Surgical methods

    It's important to talk to your surgeon about which surgical method will be best for you.


     

    robotic assisted surgery with doctor

    Surgical method options

    Surgery is considered the most common treatment for early stage or resectable (removable) colorectal cancers.

    Your doctors will evaluate which type of surgery is best for you, depending on the extent of the tumor and where it is located.

    The three main types of surgery for colorectal cancer are

    fancy hospital room

    Minimally invasive procedures

    In minimally invasive surgery, surgeons make several small incisions in the abdomen and then use specific surgical tools to operate through the incisions.

    Minimally invasive surgery in linked to:

    • less pain
    • shorter hospital stays
    • fewer complications
    stitches with two doctors

    Open procedures

    With open surgery, the surgeon makes a single long incision into the abdomen.

    Patients who have open surgery may take longer to recover, due to the larger incision.

    Open surgery may be recommended for patients with:

    • Large tumors
    • Cancer that has spread
    • Certain medical conditions
    • A high body mass index (BMI) or obesity

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    Where breakthroughs begin: Project Cure CRC spotlight on Dr. Lisa Mielke

    hrough Project Cure CRC, the Alliance is fueling bold, early-stage research with the potential to transform colorectal cancer treatment. Dr. Lisa Mielke’s groundbreaking work explores how the gut’s immune system and nerve signaling influence cancer growth—opening the door to new therapeutic approaches, including repurposed existing drugs. This is what’s possible when promising ideas get the support they need to move forward.

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