Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and can be fatal if left untreated. Surgery is one of the most common treatments for colon cancer and is an important component of most patients' treatment plan.
Colon cancer surgery is performed to remove the tumour and any surrounding tissue that may contain cancer cells. The surgery can be performed in two ways: open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. In open surgery, one incision is made in the abdomen to access the colon, while in laparoscopic surgery, several small incisions are made to access the colon.
After surgery, the patient may need to stay in hospital for a few days to recover. In some cases, a temporary or permanent colostomy may be needed, which is a procedure in which an opening is created in the abdomen to allow waste from the body to leave the body. This is done when part of the colon is removed and the remaining end of the colon cannot be reconnected.
Recovery time after surgery varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors, such as the patient's general health, the type of surgery that was performed and the stage of colon cancer. Patients may need to undergo other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, after surgery to ensure that all cancer cells have been removed.
It is important that patients carefully follow their surgeon's instructions after surgery to ensure that they recover properly. This may include dietary changes, physical activity, and medications to control pain and inflammation.
In summary, surgery is a common treatment for colon cancer and can be performed by open or laparoscopic surgery. Patients may need to stay in hospital for a few days to recover and may need a temporary or permanent colostomy. Patients may also need to undergo other treatments after surgery to make sure that all cancer cells have been removed. It is important that patients carefully follow their surgeon's instructions after surgery to ensure that they recover properly.