Resection and Colostomy Surgery
If the doctor is not able to sew the rectum back together, a stoma (an opening) is made on the outside of the body for waste to pass through. This procedure is called a colostomy. A bag is placed around the stoma to collect the waste. Sometimes the colostomy is needed only until the rectum has healed, and then it can be reversed. If the doctor needs to remove the entire rectum, however, the colostomy may be permanent.
Even if the doctor removes all the cancer that can be seen at the time of the operation, some patients may be given chemotherapy or radiation therapy after
rectal cancer surgery to kill any cancer cells that are left. Treatment given after surgery to increase the chances of a cure is called adjuvant therapy.
Recovering From Rectal Cancer Surgery
Patients may feel weak or tired after rectal cancer surgery, and the recovery time after rectal cancer surgery varies for each patient. The side effects of surgery will depend on the extent of the rectal cancer, the person's general health, and other factors. Most patients have pain, which may be controlled with medicine, for the first few days after surgery. Patients should discuss pain relief with the doctor or nurse.
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