Colon Cancer Surgery

Colon cancer, is a cancer that occurs when cells in the colon multiply rapidly. Persistent diarrhea or constipation in patients, blood coming from the anus and secretion of an egg white-like appearance in the stool; This is one of the symptoms of cancer. The patient, who is examined by following the complaints with stool examination and other methods, is then diagnosed with cancer. Colon cancer, which carries a great risk especially for those aged 50 and above, is among the top five cancer types in Turkey. Colon cancer surgery includes methods used in cases that require surgery in advanced stages of cancer. Removing the anus completely or reducing the course of the disease with methods such as chemotherapy are among the colon cancer surgery applications.

In the article, the points related to colon cancer and surgery will be explained in detail under the following headings:

• What is colon cancer?
• How is the diagnosis of colon cancer made?
• What is colon cancer surgery?
• What are the risks of colon cancer surgery?

What is Colon Cancer?

The large intestine, which comes after the stomach and small intestine in the digestive system, is one and a half meters long. It is located under the abdomen in an inverted U shape. It consists of the large intestine, colon, and rectum. The rectum is a 15 cm long structure that connects to the anus and is the last part of the digestive system. Colon cancer begins and develops in cells within the colon.

Hereditary factors carry a great risk in the formation of this cancer. In addition, conditions such as an excessively fatty diet, predominance of red meat, smoking and alcohol use, and being overweight are effective in polyps. It is usually taken when the formation of polyps in the intestine is detected. Not all polyps cause cancer, but doctors pay attention to their formation because it starts from them.

How is colon cancer diagnosed?

In order to diagnose colon cancer, the patient is first listened to whether there is a genetic predisposition. Especially if there is such a family history, the patient should be in regular check-ups after the age of 40. Colonoscopy applied between these controls is a method used to detect the presence of polyps or cancer without disturbing the patient. When necessary, the patient can be injected and relaxed. Every individual with polyp formation or genetic predisposition should have a colonoscopy every 5 years. The following methods are used for definitive diagnosis:

• A small amount of stool sample is examined in a laboratory environment. It is checked for occult blood.
• By means of computerized tomography (CT), the location and size of the cancer is tried to be determined.
• One method used to diagnose colon cancer is carcinoembryonic antigen.
• Rectoscopy, colonoscopy, biopsy and sigmoidoscopy are applied to make the diagnosis clearer. As a result of this application, the findings are examined by the pathologist.

What is Colon Cancer Surgery?

In colon cancer treatment methods, surgery may not be performed, if polyps are detected. By removing them through colonoscopy, the risk of cancer is largely prevented. However, this method will not be sufficient for advanced cancer patients. For this reason, cancer surgery is applied. Among the applications, the tumor area is completely removed. In the meantime, tissue and lymph can also be taken. In colon cancer surgery, physicians may consider it appropriate to additionally administer chemotherapy, although the area is completely cleaned. In this way, its reoccurrence will be prevented.

Colon cancer can also occur in an area close to the anus. In these cases, removal of the anus may occur, as the tumorous area will be completely removed in surgery. When the anus is completely removed, stool will be passed from the abdomen with colostomy bags. However, recently, anus has been tried to be protected with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Studies are carried out to ensure the quality of life of the patient. In cancer surgery, laparoscopic and robotic methods are used to perform the surgery in a safer environment.

What are the Risks of Colon Cancer Surgery?

Some risks may occur during and after colon cancer surgery. Among the risks associated with surgery, conditions such as infections, risks related to anesthesia and abdominal hernia may occur. During surgery, internal and external bleeding may occur by opening one of the patient's veins.

After surgery, respiratory-related risks may develop, especially in smokers. In the case of continuous rest of the patient, clot formation can be observed in the deep veins. If the clots reach the lungs, patients may experience chest pain and shortness of breath. For this reason, carrying the patient, not staying in bed all the time, supporting his movement; It will greatly reduce the post-operative risks.