Surgical resection involves removal of the segment of disease-containing colon with a margin of a least 5 cm on either side of the tumor, along with the adjacent colonic tissue that contains the regional lymph nodes. The extent of the resection is determined by the tumor size, location, histologic grade, and tumor extension into the colon wall and adjacent tissues or organs. A right hemicolectomy is a standard approach for tumors that affect the cecum and ascending colon. When cancers occur in the transverse colon, portions of the ascending and descending colon must be mobilized to allow the ends to be joined together. A left hemicolectomy is performed when tumors occur in the descending or sigmoid colon. If simultaneous (synchronous) tumors occur in different portions of the colon, surgeons may have to perform a subtotal colectomy, in which almost the entire colon is removed, and the final portion of the small intestine is connected to the rectum. To learn more, press the minimally invasive button.

Right hemicolectomy

Transverse colon resection margins

Left hemicolectomy

Subtotal colectomy