What is colon and rectal cancer?
Colon and rectal cancer, or colorectal cancer, are types of cancer that affect your large intestine, which is the last part of your gastrointestinal tract.
Your colon removes any remaining water and nutrients from the indigestible food matter from your small intestine. Your rectum is the final portion of your colon and holds waste before eliminating it from your body.
Colon and rectal cancer are similar but require different treatments, especially when it comes to surgical intervention. The skilled team at Surgical Specialists of NY uses open, laparoscopic, or robotic techniques for these serious conditions.
What are the types of colon cancer surgery?
Surgery for colon cancer may depend on the stage of your cancer. Surgery may include:
Polypectomy
During early-stage colon cancer, your surgeon may perform a polypectomy to remove polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon.
Partial colectomy
If your tumor invades the deeper layers of your colon, the team may perform a partial colectomy to remove the tumor and the affected portion of your colon.
After a partial colectomy, your surgeon attaches your healthy colon to your rectum, which maintains normal bowel function.
Total colectomy
During a total colectomy, your surgeon removes the entire colon. Your surgeon only performs a total colectomy for colon cancer if you have other gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease or multiple polyps.
What are the types of rectal cancer surgery?
Like colon cancer, the type of rectal cancer surgery you need depends on the stage of your cancer. However, rectal cancer surgery is more complex because the rectum is a small organ.
Some of the surgical techniques include:
Transanal excision (TAE)
During a TAE, your surgeon creates a hole through the wall of the rectum to remove the cancerous tumor and some of the surrounding tissue.
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM)
For tumors higher in the rectum, the team performs TEM, which involves the use of special surgical tools to improve visibility.
Low anterior resection (LAR)
During LAR, your surgeon removes a portion of your rectum and reattaches your colon to the remaining healthy portion.
Proctectomy
During a proctectomy, your surgeon removes your entire rectum and your surgeon attaches your colon to your anus.
What happens after colon and rectal cancer surgery?
Your surgeon at Surgical Specialists of NY talks to you about what you can expect after your colon and rectal surgery. Recovery and follow up care depends on surgery type and your medical needs.
To schedule a surgical consultation at Surgical Specialists of NY, call the office or click the online booking button today.
