Robotic / Laparoscopic Colon Cancer Surgeries

Dr. Bhoot’s clinic is at the forefront of utilizing robotic and laparoscopic techniques for colon cancer surgeries, offering advanced and effective treatment options. This minimally invasive approach is preferred for its precision, reduced pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring, providing optimal outcomes for patients undergoing colon cancer surgery.

Our skilled team, experienced in these state-of-the-art procedures, is dedicated to delivering patient-centric care, focusing on the unique needs and well-being of each individual.

Colon Cancer Surgery: What to Expect

If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, your doctor might suggest surgery, which can often provide the best chance for treatment. The sooner colon cancer is detected and treated, the higher the chances of a positive outcome. Here’s what colorectal surgeons want everyone to know about the surgery options available for colon cancer.

Approaches for Colon Cancer Surgery
Colon Cancer: Colostomy Basics
Colon Cancer: What to Expect After Surgery

Your doctor will determine the best treatment plan for you based on multiple factors, including:

The location of the lesions, or cancer, in your colon
Whether (and how far) the cancer has spread

During colon cancer surgery, doctors usually remove one-third of the colon to ensure complete removal of the cancer. Additionally, they take a sample from the lymph nodes to test if the cancer has spread. Nowadays, there are two approaches that doctors use for colon cancer surgery such as:

Open surgery: This is the conventional approach, using an abdominal incision, and may require a longer hospital stay.
Minimally invasive surgery: Performed using laparoscopic or robotic tools, this surgery requires a smaller incision and allows for a quicker recovery.

Medical teams work hard to remove cancerous sections and shrink lesions before reconnecting the colon. In the majority of cases, the colon can be successfully reconnected.

Reconnecting the colon enables normal digestive system function, but expect one or two more bowel movements per day due to shorter colon post-surgery.

In rare cases where reconnection is not possible, a colostomy may be necessary. In a colostomy procedure, doctors will:

Make an artificial opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall
Connect the healthy part of the colon to the opening
Attach a colostomy bag to the opening, which provides a new way for your body to get rid of waste

Thousands of people live active, fulfilling lives after colostomy surgery. Ask your doctor about resources that are available if you’re concerned about a colostomy.

Recovering from colon cancer surgery is usually easier than expected, especially if the surgery is minimally invasive. Pain is typically at its worst during the first 48 hours and then subsides.

After surgery, patients are usually able to walk around within 24 hours. Bowel functions return in 2-3 days, and hospital stays are typically 2-5 days.

Recovery from rectal cancer surgery can take longer.

FAQ

What is life like after colon cancer surgery? Are there any long- term side effects?

After a colectomy, patients can return to their normal diet without experiencing any long-term side effects in terms of bowel patterns.

Colon cancer patients do not always require an ostomy bag after surgery, as this is only true for those who undergo a colostomy procedure. During a colostomy, the surgeon connects the healthy end of the colon to the skin, which is covered by a plastic bag that collects waste and needs to be emptied throughout the day. Most colon cancer patients do not need a colostomy, as the procedure is more often used to treat rectal cancer.

Can all colon cancers be treated with this approach?

Not all. The suitability of laparoscopic or robotic surgery depends on the tumor’s size, location, and stage, as well as patient factors.

What is the recovery time after surgery?

Recovery time varies, but patients typically spend less time in the hospital and can return to normal activities within a few weeks.

Will this surgery impact my long-term bowel function?

While many patients return to normal bowel function, some may experience changes in frequency or consistency of bowel movements. Long-term effects can vary based on the extent of surgery and individual factors.