Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. There are three main types of surgery:

Colonoscopy
A small malignant polyp may be removed from your colon or upper rectum with a colonoscope. Some small tumors in the lower rectum can be removed through your anus without a colonoscope.

Laparoscopy 
Early colon cancer may be removed with the aid of a thin, lighted tube -- a laparoscope. Three or four tiny cuts are made into your abdomen. The surgeon sees inside your abdomen with the laparoscope. The tumor and part of the healthy colon are removed. Nearby lymph nodes also may be removed. The surgeon checks the rest of your intestine and your liver to see if the cancer has spread.

Learn more about laparoscopy by watching the videos below with Dr. James Fleshman, or with a former patient, Alissa Murphy.

Open surgery 
The surgeon makes a large cut into your abdomen to remove the tumor and part of the healthy colon or rectum. Some nearby lymph nodes are also removed. The surgeon checks the rest of your intestine and your liver to see if the cancer has spread.

Learn more:

• Issues Related to Surgery
• The Oncotype DX® test for Stage II Colon Cancer Patients

To learn more about colorectal surgery, visit Ethicon Endo-Surgery’s Colon Cancer Overview for Patients.

To find a colon and rectal surgical specialist in your area, visit the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeon's website and physician directory.

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