Colorectal Cancer Surgeon

Why Am I Seeing A Colorectal Surgeon?

In most cases, patients who experience bowel-related problems may be recommended to see a colorectal surgeon. 

Colorectal surgeons are doctors whose speciality involves treating conditions related to the colon and rectum. In most cases, these doctors can provide medical advice pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical procedures for disorders relating to the colon and rectum.

Some common conditions that a colorectal surgeon can treat includes:

• Colorectal cancer,
• Colon polyps
• Anal fistula
• Anal fissure
• Diverticulitis (inflammation of the diverticula) 

In most cases, if a patient starts displaying signs of disease related to the bowel or colon, a colorectal surgeon may be able to advise on the potentially necessary treatments. 

Colorectal surgeons can also perform tests to determine the causes of your symptoms, and these tests include colonoscopy, ultrasound, and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer of the colon (the main part of the large intestine) or rectum (the connection between the large intestine to the anus). Genetic factors along with environmental factors have been often linked to the cause of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancers do not develop in a short period. For most people, it takes years before the cancer manifests. As a result, regular checks of the colorectal region with a colonoscopy are usually advised by doctors in detecting and treating colon polyps before they turn cancerous.

How Is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?

There are a few methods that are typically used to diagnose colorectal cancer. The initial evaluation may involve faecal testing or, in most cases, a colonoscopy to visualise if there are signs of colon polyps or cancer. 

If polyps are detected, a biopsy of the tissue of the polyps will be taken for testing for signs of colorectal cancer. Existing colon polyps will also be removed during the colonoscopy. 

Should cancer be detected, further investigations may be required to determine if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Our doctor will also obtain blood tests to check your general health status and prepare for surgery.

What Is Colorectal Cancer Surgery Called?

Colorectal cancer surgery is referred to as a colectomy. The goal of a colectomy is to remove all or part of the colon and its associated lymph nodes. This is usually necessary to remove cancerous cells in the colon and to prevent the spreading of colorectal cancer. 

A colectomy may either be partial, removing part of the colon, or

total, removing the entire colon.

In most early stages of colorectal cancer, a partial colectomy is usually recommended and will be sufficient to remove the cancer and prevent its spread. 

During a partial colectomy, parts of the colon are resected (reconnected) to the healthy ends of the colon to ensure the other areas remain intact. This is typically done when the colon is assessed to have enough healthy tissue and when tumours only exist at a specific part of the colon.

In most cases, about one-third of the cancer may be removed. This depends on the size and location of the tumour and the remaining sections of the colon to be reattached. The surrounding lymph nodes will also be removed and tested for cancer.  

During a total colectomy, the whole colon is removed. This is usually recommended when the cancer has advanced to a later stage. In some cases, this treatment may also be recommended if the number of polyps found in the colon is too large to be treated by removing a section of the colon.

Patients who undergo total colectomy may also require ostomy care where the bowel will be diverted onto an external bag for collection due to the lack of a colon or rectum.  

What Are The Side Effects Of Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

Colorectal cancer surgery is important and can be lifesaving, but as with other surgeries and procedures, they all carry some risks. 

Depending on the type of colectomy that you undergo, the side effects may vary. 

In general, some of the common side effects that you may experience with colorectal cancer surgery may include:

• Bleeding (from surgery)
• Deep vein thrombosis (due to blood clots in the legs)  
• Pulmonary embolism (due to blood clots in the lungs)
• Infection (from the wound or bowel leakage)
• Injury to organs near your colon

The hospital stay after a colectomy is typically brief, but it is essential to let your digestive tract heal. You will be closely monitored for signs of complications from surgery and may need up to a week in the medical facility. 

How Long Is The Recovery Period After Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

The recovery period that each individual experiences may differ. Depending on the type of surgery you have undergone, most patients may require 3 to 6 weeks to recover completely.

During the initial week after the surgery, you may be required to remain in the hospital to monitor your bowel functions. Additionally, you will need to stick to a liquid diet during this time. Once your intestines have recovered, solid foods can slowly be added to the diet.

What Are The Costs Of Colorectal Cancer Surgery In Singapore?

Colorectal cancer surgery may cost between $42,000 to $53,000 in terms of professional fees. Do note that the charges listed here refer to the doctor’s fees. Other variables such as hospitalisation fees and insurance claimables may influence the final bill when treating colorectal cancer. 

To obtain an estimated fee for colorectal cancer surgery, visit MOH’s Historical Transacted Bill Sizes and Fee Benchmarks.

To understand your financing options and out-of-pocket costs, speak to your insurer, or you may contact our friendly staff via WHATSAPP or call our CLINIC for assistance.

Why Choose G & L Surgical Clinic For Your Colorectal Cancer Surgery In Singapore?

Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in colorectal cancer treatment, Dr Ganesh may advise you on whether surgery is the recommended option for your condition.

Furthermore, the G & L Surgical Clinic staff have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our colon or rectal surgeries or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.

Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on colorectal cancer treatments in Singapore.