Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatment for suspected colon or rectal cancer is only appropriate for some patients. When the cancer becomes more advanced or complex, surgery is usually necessary.

Surgical procedures for bowel cancer are continually evolving and improving. Wherever possible, your doctor will recommend the least invasive surgical option although this will be determined by the type and severity of the condition, as well as other factors such as your age and general health and wellbeing.

Colon and Rectal Cancer

Colon cancer:

  • Keyhole surgery.
  • Single incision bowel removal.

Rectal cancer:

  • Keyhole surgery.
  • Single incision rectal removal.
  • TEMS – transanal endoscopic microsurgery is used to remove early stage rectal cancer through the anus without having to make any incisions. The procedure is less invasive with fewer complications and faster recovery times than surgery that requires incisions.

Advanced/recurrent cancer

  • Pelvic exenteration – removal of some or all of the organs inside the pelvis.
  • Intra operative radiotherapy – targeted single dose of radiotherapy during surgery to decrease risk of advanced pelvic cancers recurring.
  • HIPEC – hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a highly concentrated heated chemotherapy treatment delivered straight into the abdomen during surgery.
FAQ's
Colon / Rectal Cancer Treatment

There are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing colon and rectal cancer but you cannot alleviate it completely. You may want to consider: reducing your consumption of red and processed meat, eating more fruit and vegetables, reducing your alcohol intake, taking regular exercise and losing weight if you are obese.

No. Blood in your stool can be caused by other conditions such as haemorrhoids and anal fissures but it is important to get it checked out as blood in your stool can be an indicator of bowel cancer.

It is important to catch bowel cancer as early as possible to stand the best chance of successful treatment. Bowel cancer affects around 41,000 people every year. It can be successfully treated if identified before it has had a chance to spread. If polyps are found in the bowel early enough they can be removed even before they become cancerous.

The majority of colon and rectal cancers occur in people with no family history of the disease. However if you have a close family member who developed the condition before the age of 60, you will be at increased risk and may be offered additional screening.

Experienced bowel doctor, here to help you

The sooner you seek help, the sooner your chances of returning to health and getting your life back on track.

There really is nothing to feel embarrassed about and everything to be gained by coming to talk to a specialist.

Browse the site to find more information about bowel health.