Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon, rectum and anus) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. If not found and treated early, colorectal cancer can be deadly. However, thanks to an increase in screenings and treatment options, there are now more than 1 million colorectal cancer survivors in the U.S.
Colorectal cancer often starts as a growth inside the colon or rectum called a polyp. Staying up to date on regular colon cancer screenings, such as starting colonoscopies at 45, allows doctors to look for polyps. Sometimes, these growths can be removed during the colonoscopy. If cancer is detected during the colonoscopy, surgery to remove the growth from the colon or rectum is usually recommended.
Robotic Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Surgery is the first line of defense against colorectal surgery. The type of surgery a patient receives will depend on the patient’s type and stage of cancer, current health conditions and the colorectal surgeon’s recommendations.
Here at NGMC we perform minimally invasive and robotic colorectal surgery, helping our patients experience less pain and providing a faster recovery process than open surgery.
What are the different types of colorectal cancer surgery?
The goal of surgery will be to remove all the cancerous tissue in the colon and rectum, as well as a small margin of tissue around the abnormal growth. The primary surgical therapy for colon cancer is partial colectomy (removing the affected section of colon). The surgeons at NGMC can perform this procedure both minimally invasively and robotically — allowing for smaller incisions, less risk of complications and, often, a quicker recovery.
For more advanced cancer, it may involve more significant surgery, including the total removal of the colon and rectum (proctocolectomy.)
At NGMC we are able to perform the following surgeries robotically:
- Robotic Right Colectomy
- Robotic Sigmoid Colectomy
- Robotic Low Anterior Resection (LAR)
- Robotic Ileocecectomy
- Robotic Colostomy Creation and reversal (closure)
- Robotic Abdominoperineal Resection (APR)
- Robotic Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)
With more extensive surgeries, additional procedures are needed to ensure the digestive system can still function. For example, you may need surgery to create a colostomy, which will allow your body to facilitate digestion without the large intestines. You and your family should meet with your colorectal surgeon to discuss the pros and cons of each type of surgery to ensure the best outcomes that match your goals.
Why choose robotic colorectal surgery?
At NGMC, we continue to be leaders in the fight against colorectal cancer. Our surgeons have adopted minimally invasive colon resection as our gold standard for primary surgical therapy for colon cancer. Our rate of minimally invasive surgery–especially robotic surgery–versus open surgery for primary surgical treatment is far ahead of the national rate, which is a testament to the training and dedication of our surgeons to be on the cutting edge of advanced surgical therapies for cancer. Robotic colorectal surgery allows cancer patients to receive smaller incisions, less complications, and a faster recovery.
Colorectal Cancer Care at NGMC
In addition to surgery of colorectal cancer, NGMC provide the following treatment and services for patients with colon and rectal cancer:
- Chemotherapy – In advanced stages of colon cancer, cancer has usually spread to lymph nodes. Patients can receive chemotherapy in their physician’s office or in the hospital’s chemotherapy infusion suites to help reduce tumor size, alleviate pain, and prolong life.
- Radiation – Radiation can be used to primarily reduce tumors affecting the rectum. Our radiation oncologists offer some of the most advanced radiation therapy options.
- Colorectal Cancer Research – NGMC actively participates in clinical trials, so our patients have access to the latest cancer treatments. View our current oncology clinical trial opportunities to learn more or ask your oncologist if you are a candidate.
- Support Services – Patient navigation services offer guidance and support from diagnosis through recovery, while rehabilitation services such as pelvic floor therapy can help with post-surgery related urinary incontinence, bowel disfunction, pain, fatigue, and more. Offering this type of care maximizes quality of life for many cancer survivors.
Choose NGMC for Colorectal Surgery
At NGMC, our dedicated team of physicians and professionals is committed to guiding you through treatment options and creating a personalized plan tailored to your specific condition. Whether it involves surgical interventions, nutritional assistance, or pastoral care, our objective is to support you wholeheartedly, empowering you to lead a fulfilling life both during treatment and as a thriving cancer survivor.
For more information about cancer care at NGMC or to learn about support groups, please call 770-219-8815.