Colon Cancer
Risk factors | Common investigation | Treatment | Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer | Types of surgery for colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Hong Kong and the second most common cause of cancer death. The incidence of colorectal cancer has more than doubled over the last 20 years and is continuing to rise.
Risk factors
- Change in bowel habit
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Blood mixed with stool
- Mucus mixed with stool
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal distension
Common investigation
- Colonoscopy and tumor biopsy
- Double contrast barium enema
Treatment of colorectal cancer
- Most cases of colorectal cancer without evidence of distant metastasis can be treated by curative surgery.
- Surgery for colorectal cancer can be performed either using a large open wound (laparotomy) or minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic colorectal surgery).
Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer
- Much smaller wound and scars
- Less postoperative wound pain
- Earlier recovery including earlier return of bowel function and normal activities
- Shortened hospital stay
- Less incidence of wound infection
Types of surgery for colorectal cancer
- Laparoscopic Right hemicolectomy (colon cancer)
- Laparoscopic Left hemicolectomy (colon cancer)
- Laparoscopic Sigmoid Colectomy (colon cancer)
- Laparoscopic Anterior resection (upper rectal cancer)
- Laparoscopic Low Anterior resection (low rectal cancer)
- Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection (low rectal cancer and anal canal cancer)
- Laparoscopic Total Colectomy (Multiple colorectal cancers)
