Polypectomy
Surgery for early-stage colorectal cancer usually involves a minimally-invasive approach. For example, early tumors can often be resolved with a polypectomy. Tap the arrow to advance to the next screen on this topic.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
Larger polyps can sometimes be removed with an endoscopic mucosal resection, as illustrated here. Polyps that can't be removed during a colonoscopy can often be removed with laparoscopic surgery. Tap the arrow to advance to the next screen on this topic.
Colostomy
Cancers that have grown through the colon wall may require a partial colectomy, in which the tumor is removed along with a margin of normal tissue on either side of the cancer. The loose ends of the colon are then reconnected. When reconnection is not possible, or a part of the colon or rectum needs recovery time, a colostomy may be formed, which may be either temporary or permanent. Tap the arrow to advance to the next screen on this topic.
Tumor Blockage in Colon
In patients with advanced CRC, surgery may be performed to relieve a blockage in the colon, or to remove metastasis to the liver, lungs, or other organ.
