The shortest distance between surgery and recovery
In 2007, the American Cancer Society estimated that more than 150,000 Americans would be diagnosed with colon cancer—the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for men and women combined. Fortunately, if detected and treated early, colon cancer has a high survival rate.
The first step after being diagnosed with colon cancer is working with your physician to determine your best treatment option. The primary treatment for colon cancer today is surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon, called a colectomy. In the past, most patients underwent open surgery for colon cancer. However, surgeons at Gateway Medical Center are now able to offer laparoscopic-assisted colectomy for patients with colon cancer.
The Treatment For You
The laparoscopic-assisted colectomy offers many of the same benefits of laparoscopic surgery, including quicker recovery time, less pain and scarring, shorter hospital stays and better cosmetic results.
For patients whose cancer is operable, this alternative procedure for surgery is a great step forward. It is a real victory for physicians and particularly patients, who can have a smaller reminder of their battle with colon cancer.
How It’s Done
During minimally invasive colon surgery, the surgeon makes a series of small incisions in the patient’s abdomen. A small video camera, or scope, is placed in one of the incisions, providing the surgeon with a magnified view on a TV monitor of the patient’s internal organs. Surgical instruments are placed in the other incisions, allowing the surgeon to remove portions of the colon.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks. Patients should discuss their treatment options with their physician.
