When colon cancer is caught early, it’s very treatable. Screenings can detect colon cancer at an early stage, and colon surgery may be recommended as part of treatment. Surgery can remove cancerous tissue to help ensure that it doesn’t come back. However, colon surgery can be risky. That’s why it’s important to consider getting a colon surgery second opinion before undergoing surgery.

A colon surgery second opinion can give you a clearer picture of your options and may provide peace of mind when it comes to making a decision. Especially if you’re considering colon surgery, it’s important to get more than one opinion in order to make the best decision for your health.

Types of Colon Cancer Surgeries

Surgery is typically the main treatment for colon cancer and can involve removing the colon or part of it. While other treatment options may be used, colon surgery is often the most effective and least invasive way to treat colon cancer.

Types of colon surgeries include:

• Polypectomy – The removal of colon polyps, which are small growths that can become cancerous
• Partial colectomy – The removal of part of the colon
• Surgical resection with colostomy – The removal of colon cancer and some healthy tissue, along with reattaching the colon after the cancer is removed
• Radiofrequency ablation – The use of electric currents to heat and destroy cancer cells

As with all surgeries, colon surgery involves risks. Knowing what to expect can help you decide if a colon surgery is the best way forward, and a colon surgery second opinion may provide additional insight into the risks and benefits.

Is Colon Surgery Risky?

Colon surgery is considered major surgery and carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. Research indicates that small bowel obstruction and intra-abdominal abscesses are some of the most common complications of colon surgery. These can be serious health issues and may require additional surgery to repair.

In addition to the physical risks, there is also a risk of emotional distress or depression after colon surgery. Any surgery can be an overwhelming experience, and colon surgery may involve a long hospital stay.

However, colon surgery is often the best way to remove colon cancer and ensure it doesn’t come back. Having recommendations in hand and understanding the risks of colon surgery can help you make an informed decision about your treatment. If you’ve recently received a colon cancer diagnosis, considering getting a colon surgery second opinion can be beneficial.

What Can a Second Opinion Offer?

A colon surgery second opinion can give you more information about your diagnosis and the options for colon cancer treatment. However, the biggest benefit of a colon surgery second opinion is peace of mind.

Your specialist will review your colon cancer diagnosis, examine any imaging studies, and look at any tests that have been performed. They may also suggest alternative treatments or recommend additional testing.

You’ll be able to discuss your colon cancer diagnosis and colon surgery options with the specialist, enabling you to make an informed decision about treatment. You may also find that a colon surgery second opinion gives you more confidence in the decision-making process. With a clear mind and recommendations from a top specialist who has seen cases just like yours, you can make the best decision for your colon cancer treatment.

Virtual Second Opinions from The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic’s rectal cancer program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer, meaning that it has met 19 different standards, including the presence of a rectal cancer multidisciplinary team with clinic representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology.

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