Surgery for colorectal cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer. The type of surgery that is done depends on the stage and location of the cancer.

Colorectal surgery involves the removal of the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue. This is also called a surgical resection. Cancer that can be completely removed with surgery is called resectable.

Colorectal surgery is usually performed by a general surgeon, a colorectal surgeon, or a surgical oncologist.

Typically, your surgeon will also recommend any other treatment you may need, such as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or other therapies.

There are different types of surgeries for colorectal cancer, depending on the stage of the cancer and where it is in the colon or rectum.

The most common surgeries are:

• Polypectomy or local excision
• Right colectomy
• Left colectomy
• Sigmoid colectomy
• Left anterior resection (LAR)

Based on their own experience and preferences, a surgeon will recommend either:

• a minimally invasive surgery such as a laparoscopic or robotic assisted procedure
• an open procedure, which has a larger incision and sometimes a longer recovery time