Colon cancer begins in the large intestine, often as a small, noncancerous growth (polyp). Polyps are common, and most are benign. However, if left untreated, some polyps can progress and become cancerous over time, usually many years. This underscores the importance of early detection. Routine screening tests, such as periodic colonoscopies, can help a physician identify precancerous and cancerous changes early, when they are highly treatable.

Early-stage colon cancer is often “silent,” but as the tumor grows, symptoms may become apparent. Some patients experience changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, along with abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss or rectal bleeding. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment can vary depending on the stage and location of the tumor and the patient’s overall health. Surgery is often a key part of treatment, particularly when the tumor is localized and has not spread to distant organs.

Rated High Performing in Colon Cancer Surgery

Recognized in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals for significantly better performance in colon cancer surgery than the national average.

Schedule an Appointment

With ongoing advances in surgical techniques, many patients with colon cancer now have the option of minimally invasive surgical treatment. Laparoscopic surgery has become an increasingly common approach due to its heightened precision and faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.

What are the potential benefits of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer treatment?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and specialized surgical instruments to remove cancerous tissues. For many patients, this procedure offers several advantages over traditional open colon cancer surgery, including:

Smaller incisions – The procedure requires only a few small incisions, which typically result in less visible scarring.
Faster recovery – Most patients have a shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal activities, which can minimize any disruption to their daily life.
Less postoperative pain – Smaller incisions generally cause less discomfort, often reducing the need for pain medications during recovery.
Lower risk of complications – Laparoscopic techniques are associated with decreased risk of surgical complications, such as infection and blood loss.
Comparable oncologic outcome – For appropriate candidates, laparoscopic surgery is as effective as open surgery in removing colon cancer and achieving long-term treatment goals.

While laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer treatment offers many benefits, it is not suitable for every patient. The decision to proceed should be made only after considering factors such as location, size and stage of the tumor and the patient’s overall health.

I knew Moffitt was where I needed to be to live. Once I was in Moffitt, I knew I would survive.

Cathy - Advanced Colon Cancer Survivor

What does laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer treatment involve?

Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer allows the surgeon to precisely remove cancerous tissues from the colon while limiting any trauma to the surrounding healthy tissues. Key steps in the procedure include:

Anesthesia and preparation – After the patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure their comfort throughout the procedure, their abdominal cavity will be gently inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create space for the surgeon to operate.
Insertion of laparoscope and instruments – The surgeon will make a few small incisions near the navel to insert the laparoscope, a thin tube with a high-definition camera attached to the end, and specialized surgical instruments to manipulate and remove bodily tissues.
Colon resection – The surgeon will identify and remove the cancerous portion of the colon along with some nearby lymph nodes. The surgeon will then reconnect the healthy ends of the colon (anastomosis).
Specimen removal – The surgeon will extract the removed portion of the colon through one of the incisions, which may be slightly enlarged for this step.
Incision closure – After removing the surgical instruments, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures or surgical glue.
Postoperative care and monitoring – The patient will be observed in a recovery area for a short time before being moved to a hospital room, where they will be monitored for signs of complications, such as bleeding and infection.

How to prepare for laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer treatment

Proper preparation for laparoscopic surgery is essential to ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery. The patient will receive specific instructions from their surgical team, which will generally include:

Preoperative medical evaluations – A complete physical examination, blood work and imaging tests may be required to confirm the patient’s fitness for surgery.
Medication management – After reviewing the patient’s medications, including over-the-counter remedies and supplements, the surgical team will advise whether any of the drugs need to be temporarily paused or adjusted.
Bowel preparation – The physician may prescribe a bowel cleansing routine, which may include an enema or laxative to empty the colon. This can reduce the risk of infection and provide the surgeon with better visibility during the procedure.
Dietary and lifestyle adjustments – The patient may be instructed to eat light, low-fiber meals or consume a clear liquid diet in the days leading up to laparoscopic surgery. If applicable, smoking cessation will be strongly advised to reduce the risk of surgical complications and promote healing. Additionally, alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided before the procedure.
Fasting – The patient will be instructed to avoid all food and drink after midnight before surgery. However, small amounts of water may be allowed up to two hours prior to the procedure to support proper hydration.
Arranging for transportation and support – Because the patient will be unable to drive after the procedure, transportation should be arranged in advance for discharge. It may also be helpful to plan for assistance at home during the first few days of recovery.

Services and features at Moffitt McKinley Hospital include:

Surgery operating and recovery rooms
Radiology/diagnostic imaging
Pathology and laboratory
Publix Pharmacy
Ancillary clinical services
Patient and Family Center
Café and cafeteria
Gift shop

Schedule an appointment

What to expect after laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer treatment

After undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer, the patient can generally expect a smooth and quick recovery. However, healing will still take time, and proper post-operative care is essential. Key aspects of recovery include:

Hospital stay – The patient will likely remain in the hospital for two to four days for monitoring. Post-operative pain is usually mild to moderate and can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medication as needed. The patient will be encouraged to begin walking shortly after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Digestion and diet – The patient’s bowel function may take several days to return to normal. After starting with clear liquids, they can gradually transition to a soft diet as tolerated. Temporary bloating or gas discomfort is common and usually resolves within a few days.
Incision care and activity restrictions – The small surgical incisions will be covered with bandages, and the patient should follow their post-operative instructions for keeping the treated area clean and dry. Driving, lifting heavy objects and other strenuous activities should be avoided for at least two weeks or until cleared by the surgeon. Light activities, such as walking, will be encouraged to aid recovery.
Recovery at home – Fatigue is common during the first few weeks after laparoscopic surgery. The patient should rest as needed and gradually increase their activity level. Most patients resume their normal routine within two to four weeks, although the timing can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s overall health.
Follow-up and additional treatment – A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check the patient’s healing progress and review the pathology results. If additional treatment, such as chemotherapy, is needed, the healthcare team will discuss the plan during this visit.

The patient should promptly report any signs of infection, such as fever, redness or drainage at the incision site. Other warning signs can include severe or increasing pain, difficulty passing stool or gas and unexpected swelling.

What are the risks and potential complications of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer treatment?

Laparoscopic surgery is generally considered safe and effective for treating colon cancer. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries certain risks and the potential for complications. Understanding these risks can help the patient make informed decisions and recognize signs that may require medical attention.

Surgical risks include:

Bleeding – Excessive bleeding during or after the procedure is uncommon but may require additional treatment or, in rare cases, a return to the operating room.
Infection – Infection can occur at the incision sites or internally. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, drainage and fever.
Damage to nearby structures – Though rare, surrounding organs and tissues, such as the bladder, small intestine and blood vessels, may be accidentally injured during surgery.
Conversion to open surgery – If complications arise or visibility is limited, the surgeon may need to convert the laparoscopic procedure to an open surgery.

Possible post-operative complications include:

Anastomotic leak – If the two ends of the colon that are reconnected after tumor removal do not heal properly, leakage of the intestinal contents can occur, potentially leading to infection or abscess formation.
Bowel obstruction – Scar tissue or swelling after surgery may cause a temporary or long-term blockage in the bowel.
Blood clots – Blood clots may form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), particularly if the patient is inactive for an extended period.
Hernia at the incision site – Though rare with small incisions, a hernia can develop at or near the surgical entry points over time.

An adverse reaction to the anesthesia used for laparoscopic surgery is also possible, leading to nausea, breathing difficulty or an allergic response, particularly in a patient with a pre-existing medical condition.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

Laparoscopic surgery requires highly specialized expertise, so it is important to undergo this type of procedure at a high-volume cancer center, such as Moffitt. We proudly offer the latest treatment options for colon cancer, and our surgical oncologists have extensive experience in utilizing laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical techniques.

If you are considering laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer treatment, you are welcome to talk with a specialist in the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Moffitt. To request an appointment, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.

Surgery

Laparoscopic Surgery for Colon Cancer