Treatments (Surgical & Non-Surgical)

Different Types of Colon Surgery

For many years, there has been only one way to approach and remove the colon. This is the standard open surgery where a long incision is made through the centre of the abdomen. This incision can vary from 10 to 30cm long. This was the preferred way because this gives the best access to all the areas of the colon.

However, the incision for open surgery cuts through the entire muscle in the centre. This can give rise to more pain and would need stronger and more pain killers. Recovery after discharge is also slower. An alternative technique would be to make a small incision over the site of the tumour and perform the surgery from that location. This is only done when the exact location of the tumour is known.

Laparoscopic Surgery

This method has been used for colon resection since 1990s. There were some initial concerns about higher risk of recurrence of cancer so it did not take off in initially. However, numerous large international trials proved that there is no evidence of increased recurrence. It is now the preferred method of surgery for colon and rectum resection.

Laparoscopic surgery is technically more challenging than the standard open surgery. Three to five small incisions of 5 to 10mm each are made around the abdomen. A camera and fine instruments are then inserted through these small incisions and the surgery is performed. However, the nature of colon cancer resection is such that a small 4 to 6 cm incision is still required for the colon and the tumour to be removed.

Single Incision Port Surgery

This is one of the latest advancements in laparoscopic surgery in the last few years. A single incision of 2-5 cm is made at the umbilicus. Two instruments and a camera are inserted through this single “port” and the surgery is performed using the instruments. The colon and tumour are eventually removed through the incision.

Robotic Surgery

This is the most advanced form of minimally invasive surgery available. It is similar to laparoscopic surgery in the sense that small incisions of 5-10mm is made to insert instruments. However, the robotic camera system offers a 3-dimensional view and greater magnification to the surgeon. This gives the surgeon a clearer view as well as perception of depth which is missing in other forms of laparoscopic surgery.

The robotic instruments used are also more advanced, giving the surgeon movements similar to the wrist movements. The manipulation of the tissue is akin to using your wrist, finger and thumb, unlike standard laparoscopic surgery in which the instruments is more like using chopsticks. This advantage is especially more obvious in surgery for cancer of the rectum situated deep in the pelvis.