Introduction to Colon Cancer Surgery
Cancer is a scary thing, regardless of where it’s located. For many people, one of the most unexpected but most common areas for cancer is the colon. There are many preemptive options to utilize in the early stages of cancer, but if you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, surgery may be required. At Las Vegas Surgical Associates, we understand that this is already a concerning situation to be in, which is why our board-certified surgeons are ready to help you regain your life, cancer-free. To learn more about this surgery, please continue reading below.
What is Colon Cancer Surgery?
Colon cancer, sometimes called colorectal cancer, is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon. The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine. Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. While polyps generally aren’t cancerous, they can turn into colon cancers over time.
If colon cancer develops, many treatments can help control it, which can include radiation therapy and medicines, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. 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.
Depending on the stage of your colon cancer, you may require different types of surgeries. Here’s what you can expect from each:
Partial Colectomy
A partial colectomy is an operation to remove a section of the colon. The colon is essentially a long tube, your surgeon can take out the diseased area as well as a margin of healthy tissue on each side. They will then reconnect the two sides of the colon. Surgeons will also remove the lymph nodes closest to the cancer site to stage the cancer and plan for additional treatments, if necessary.
Metastasectomy
A metastasectomy is a procedure to remove colon cancer that has metastasized to another organ, such as the liver or the lungs. Our surgeons have extensive experience performing these procedures and will try to find ways to eliminate your colon cancer from other locations in the body.
Preventive Colon Surgery
Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) can develop hundreds or thousands of colon polyps before age 18 – 22, so the best way to prevent colon cancer is to remove the colon. This procedure is sometimes called a total colectomy. While the thought of having a major organ removed may seem scary, it’s certainly possible to live and thrive without a colon.
In the unlikely event that you are a candidate for this procedure, your surgeon will discuss the implications of life without a colon in great detail to help you to make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed
What’s The First Step?
Colon Cancer Consultation
If you need colon cancer surgery in the Las Vegas area, your first step is to contact LVSA and schedule your consultation. When you come in, your assigned surgeon will meet with you to discuss the surgery and all of its details. They will review your medical history during this time, so please be as open and honest as possible so that your surgeon can make well-informed decisions that will lead to the best outcome.
Before surgery, you will need to not eat any solid foods, drink only clear liquids, and avoid eating or drinking anything (including water) after midnight. The reason for this is that your colon must be completely empty before the procedure. You may need to use laxatives and/or enemas to get all the stool out of your colon.
What to Expect on the Day of Colon Cancer Surgery
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
On the day of colon cancer surgery, you will meet with your surgeon one more time to review the procedure. Our on-site Anesthesiologist will then meet with you and administer your anesthesia. You may also have a catheter (Foley catheter) placed in your bladder to collect urine, and a naso-gastric (NG) tube passed through your nose, down your throat, and into your stomach to remove secretions that may cause nausea and vomiting. The NG tube is usually removed before you wake up.
Once the surgery is over, you will be taken to the recovery room. You will stay in recovery anywhere from one to two hours. Then, you will be transferred to your room once you’re in stable condition.
Colon Cancer Surgery Recovery
Every patient will have a different recovery experience depending on their surgical needs and how their body responds to the procedure. Patients can typically expect to stay in the hospital for two to seven days and regain bowel function within two to three days. Most patients are fully recovered after six weeks, but may feel sore around the incisions, and may feel weak for a week or two after surgery.
How Much Does It Cost?
Colon Cancer Surgery Cost and Insurance Information
The cost of Colon Cancer Surgery in Las Vegas is based on numerous factors, including the techniques used, the extent of your disease, the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, and facility fees, among others. The best way to find out how much your treatment will cost is to come in for an initial consultation and have your surgical plan created. Once done, our Patient Coordinator will be able to provide you with a breakdown of the price.
Most medical insurance policies will cover surgery for colon cancer, but we encourage you to check in with your insurer first. While you will have more information to provide your insurance company after your consultation, it’s always a good idea to come in with as much information as possible so that there are no surprises.
Why Choose Las Vegas Surgery Associates?
Las Vegas Surgical Associates is a multi-specialty surgical group that is unique to the Las Vegas area in that we offer services across a broad range of surgical specialties. As a group practice, we will always have a physician on call who can answer any questions and take care of acute surgical emergencies as they arise. Our team of doctors comes from medical backgrounds and collectively, have affiliations with the American Board of Surgery (ABS), the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the Society of Laparoscopic Surgery (SLS), and the Society for Surgery of Alimentary Tract (SSAT), the American Hernia Society (AHS), and Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) ASMBS (American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery ), ASCRS (America Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons) – just to name a few. At LVSA, our team has your health and best interest in mind so that you can have peace of mind.
Colon Cancer FAQ’S
Schedule a Consultation
If you are in the greater Las Vegas area and are living with Colon Cancer, surgery may be the best solution to help you close that chapter of your life so you can start living life anew. To meet with your personal surgeon, please contact Las Vegas Surgical Associates to schedule an appointment. You can request a consultation through our website or call us directly at (702) 258-7788, and a friendly member of our team will be in touch with you.