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A proctosigmoidectomy is a type of surgery that can be used to treat colorectal cancers or precancerous polyps. During this operation, a surgeon removes a cancerous part of the sigmoid colon (the last several centimeters of the large intestine), as well as the rectum.

There are three different approaches a surgeon can take when performing a proctosigmoidectomy. These include:

  • A traditional perineal approach, in which a standard surgical incision is made in the perineum, or area between the genitals and rectum
  • A traditional abdominal approach, in which a standard surgical incision is made in the lower abdomen
  • A minimally invasive (laparoscopic) approach, in which a series of small incisions is made in the lower abdomen

The best approach for each patient’s proctosigmoidectomy depends on a number of factors, such as the stage and location of the tumor. At Moffitt Cancer Center, a collaborative team of experts reviews each patient’s case to determine the most appropriate treatment plan; this includes the type of procedure that is most likely to remove all or most of the cancerous cells, as well as the best way to access the surgical site.

At Moffitt, our surgeons perform both minimally invasive and traditional surgeries for colorectal cancer. As a large cancer center, we perform a high volume of these procedures each year. Our surgeons can not only remove tumors to improve a patient’s outcome and alleviate symptoms, but also incorporate the most advanced surgical techniques to help improve the patient’s quality of life.

If you’re considering colorectal cancer surgery, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form to consult with our expert oncologists. We can provide additional information about the proctosigmoidectomy procedure or any of our other advanced treatments, and no referral is required.