4 steps to treating bowel cancer with surgery (colectomy)

Colectomy is a treatment option for patients whose bowel cancer has grown into or through their large intestine or colon. Also known as colon resection surgery, this procedure involves removing all or part of the colon. Treatment at the office of Dr. Shanthan Ganesh in North Adelaide, South Australia generally involves the following four steps.

1 – Pre-habilitation

It’s important to “prepare” your body for surgery. This approach supports successful treatment and outcomes. Tests are largely ordered to assess your health prior to treatment. As needed, we may recommend smoking/tobacco cessation, dietary changes, and other adjustments to “ready” you for surgery. As appropriate, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be done beforehand to reduce the size of the cancer and the risk of it spreading to other areas. You’ll also need to fast in the hours leading up to your surgery, and may need to take laxatives or enemas to clean your bowels as surgery approaches.

2 – The day of your surgery

To support your safety, your blood pressure, respiration, and other vitals will be monitored. An antibiotic may be administered intravenously through a tube inserted into a vein in your arm. You won’t be aware of anything during your procedure, because colectomy is performed under general anesthesia.

3 – Surgery

Colectomy may be performed laparoscopically or through the “traditional” open technique. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive approach that involves making many small incisions in the abdomen. Surgery is performed precisely through special surgical tools. The open technique involves accessing the colon through a long abdominal incision. Sometimes, Dr. Shanthan will need to convert from a laparoscopic to an open colectomy due to challenges such as adhesions or scar-like tissue that forms following prior surgeries. After the colon is repaired/removed, the digestive system must be “reconnected” to support your body’s ability to expel stool. This may involve techniques like connecting the remaining portions of the colon.

4 – Recovery

As your anesthesia wears off, we will continue to monitor your vital signs. The length of time spent in the hospital varies and depends on the type of surgery that is performed. Less invasive techniques like laparoscopy are generally associated with shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery, but they are not appropriate for all patients. It usually takes 3 – 4 days for your bowel to begin working again. At this time, you are able to pass waste and gas. Those initial bowel movements may be very loose and watery. This is normal as your colon adjusts. You’ll start with clear liquids and incorporate solid food into your diet gradually.

It’s important to contact the office of Dr. Shanthan Ganesh right away if you experience persistent or worsening nausea, vomiting, drainage from your incisions, bloody stool, pain, cramps, chills, a high fever (over 38.3 degrees), or do not have a bowel movement for three days.

For many patients, colectomy can be a chance to “cure” their cancer and prevent further complications. To find out more about your treatment options, phone our team in North Adelaide, SA at 08 81646727 today.

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