Colon Cancer Treatment in Mumbai
What does surgery for colorectal (colon) cancer involve?
Dr. Chintamani Godbole is a specialist in Colon Cancer Treatment in Mumbai. Surgery for Colon or Rectal cancer involves removal or resection of that segment of the bowel with a margin of surrounding healthy intestine.
We also have to remove all the lymph nodes draining that segment of the bowel as these lymph nodes often lodge cancer cells. The ends of the bowel are then joined together by sutures or staples.
Does surgery for colorectal (colon) cancer always need the creation of a stoma?
Most cases do not need a stoma following surgery. Stoma is sometimes needed in cancers which involve the lower part of the rectum. This stoma may be temporary or permanent and this decision is taken based on tumour location and characteristics.
Can surgery for colorectal cancer be done laparoscopically? If so, what are its benefits?
Yes, surgery for Colorectal cancer can be done laparoscopically in most of the cases. Compared to the conventional open surgery which involves a long cut over the abdomen, laparoscopic surgery is done through small incisions. This results in lesser postoperative pain, faster recovery and early discharge.
Are there any risks with laparoscopic surgery? Does laparoscopic surgery lead to poor cancer outcomes?
Previously, it was thought that radical cancer surgery could not be performed with laparoscopic surgery. In the context of colorectal cancer, there was a fear that a laparoscopic approach would leave cancer behind, especially in the lymph nodes. However, this is no longer the case.
Numerous clinical studies have shown that laparoscopic and open surgery have the same cancer-related outcomes and that laparoscopy can be used to perform the same radical surgery required to treat colorectal cancer.
Is there a role for robotic surgery in the treatment of colorectal (colon) cancer?
Robotic Surgery works well when fine surgical maneuvers are needed to be performed in a narrow cavity with poor access. This is why Robotic Surgery is a game changer in Surgery for Rectal cancer.
Rectum is the last part of the large intestine that lies deep in our pelvis bone and is surrounded by many vital structures. Robotic Surgery enables precise and accurate separation of rectum from its surrounding structures, which is essential for good quality surgery for Rectal cancer.
Read Our Latest Blog
Why Consider Robotic Surgery for Rectal Cancer?
Dr Chintamani Godbole aims to provide clarity on why robotic colorectal cancer surgery is increasingly becoming a preferred option, particularly for rectal tumors. It explores the benefits of this approach, compares it with traditional surgical methods, and outlines what patients can expect regarding additional therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
What is the expected postoperative recovery after colorectal cancer surgery ?
- Patients are likely to stay in hospital for 3 to 5 days.
- Oral liquids are started immediately after the operation.
- Solid diet is usually started a day later.
- Once the patient passes stools, discharge to home can be done.
- We like to mobilise the patient immediately after surgery and have physiotherapists in hospitals to help with this.
I believe in ERAS or Enhanced Recovery after Surgery. This is a worldwide accepted method of fastening recovery after major surgery. Previously patients would have strict bed rest and would not eat for days after major bowel surgery. This concept has changed to ERAS which leads to faster recovery, lesser hospital acquired complications and early discharge. Under this strategy, patients are fed and mobilised immediately after surgery. This also leads to a sense of well being in the patients.
How do we know the stage of colorectal (colon) cancer?
Colorectal cancer progresses through 4 stages.
In stage 1 and 2, the cancer is limited to the intestine only.
In stage 3, the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes.
In stage 4, the cancer spreads to other organs like liver, lung, brain or peritoneum.
Staging for Colorectal cancer is done on basis of Colonoscopy with tumour biopsy, CT or PET CT scan and after analysis of the tumour that is removed during surgery.
Is chemotherapy always needed after surgery in colorectal (colon) cancer?
The decision to give chemotherapy for Colorectal (Colon cancer) depends on two factors.
1) Stage of the cancer
2) Fitness level of the patient
In stage 1 cancer, chemotherapy is not given.
Some patients with Stage 2 and most patients with stage 3 colorectal cancer need chemotherapy after surgery.
Stage 4 Colorectal cancer also is treated with Chemotherapy and Surgery in selected cases.
No matter what the stage, patient fitness plays an important role in decision making about chemotherapy.
Is radiotherapy used in colorectal (Colon cancer)?
Radiotherapy is used in Rectal cancer prior to the operation in some cases. This results in reduction in tumour size and has been shown to lower recurrence of cancer after surgery.
Radiotherapy usually is given over several sittings spread over a month or so. Radiotherapy followed by Surgery is now the standard of care for most patients of Rectal cancer.
If a stoma is created, how will I take care of it?
We have a dedicated team of stoma nurses who help and counsel patients with stomas. Patients and relatives are taught how to take care of the stoma, how to change the bags, and how to maintain hygiene. Support for stoma patients is also available after discharge from the hospital. If you have any queries call us or visit Gadre Hospital as Dr. Chintamani Godbole is one of the best Colorectal surgeons in Mumbai.
Also, watch our other video Stoma Bag Kya hai? Colostomy in Hindi | Stoma Care I Dr. Chintamani Godbole
Also, watch our other video Stoma Bag Kya hai? Colostomy in Hindi | Stoma Care I Dr. Chintamani Godbole
If you would like more information about Colon Cancer Treatment in Mumbai, please contact us at 81087 91470 or fill out the appointment request form and one of our representatives will contact you within 24 hours.
