Colon and rectal cancer , is the most common neoplastic disease in developed countries. It is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the 3rd most common cancer, after breast and lung cancer. It occurs more frequently in men than in women, and in recent years, it has been increasingly diagnosed in individuals under the age of 60.
There is no clear causal association. However, there are risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
The good news is that with prevention, early diagnosis, and the application of advanced therapeutic techniques, colon cancer can now be effectively prevented and treated with very good prognosis and survival rates.
SYMPTOMS
Colon cancer often develops without symptoms. However, there are non-specific clinical signs that are common to other conditions, and for this reason, a thorough evaluation by an experienced and specialized doctor should be done without delay.
- Blood in the stool
- Changes in bowel habits
- Persistent abdominal pain with bloating
- A feeling of incomplete bowel movement
- Persistent constipation
- Secondary anemia
TREATMENT
The treatment of colon cancer is multifactorial and depends on the location and stage of the disease. Surgery plays the central role, which is often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the specific case.
If the cancer is removed in a timely manner, the treatment is considered effective, the disease is halted, and it is highly likely that it will not recur.
SURGICA TREATMENT OF COLON CANCER
Where the cancer is located also dictates the type of surgery required to remove the tumor. Colon surgeries are considered major surgeries due to their complexity and significance. In every case, a section of the colon is removed, along with lymph nodes, and sent for histopathological examination (biopsy). The continuity of the colon is restored by suturing the two sections together, using modern surgical tools known as automatic staplers.
The surgery can be performed with:
- Open surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Robotic surgery
With rapid recovery programs even with the open surgery method, the patient can return home on the 3rd day after surgery, fully active and without pain.
What is Rapid Recovery Surgery?
The goals are immediate mobilization, quick discharge from the hospital, and early return to normal life.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is an approach to patient care that utilizes a combination of perioperative interventions. The care of a patient is divided into three phases: before, during, and after the surgery. Each phase requires active involvement of some or all members of the interdisciplinary team.
Preoperative Phase: This phase involves preparing the patient to be in the best possible condition before surgery. Among other things, the goal is to identify patients at high risk so that appropriate decisions can be made and postoperative complications can be minimized.
Surgical Phase: This stage involves minimizing the surgical stress response through surgical and anesthetic management, so that the disruption of the body’s physiology is as minimal as possible.
Postoperative Phase: This phase takes a multi-level approach to the patient’s recovery. Optimal pain management, reduction of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and early mobilization are some of the key goals of the program, which contribute to faster recovery.
The Interdisciplinary Team Includes:
- Surgeon
- Anesthesiologist
- Nursing staff
- Physical therapist
- Dietitian
- Social worker
- Patient educator
Mr. Alexiou, together with his team, has extensive experience in rapid recovery surgical programs and rehabilitation for colon cancer and they guarantee the result. Discuss your options with your surgeon to determine which method is best for you.
