However, if a colon cancer is diagnosed one should know that the most important treatment for colon cancer is to perform “COLECTOMY” which means removal of colon harboring cancer.
One of the most frequently asked question that Dr. Archit Pandit who is a Laparoscopic and Robotic cancer surgeon who specializes in GI / Gastrointestinal tract cancer encounters are –
Will Colectomy affect my digestion? How will I eat?
A colectomy is surgery in which surgeons removes the part of Large intestine harboring cancer. This large colon’s function is only in. water absorption and not in digestion of food. Hence, performing a colectomy will not affect your digestion or your routine eating habits.
What are the ways one can perform a Colectomy?
A colectomy has been traditionally been performed by cutting the whole abdomen which is also called Open surgery. However, with recent advances in technology a colectomy is performed Laparoscopically and Robotic surgery. One can read more about laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgery in our blog.
What happens in a Laparoscopic/Robotic surgery?
In a Minimally invasive surgery (Laparoscopic / Robotic) also called as Key hole surgery small cuts are made of the size of 5mm in your belly. With special instruments a surgery called Laparoscopic radical Hemicolectomy / robotic radical hemicolectomy is performed. Details of this can be seen in our Youtube Video. Benefits of minimally invasive colectomy are many like reduce blood loss, less pain, early recovery etc.
Will I receive chemotherapy after surgery for colon cancer?
Once surgery is done the removed colon is sent for histopathology report. If the disease is early disease, then chemotherapy is generally not required however, if it is an advanced disease or a stage III disease where your cancer has spread to the adjacent lymph nodes then chemotherapy is necessary.
Will a colostomy be required for me?
Most of the time (90%) a colostomy is not required for patients undergoing surgery for colonic malignancies unless they have obstruction or perforation or the disease has very widely spread out in the abdomen. If at all a colostomy is made its temporary and usually reversed in 20 day’s time.
What problems can I encounter after Surgery?
Although in expert hands complications are uncommon but still, they happen. Such as bleeding, infection, leakage at the place where intestine is reconnected, injury to ureters etc. but most of these complications are manageable and not life threatening.
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