During surgery, the cancerous portion of the colon is removed through an
incision in the abdomen, along with a small length of normal colon on either
side of the cancer. Nearby lymph nodes are also removed. The surgeon also
checks to see if the cancer has spread. The two open ends of the colon are
then reconnected.
Sometimes, the surgeon cannot reconnect the colon. In this case, a new
opening, or stoma, to the outside of the abdomen is created. The end of the
intestine is then connected to the new opening, where a bag is attached to
collect body waste. This is called a colostomy, and in most cases, a colostomy
is only temporary. For most people, it is needed only until the colon or
rectum heals from surgery. After healing takes place, the surgeon reconnects
the colon and closes the opening.
Advancing technology and research have transformed surgery for the treatment
of colon cancer in recent years. In the past, most patients underwent open
surgery for colon cancer. However, patients now have another option: minimally
invasive colon surgery.
Colon surgery risks and complications3
During surgery, the cancerous portion of the colon is removed through an
incision in the abdomen, along with a small length of normal colon on either
side of the cancer. Nearby lymph nodes are also removed. The surgeon also
checks to see if the cancer has spread. The two open ends of the colon are
then reconnected.
Sometimes, the surgeon cannot reconnect the colon. In this case, a new
opening, or stoma, to the outside of the abdomen is created. The end of the
colon is then connected to the new opening, where a bag is attached to collect
body waste. This is called a colostomy, and in most cases, a colostomy is only
temporary. For most people, it is needed only until the colon or rectum heals
from surgery. After healing takes place, the surgeon reconnects the colon and
closes the opening.
Advancing technology and research have transformed surgery for the treatment
of colon cancer in recent years. In the past, most patients underwent
traditional open surgery for colon cancer. However, patients now have another
option: minimally invasive colon surgery.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks that accompany traditional
open surgery and minimally invasive colon surgery, and it is important to
weigh the benefits of the surgery against the risks. Complications are
unplanned adverse events, such as excessive bleeding, infection, or reaction
to anesthesia. Some of the risks can be seen in any type of surgery.
Infection, deep or at skin level, can occur and may involve the abdominal
incision. Deep infections, known as peritonitis, involve the abdominal cavity.
These deep infections may require long-term antibiotics and perhaps additional
surgery. Bleeding during or after the operation may require a blood
transfusion or additional surgery. And painful or ugly skin scars are always a
possibility.
Colon surgery problems that can occur include the following: damage to the
spleen, perforation of the stomach and/or intestines, injury to the urinary
bladder and the connecting tubes, injury to the internal female organs
including the uterus and ovaries, unexpected difficulties resulting in a
temporary or permanent colostomy, hernias through the incision or incisions,
and abdominal wall disruption or breakdown that would require additional
surgery. It is important to discuss possible risks and complications with your
patient and your patient’s surgeon prior to the operation.
In a small number of patients, minimally invasive colon surgery may not work
effectively. The decision to perform the traditional open surgery is a
judgment decision made by your patient’s surgeon either before or during the
actual operation.
