Surgical oncology
Colorectal cancer surgery
Removal of the affected segment of colon or rectum together with its lymph nodes — laparoscopically where that is appropriate.
In plain language
What this operation is
Colorectal cancer affects the colon or the rectum. The most common early signs are blood in the stool, a persistent change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, or iron-deficiency anaemia found on a blood test.
Surgery removes the affected segment along with the fatty tissue carrying the lymph nodes that drain it. That clearance is what makes it a cancer operation rather than simply removing a tumour, and it is also what allows the pathologist to establish the true stage.
For rectal cancer specifically, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is often given before surgery, and an MRI decides whether the anal sphincter can be preserved.
Who it is for
When this operation is advised
- Blood in the stool, or bleeding from the back passage
- A persistent change in bowel habit over weeks
- Cancer confirmed on colonoscopy and biopsy
- Iron-deficiency anaemia without an obvious cause
And when it is not. Blood in the stool has many causes and most are not cancer — piles are far more common. But it should never be assumed to be piles without examination.
How it works
From assessment to follow-up
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01
First consultation
History, examination and review of every report and film you already have. Bring the actual films, not only the printed summaries.
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02
Diagnosis and staging
Biopsy confirms the diagnosis; imaging establishes how far the disease has gone. No treatment plan is made before this.
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03
The plan
Whether surgery is the right step, and in what order relative to chemotherapy or radiotherapy — agreed with you before anything is booked.
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04
Treatment and follow-up
The operation where appropriate, then the pathology report, and continuing follow-up.
Afterwards
What recovery involves
Recovery differs between patients. What follows is what usually happens — your own timeframe is given at discharge, based on the operation you actually had.
- Recovery depends on the operation performed and on your general health.
- A written discharge plan, wound-care guidance and a follow-up appointment are given before you leave.
- The pathology report usually takes some days and is discussed with you at follow-up.
- Whether further treatment is advised is decided once that report is available.
When to go to hospital instead
Severe abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with no passage of wind or stool, or heavy bleeding needs hospital care the same day.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Anything not covered here can be answered at the consultation.
01 Is blood in the stool always cancer?
No — far from it. Piles and anal fissure are much more common causes. But the only way to know is examination and, where indicated, a colonoscopy. Assuming it is piles without checking is how colorectal cancer gets found late.
Symptoms02 Will I need a stoma?
Usually not for colon cancer — the bowel is rejoined. For low rectal cancer a temporary stoma may protect the join, and in some cases a permanent one is unavoidable. Which applies to you is discussed before surgery, from the MRI.
Stoma03 পায়খানার সাথে রক্ত গেলে কী করব?
পায়খানার সাথে রক্ত গেলে সেটিকে ধরে নিয়ে বসে থাকবেন না যে পাইলস। পাইলসেই বেশি হয় ঠিক, কিন্তু কোলন বা রেকটাম ক্যান্সারেও একই লক্ষণ হতে পারে। পরীক্ষা করিয়ে নিশ্চিত হওয়াই নিরাপদ।
করণীয়Next step
Bring your reports to a consultation
Often one visit is enough to know whether an operation is needed at all.