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Hispanic woman speaking to doctor about surgery to remove colon cancer

Surgery is often the primary treatment for colon cancer. In most cases, it’s possible to remove the entire tumor — especially when the cancer is detected early. But, even if a tumor has started to spread, treatment options are still available.

Types of colon cancer surgery

To determine the best approach to surgery, surgeons typically consider the size and location of a patient’s tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we offer patients the latest advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including:

  • Laparoscopic surgery (keyhole), in which surgeons use a thin, lighted tube and miniaturized instruments to remove the portion of colon containing the tumor
  • Robotic surgery, in which surgeons use the da Vinci® Surgical System to remove the portion of the colon containing the tumor

For every operation we perform, we take into account not only the potential outcome, but also the impact that it may have on a patient’s quality of life. Our advanced minimally invasive techniques lower the risk of complications as well as the amount of time needed to recover from colon cancer surgery. Colectomies performed with the da Vinci Surgical System, for instance, typically involve less blood loss and scarring and a quicker return of bowel function than those performed using a traditional open approach.

Colon cancer outcomes

As a result of newer and more effective treatments, colon cancer outcomes are steadily improving. This is due in part to our advanced approaches and technologies, as well as our highly experienced team. Our surgeons all specialize in performing a specific type of surgery, which means that patients with colon cancer are treated by surgeons who truly understand their diagnosis. And, we’re committed to providing comprehensive and well-rounded treatment plans, combining surgery with radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and supportive care services whenever appropriate.

Moffitt Cancer Center once again holds a High Performing rating in gastroenterology & GI surgery, and colon cancer surgery by U.S. News & World Report in 2020.

If you’d like to learn more about colon cancer surgery at Moffitt, you can request an appointment with or without a physician’s referral. To get started, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online.

 

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