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Q: Is the formation of stomas (colostomy/ileostomy) required in all patients?

No, it is not required in the majority of patients; it is only needed in a few patients during surgery, such as emergency surgery, low rectal anastomosis, and poor nutritional status. If the ends of the bowel can't be joined together, the upper back can be brought out onto the skin of the abdominal wall. It is known as a stoma and can be either an ileostomy, usually temporary, or a colostomy, often permanent. A bag is worn over the stoma to collect the stool (bowel motions). A temporary stoma allows the newly joined bowel to heal. Another operation to rejoin the bowel needs to be done a few months later. The operation to rejoin the bowel is known as a stoma reversal. Permanent stomas (usually colostomies) are created because it has not been possible to reconnect the bowel. Only a small number of people with cancer of the colon will need a permanent stoma. Stool passed through an ileostomy always contains more liquid than a colostomy, and the amount depends on what you eat. It can be more challenging to deal with than a colostomy. Your stoma nurse will give you advice and guidelines on managing an ileostomy.

Q: Do these cancer patients need to follow up with the doctor even after completing all the treatment?

Yes, these patients need to follow up with their doctor regularly to detect recurrence of cancer early and treat them in the initial stage only. They need to visit the doctor every three months for the initial two years and then every six months after that for a physical check-up; they need to get a CEA blood test when they visit the doctor for three months. It may require getting a CT scan of the abdomen and chest and a colonoscopy once a year to look for recurrence.

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Colon Cancer - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these surgeries be done through the laparoscopic method?

All the surgeries mentioned above can be done through the laparoscopic method with all the safety and efficacy. The clearance of cancer is as good as the open surgery method. Traditional "open'' procedures to correct colorectal disorders begin with a large abdominal incision, 8 to 12 inches long. Because of the healing time required by this wound, patients may spend a week or more in the hospital, and they experience significant post-operative pain.

With laparoscopic surgery, patients experience less pain and return home in four or five days. Within a week or two, they can return to all normal activities, including work. The laparoscope, a telescopic video camera, usually gives surgeons a better view of internal organs than they can with the naked eye in a traditional open procedure. Patients lose less blood during laparoscopic surgery than during conventional surgery and experience fewer infections and other complications.

Virtually all patients who need colorectal operations are candidates for laparoscopy. There are a few patients, however, who require the open procedure.