Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women, where abnormal cells in the colon or rectum divide uncontrollably, eventually forming a malignant tumor. Colon cancer is successfully treated for many patients with a combination of surgery and sometimes chemotherapy. 

The rates of new colon cancer cases and deaths for adults aged 50 years or older are decreasing due to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation to screen for colon cancer beginning at age 50. This preventative test makes a difference in your overall health and well-being!

Surgery of the colon refers to the removal of the abnormal segment of the colon and reconnecting the two ends (colectomy). In rare circumstances, a colostomy may need to be created. This is where the intestine drains into a bag through the abdominal wall. This may be temporary or permanent.

Most colectomies performed at Colorado West General Surgery are performed through a minimally invasive approach. This is also known as laparoscopy. This refers to surgery utilizing multiple small incisions instead of a single large abdominal incision (open or traditional colectomy). A lighted telescope is used to magnify the intestines. With the help of various grasping tools, the colon is removed and reconnected. This offers a less painful alternative to traditional colon surgery and a quicker recovery.

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women in which abnormal cells in the colon or rectum divide uncontrollably, eventually forming a malignant tumor. The rates of new colon cancer cases and deaths for adults aged 50 years or older are decreasing due to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation to screen for colon cancer beginning at age 50. This preventative test makes a difference in your overall health and well-being!

A colonoscopy can discover precancerous polyps so that they can be removed before becoming cancerous, as well as, find colorectal cancer early when it can be more treatable. Colonoscopy may also be indicated if you have blood or black in your stools, changes in bowel movements like new diarrhea or constipation, and follow-up for diverticulitis or colitis to assure normal healing.

Diverticulitis is inflammation and infection of small pockets that form from high pressure in the colon wall. Many people have pockets, diverticula, without any symptoms or issues over their entire life. They are only aware they are present due to a colonoscopy or visualization on a CT scan. A high fiber diet is the best prevention to avoid diverticulitis. It is recommended to eat 25-30 grams of fiber per day.

When you have a diverticulitis attack, it is often treated with pain medication, antibiotics, and a liquid diet. Occasionally, you need to be hospitalized for complete bowel rest and IV antibiotics.

If attacks are severe or frequent, surgery may be advised. The surgeon removes the affected part of the colon and joins the remaining sections. This type of surgery, called colon resection, aims to keep attacks from coming back and to prevent complications. We may also recommend surgery for complications of a fistula or intestinal obstruction. Many times this surgery can be performed laparoscopically, which allows for smaller incisions and faster healing.