancer more effectively and improve your outcome. The remaining portions of the colon are sewn or stapled together; a colostomy is rarely needed. Most patients recover normal or nearly normal bowel function within one to two weeks after a hemicolectomy.
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Hemicoloectomy for the left colon |
Hemicoloectomy for the right colon |
Newer techniques such as laparoscopic surgery are sometimes feasible in patients undergoing colon resections for cancer. They have been shown to offer the same results as traditional open surgery in terms of cancer survival and may reduce post-operative pain and shorten recovery times.
The surgical specimen is sent to a pathologist. The pathologist will provide definitive staging of your cancer by determining the size and depth of your tumor and whether the tumor has spread into any of the lymph nodes. This will help determine if any further treatment is required.