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Surgery
The aim of surgery for colorectal cancer is to cure the cancer by removing it from the body before it gets the chance to spread elsewhere. The operation is a major operation and will be done under a general anaesthetic. The surgeon will remove the part of the bowel that is cancerous and some of the tissue around it. This is to ensure that all of there is less chance of the cancer spreading.
Depending on the location of the cancer it may be necessary to create an ileostomy or colostomy. This is an opening through the skin through which the faeces will pass into a bag. This can either be a permanent or temporary measure depending on the circumstances. If either a colostomy or ileostomy is required then your surgeon will discuss this with you beforehand.
For more information on a ileostomy or colostomy please click here.
For more information on the opperation
The Association of Coloproctologists of Great Britain and Ireland - Information sheet on the surgical treatment of Colorectal Cancer.
Best Treatments - A site from the British Medical Journal (BMJ) detailing about the surgery for colorectal cancer.
Cancer Research UK - Information on surgery for colorectal cancer from a UK charity involved in medical research.
The Christie Hospital - Information on the different operations for colorectal cancer from a cancer hospital in Manchester.