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colon cancer surgery

Read and learn more about colon cancer surgery. For more, visit the Colitis website ColitisWiki.com

Q: How long does it take to recuperate from colon cancer surgery?
How long does it take to recuperate from a surgery that is supposed to eliminate colon cancer?

A: My Mom survived colon cancer 2 years ago…it took her about 4 or 5 mos to get any spring in her step. She is now experiencing some bowel problems but will not have any thing confirmed…she says whatever will be will be……She today, at 81-1/2 looks fine, got back all her weight and her demeanor improved….but we will see P.S….She refused all treatment after her surgery

Q: Which exams are typically ordered to follow a year(s) after a successful colon cancer surgery?
A person very dear to me had colon cancer in 2007 and had a successful surgery to remove the tumor. She also had some months of coadyuvant therapy (chemo?). There have been further (clean) colorectal exams but I wonder which other exams are ordered in the first year or two following the surgery to guard against possible spread to other organs?
She has regular blood exams, every 6 months. Had recently (1 yr) a colonoscopy that came out good. But no CT scan which is what worries me.

A: sounds like your friend had the same handling as my husband: surgery + adjuvant chemo. “Adjuvant chemo” is preventative – it’s to mop up any loose cancer cells.

The followups will depend on the exact nature of the cancer (there are different types even within colon cancer …e.g. adenocarcinoma) and the oncologist. Hubby has had
- colonoscopy immediately post chemo finishing
- CT scans immediately post chemo, and then every 6 months until 2 years from diagnosis
- blood tests every 6 months

He’ll probably have another colonoscopy in 2010, and CT scans are now annual until 5 years.

Q: Does this mean there is nothing to worry about with the colon cancer surgery?
My dad is 71 years old with a leaky heart valve. His cardiologist gave him clearance for the surgery. Does this mean there is nothing to worry about with the colon cancer surgery and that everything will go good

A: The use of anesthesia can cause cardiac arrhythmias as a side effect of the drug itself. If someone already suffers from atrial fribilation or a ventricular arrhythmias then they would be very concerned about surgery. There are many who suffer from leaky valves. That all by itself would probably not prevent surgery unless the leak was moderate to severe or in combination with other heart issues such as congestive heart failure. His cardiologist has determined that his heart condition would not add excessive risk to the procedure and has approved it.

The real worry here is getting the ALL tumor out and checking the surrounding lymph nodes for spread. He should have already had a CAT scan to determine if they see things elsewhere. You don’t list here in your post any of these results so hard to comment on this. Even if it is late stage colon cancer, a person still gets relief by surgery to remove an obstructed bowel. I will just let you know, my father had colon cancer diagnosed 7 years ago, had the surgery, was positive in 11 out of 21 lymph nodes for spread, had the lymph nodes removed at the same time, and followed 9 months of chemotherapy. He is still alive and doing well with no repercussions from the ordeal. He is now almost 82.

Make sure you and your siblings get your colonoscopy every 5 years. Family history is an important predictor of issues for your generation. Getting diagnosed early and prevention by polyp removal makes this very survivable.

Hope that helps

Q: Can people with leaky heart valves have colon cancer surgery safely?
My dad is 71years old. His valve is leaking 30 percent. He gets short of breath sometimes. Is surgery safe for him

A: You need to ask the doctor. However, if he has colon cancer and he doesn’t have it removed he is going to die. My aunt had colon cancer. It’s very painful and very deadly. My grandmother had a tumor in her stomach the size of a grapefruit as well as a tumor in her spleen and esophagus. She had a heart attack in the early 90’s and so her primary care physician did not think she should have the surgery. Her cancer specialist thought she would be able to make it since she was always really active (cooking, cleaning, etc, even though she was 80). She decided to have the surgery because she knew there was a 100% chance that she would die without having the surgery. She had surgery back in May and is still living today. She had to have a feeding tube attached to her small intestine and requires a lot of care but, thankfully, she is still here.

Q: Has anyone with a leaky heart valve had colon cancer surgery?
Did everything turn out good? No problems in the operating room? No infections? My dad is 71 and needs the surgery. Please help

A: HI Tuke,

The surgeon and the anaesthetist will evaluate you dad’s condition very carefully before they subject him to this surgery. No surgeon or anaesthetist likes to have a “death on the table” or a death due to surgical intervention.

I am a RN. I too have a role in pre-op assessment. Patients who are not fit for surgery are always managed conservatively. It does not mean that they do not get any treatment.

Q: is colon cancer surgery the worst surgery for patients?
aren’t the doctors basically cutting ur a_s_s? I would think that’s the most horrible embarassing surgery there is. & u can’t even do #2 either, isn’t it? How do I prevent myself of getting it?

A: colon cancer surgery is extensive , risky and messy specially the colostomy care ,

Q: has anyone had the laproscopic surgery for colon cancer?
My doctor is planning on doing the laproscopic surgery for colon cancer and I was wondering if anyone in here had had this?

A: yes I have had laproscopic surgery for colon cancer ,3 yrs ago was out of the hospital on the fourth morning after the surgery ,quick recovery.

Q: What happens during colon cancer surgery?
Where do they make the insision? how long is hospitalization for? any more info
thanks alot trying to help my best friend

A: Incision will depend on the location of the cancer (the colon is pretty long) and the method of surgery – it can be “open” or “laproscopic”.

A laproscopic surgery will have only a few relatively small cuts in the lower tummy, and recovery will be up to a week if there are no complications.

An open surgery will cut from below the navel for about 6-8 inches, and will take up to 2 weeks in hospital.

There are no straight answers here – everyone’s recovery time is different. To be allowed out, you have to be able to eat, drink, have a bowel movement (either regular or to the stoma bag), pass gas, pass water (or manage your catheter), get out of bed and sit in a chair. These are basic ways to assess that the body is recovering.

Recovery time is likely to be longer if your friend has already had chemo or has been noticeably ill for a while before the cancer was found – s/he’ll already be worn down a bit by that. My husband had no symptoms until 2 weeks before his surgery, and took 10 days to get out of hospital after open surgery.

Be prepared when you visit for the first time post surgery, especially if it’s open surgery. This is a big operation and your friend may well look dreadful after – NG tube, catheter, wound drain, PCA IV, fluids IV, oxygen mask. That all looks really scary….but it’s actually normal post surgery. Practice a blank face and a big smile – s/he doesn’t need to know how awful s/he looks…and s/he’ll lose some of the gadgets in a few days.

Q: Is colon cancer surgery risky in a 71 year old with heart problems?

A: The patient should have his medical condition, treatment options, and associated risks explained prior to any major procedure.

Surgery is a risk for all people, a greater risk for seriously ill people, and that risk is aggravated by complicating factors such as heart disease. The doctor’s treatment plan must balance the potential benefits of the surgery versus the surgery’s risks versus the prognosis if surgery is not performed.

Generally speaking, the best way to eradicate cancer is through surgery. Chemotherapy may be effective, partially effective, or ineffective. Radiation is typically effective for localized treatment, but may produce significant side-effects.

Best wishes for agood outcome.

Q: Is there more risk of infection in a patient that has a leaky heart valve with colon cancer surgery?

A: There is always a risk of infection with any surgery.

Q: Is colon cancer surgery safe for 71 year old that has a leaky heart valve?

A: I’d have to see the echocardiogram and the cardiologist’s consultation report before making that determination. You don’t say which valve, the degree of insufficiency, or make mention of the patient’s functional status :)

That patient is at some increased risk. However, the cancer needs to come out, so after cardiac optimization, the surgery will be done.

Q: I have a Retrograde Ejaculation case due to intensive colon cancer surgery, is there anyway to restore this?

A: You’re not giving any information to even guess at an answer. You need to see a urologist.

Q: Parents has colon cancer, surgery next week,,..what to expect when released from hospital??
I wrote in a week ago.. My dad has colon cancer, and has surgery next week.. its been a very trying couple of days while waiting.. After, he will be in hospital for 10 days.. I am jumping ahead I know, but was wondering what it might be like when he gets out of the hospital and is at home. I will be taking care of him, but was wondering if he will be able to manage stairs.. what exactly he will be able to do after such a operation.. I know doctor will tell after, but if there is a way i can prepare for his return home.. a little anxious to know now… appreciate any advice/infor.. thanks,, from a very scared daughter..

A: hello
I had this done at a very young age 12 yrs now I am almost 40. I would like to say this ran strong in my childhood family. There were 9 of us and and 4 had this cancer and one has passed on at a very young age,he was in his teens and in the air force had a wife and a baby on the way.My brother died at 27 yrs old but leaving a single mother to raise their 2 yr old son.To move this faster …we other 3 have children and they must be tested (it could run in your jeans,you may want to think of getting checked?)
With this I have learned to eat 7 small meals a day,they taught me this and don’t lift heavey weight anymore as if you were healthy and strong before you operation.NOW his food has to change,this is a must! I was put in the hospiatal because …your track can not handle like…oranges,leafy vegs and you want to watch out for alot of gasy food liek broc.Make sure he chews up all of his meats and your food digestive sym is so different.
Man i have to say I still have to have my children checked out and I think about this everyday(how to tell them about this if it was one of them) I would love to stay in touch and try to help you and your family with some of your questions because I was a young child who had to go through this with nex to no ideal and no knodleg.If you trust me and have a number I am willing to call you?
Good luck and God Bless you a nd your family

Q: What to expect after colon surgery (colon cancer)? How long does it really take to recover and such…?

A: My dad just went through this also. He recovered from the surgery pretty quickly, he was on solid foods in about 3 days. He was diagnosed in August 05, and they found it had gotten into one lymph node, so he started chemo shortly afterward. The chemo for this type of cancer is very mild compared to some others. He mostly just experienced feeling tired during his “chemo weeks” and numbness in his fingers and toes. No hair loss! He finished with chemo about 6 weeks ago and recently received a clean bill of health!!!!!

Q: Do you think a bariatric surgeon is qualified to perform colon cancer surgery?

A: my cancer doc is also a Bariatric surgeon. He is licenced for both and works at MD Anderson in Houston one of the leading cancer instatuites.

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