Colorectal cancer surgery Bunbury

Colorectal cancer surgery: what you need to know

Going through colorectal cancer surgery can be daunting, and it’s completely natural to have lots of questions. Our aim at South West Colorectal Surgery is to make sure you feel informed and ready. To help with that, we’ve put together a simple and clear guide on what you can expect before, during, and after your surgery.

When it comes to treating colorectal cancer, surgery isn’t always the first or only option. Especially with rectal cancer, chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended as part of your treatment plan. However, if surgery is needed, understanding the different types can help ease some of the uncertainty.

Here’s a brief overview of the main surgeries we offer, so you know what to expect and can feel more at ease.

Colorectal resections:

These are the most common types of surgery we perform. It typically involves removing a part of the colon or rectum, depending on where the cancer is located. Some of the commonly performed operations include:

Right hemicolectomy: Removal of the right side of the colon.
Anterior resection: Removal of the rectum’s upper part and the sigmoid colon.
Ultra-low anterior resection: Removal of most of the rectum, typically close to the anus, often preserving sphincter function which is important for maintaining bowel continuity and control.

Local resection:

For early cancers in the rectum, we might only need to remove a small section of the bowel lining. This is less common but can be an option if the cancer is caught early. TAMIS (Trans-Anal Minimally Invasive Surgery) can remove rectal lesions through the anus without any incisions to the abdomen, which means much less recovery and risk of complications.

It’s normal to have a lot of questions before surgery, and during our pre-surgery consultation we’ll take the time to go over everything you need to know. We’ll discuss what to expect from the surgery, your recovery, and how long you might need to stay in the hospital. Our aim is to make sure you feel confident, comfortable, and fully prepared for the road ahead.

At South West Colorectal Surgery, we follow the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) principles. This approach focuses on minimising the disruption surgery can cause in your life.

“It’s about getting you back on your feet quickly. Minimally invasive or “key-hole” surgery is an important part of ERAS. However, it’s also important to be well-prepared for your operation and to know what to expect so you can actively participate in your recovery. We want you to feel like yourself again as soon as possible after surgery.”

Dr Xavier Harvey – Surgeon, Member of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand

Old school vs. modern recovery

The idea that you should rest after surgery is a bit old school. Yes, your bowels might take a bit of time to recover, and that’s normal. But there’s no benefit to staying in bed all day. We’ll discuss this during your pre-surgery consultation, where we’ll tailor advice to your specific situation.

Nutrition

We aim to optimise your nutrition before surgery, not restrict it. For example, if you’ve lost weight due to cancer, we might suggest a high-protein diet before surgery to help you build strength. But generally, there are no strict dietary rules, and we’ll cover all of this in your consultation.

On the day of your surgery, you’ll come to the hospital where our team will help you get ready for the procedure.

Post-surgery care

We follow the ERAS principles, which means we’ll aim to get you home as soon as it’s safe to do so. We’ll also discuss how to manage any discomfort, what activities you can start with, and when you can get back to your usual routines.

Complications

Like any surgery, there are risks involved, such as infections, blood clots, bleeding, and injury to surrounding organs. There’s also the possibility of anastomotic leakage, where the connection made between two parts of the colon or rectum doesn’t heal properly. While these complications are not common, they can happen, and we’re here to help you through any complications if they arise.

Follow-up appointments

After surgery, there are a couple of key follow-up appointments to keep in mind:

Pathology results: About 2 weeks after your surgery, you’ll have an appointment to discuss the pathology results. This is an important meeting where we’ll go over what was found during surgery and what the next steps might be.
Recovery check-in: Around 6-8 weeks after surgery, we’ll meet again to talk about your recovery. This gives us a chance to see how you’re doing and address any ongoing issues or concerns.

After your bowel cancer surgery, it’s really important to keep up with regular colonoscopies. These follow-ups help us catch any new issues early, giving you peace of mind and keeping you on the path to good health. We’ll talk about how often you’ll need these screenings during your recovery consultation.

If you’ve had bowel cancer, you may worry about your family, especially your children.

“Having a close relative with colorectal cancer can increase your family members’ risk of cancer, but it doesn’t mean they will definitely get it. In some cases, they might need to start regular colonoscopies earlier than usual to catch any potential issues early. We’ll discuss this with you and work out a plan that makes sense for your family.”

Dr Xavier Harvey – Surgeon, Member of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand

Taking steps to stay healthy is always a good idea. Eating well, staying active, and avoiding smoking are all great ways to lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Prevention is powerful, and we’re here to help you and your loved ones with the advice and care you need to stay healthy.

How long will I need to stay in the hospital after colorectal cancer surgery?

The length of your hospital stay can vary depending on the type of surgery and your individual recovery. At South West Colorectal Surgery, we follow the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) principles, which aim to get you back home as soon as it’s safe. Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days, but the exact time will depend on your specific situation.

What should I expect during my recovery at home?

While it’s common for your bowel function to be a bit off after surgery, we encourage you to start moving and getting back to your routine as soon as possible. There’s usually no need for strict rest or dietary restrictions, but we’ll provide personalised advice during your pre-surgery consultation.

What type of anaesthesia will I need?

General anaesthesia is typically used, which means you’ll be fully asleep throughout the procedure. While anaesthesia is generally very safe, it does come with some risks, such as allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, or nausea after the procedure. The anaesthetist will be there to monitor you closely and manage any complications should they arise, ensuring your safety throughout the surgery.

Will my children need colonoscopies if I’ve had bowel cancer?

If you’ve had bowel cancer, your children may have a higher risk of developing it too, but the exact risk can vary. This depends on several factors, such as your age, whether you’re the only first-degree relative (like a parent or sibling) with colorectal cancer, or if there are multiple first-degree or second-degree relatives who have had it.

Because of these factors, your children might need to start regular colonoscopies earlier than the general population. We’ll guide you through this during your follow-up appointments, helping you understand what’s best for your family. For more detailed information, including specific risk categories and screening recommendations, please read the Australian guidelines here.

Have questions or are you ready to schedule your appointment? Contacting us is easy:

Give us a call: Reach out to our friendly team at (08) 9722 1975 to discuss your needs, ask any questions, or book an appointment.

Visiting us? Our map shows where you can find us in Bunbury.

South West Colorectal Surgery

Suite 1, Medical Centre St John of God Bunbury Hospital
Cnr Bussell Hwy and Robertson Dr
Bunbury WA 6230

Colorectal cancer surgery Bunbury