Colorectal Cancer

Surgical procedures used for rectal cancer, depending on the location and stage of the cancer, include:

• Polypectomy - This procedure removes polyps containing stage 0 tumors.

• Local excision - This procedure removes superficial cancers and some nearby tissue from the rectum's inner layer, often working through the anal canal.

• Low anterior resection - This procedure is used for most rectal cancers, except when the tumor is very close to the anal sphincter. The colon and rectum are reconnected, and the anus is spared.

• Abdominoperineal resection - This surgery treats cancer in the lowest part of the rectum. Once the cancerous area is removed, a colostomy is done to allow wastes to drain through an opening in the abdominal wall.

• Pelvic exenteration - This surgery removes the rectum, bladder, prostate, uterus and other nearby organs if cancer has spread to them. A colostomy and drainage for urine are needed. This type of aggressive surgery is rarely needed.