Colectomy surgery for Colon Cancer

Q1. What is Colon?

 

A1. Colon, also known as Large intestine is the last part of the digestive tract that serves the function of absorption of water from the food waste produced as a result of absorption of nutrients from the small intestine.  Solid food waste is then expelled from the body by way of small opening called anus.

 

Q2. What is Colon Cancer?

 

A2. Cancer that originates from the large intestine or colon is termed as Colon cancer. It usually begins as a non cancerous growth on the inner lining of the large intestine, often called polyps in simple terms. 

If these benign growths are left unattended they have the potential to change into malignant or cancerous growths over time. Like any other cancer, this too will slowly and gradually invade the normal healthy tissue surrounding the growth initially and later spread via blood or lymphatic system to distant places causing damage there as well (Metastasis)and may result in inevitable complications.

 

Q3. Is Colon cancer and Colorectal cancer the same thing?

A3. No, they are actually not. Most often the colon and the rectal cancer co-exist and hence the term used for such kind of cancer is Colorectal cancer. Also referred to as Bowel  cancer.

 

Q4. What is colonoscopy? 

A4. Colonoscopy is a procedure that is carried out by the specialist to examine the inner lining of the large intestine. A thin flexible tube is passed through the anal opening that has a light and tiny camera at its tip. This tube is called a colonoscope. It helps in the screening of the colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is done not only to examine, evaluate, diagnose several gastrointestinal disorders but it is also used for the treatment which can be carried out at the same time.

 

The polyps are generally removed and biopsy done,if required, at the same time.

 

The conditions that are usually investigated through colonoscopy are change in bowel habits, bleeding through anus, bowel obstruction,unexplained weight loss, pain in abdomen, presence of ulcers, colon cancer, polyps, Inflammatory bowel conditions and Diverticulosis amongst others. The duration of colonoscopy is 30 to 60 minutes and it is done as an outpatient procedure.

 

Q5. What is rectal cancer?

A5. Cancer in the rectum is referred to as rectal cancer. Rectum is the part of the large intestine,with length of few inches, immediately above the anus.

Q6. What are the symptoms of the colon cancer?

 

A6. The chief complaints that the patient may present with, are the following:

•    Unexplained weight loss
•    Always feeling tired.
•    Anemia
•    Change in the bowel  habits (Alternating diarrhea or constipation)
•    Blood in the feces
•    Pain, cramping or flatulence in the abdomen
•    Urge to defecate frequently
•    Pain during defecation
•    Stool consistency changes

Besides the above, depending upon the distant site or organ of metastasis i.e. the other places where the cancer has spread, the related additional sign and symptoms will also occur.

 

Q7 What are the types of surgeries that can be done for treating Colon Cancer?

 

A7 Surgery is the mainstay of treatment in case of early stage Colon cancer. The type of surgery performed depends upon the factors such as the extent of spread,precise location of cancer and above all what you wish to achieve through the surgery.

 

Types of surgery:

• Polypectomy and Local Excision
• Colectomy
  • Depending upon the approach taken for carrying out the surgery
    • Open Colectomy
    • Laparoscopic Colectomy
  • Depending upon the length of the colon that is removed
    • Total Colectomy
    • Left Hemicolectomy
    • Right Hemicolectomy
    • Partial Colectomy(Subtotal Colectomy) or Segmental Resection
• Diverting Colostomy

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​Q. 8 What is the difference between Conventional Open Colectomy and Laparoscopic assisted colectomy?

 

A8 Conventional Open colectomy involves a large incision in the abdominal wall to access the large intestine.The recovery time is longer.

 

Laparoscopic assisted colectomy,like other laparoscopic procedures,involves few small key hole size incisions to access the colon. It is minimally invasive procedure. Through one of the small incision a thin flexible tube with light and video camera is passed to see the surgical site on the high definition video monitor and through rest of the incisions tiny surgical instruments are inserted to carry out the surgery.

 

Colectomy surgery is often accompanied by other surgeries to rejoin the remaining healthy ends of the digestive tract and allow the expulsion of waste out of the body. 

 

Q 9. What are the indications for Colectomy surgery?

 

A9. The conditions for which colectomy surgery is generally recommended are:

• Precancerous Colon Polyps, they have high potential of changing into cancer eventually.

• Colon Cancer

• Familial Adenomatour polyposis

• Inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease)

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Large Intestine Obstruction or Perforation, these are emergency conditions.

 

Benefits of Colectomy Surgery for Colon Cancer in India

 

• Team approach- Holistic approach is taken with multidisciplinary team of specialists contributing their expertise right from the screening,diagnosis,treatment and follow up.

• Most affordable cost coupled with high quality treatment.

• World class hospitals with state of the art infrastructure.

• No waiting period.

• Most advanced diagnostic and treatment methods are employed for optimal results.

• Globally trained doctors with decades of experience in carrying out the surgery with competence and ease.

• Great ambience

• Compassionate staff to look after

• Hospitals accredited with international organizations such as JCI(Joint commission International) for quality standards.

• Language no barrier. English speaking people and if required, translators are available for your convenience

• Most economical accommodation available at a walking distance from the hospital. Wide range of options starting from guest house, service appartments to five star hotels, best suited to your budget and choice.

• Good flight connectivity

• India has a diverse and rich cultural heritage. You can witness its beauty and uniqueness. It offers most conducive environment for recuperation.

Dr Harit Chaturvedi
MBBS,MS,MCh(Surgical Oncology)
Chairman,Cancercare, Director and Chief Consultant Surgical Oncology
Max Super Specialty Hospital Saket,New Delhi

Dr Adarsh Choudhary
MBBS,MS(General Surgery)
Chairman, Division of GI Surgery, GI Oncology, Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery
Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon,Delhi-NCR

Dr Pawan Gupta
MBBS,MS(Surgery),MCh(Surgical Oncology)
Fellowship from Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow, UK.
Active Member,International Society of Surgery (ISS/SIC).
Additional Director,Institute of Cancer Care
Jaypee Hospital, Noida, Delhi-NCR