Surgery is often the main treatment for earlier-stage colon cancers. The type of surgery performed depends on the stage (extent) of cancer, where it is, and the surgery objective.

Colon surgery needs to be done on a clean and empty colon. You will be put on a special diet before surgery and may need to use laxative drinks and enemas to get all of the stool out of your colon.

The preparation of the bowel for surgery is very similar to what is used before a colonoscopy.