After Colon Surgery

Two months ago, my father was diagnosed with colon cancer. We were all surprised by it because he always seemed to be healthy. Is colon surgery the best option for colon cancer? What kind of symptoms will he have after the colon surgery?

Treatment of colon cancer mainly depends on the size, location of the tumor and on the patient's general health. The most common treatment for colon cancer is surgery to remove the tumor. The surgeon removes the tumor along with part of the healthy colon or rectum and nearby lymph nodes. In most cases, the doctor is able to reconnect the healthy portions of the colon or rectum but when he can't reconnect the healthy portions, a temporary or permanent colostomy is necessary. Colostomy is a surgical opening stoma through the wall of the abdomen into the colon and this provides a new path for waste material to exit the body. After a colostomy, to collect body waste, the patient wears a special bag. In some cases there is a need for temporary colostomy to allow the lower colon or rectum to heal after surgery. However, about 15% of patients with colon cancer require a permanent colostomy. Surgery causes short-term pain and tenderness in the area of the operation and it can also cause temporary constipation or diarrhea. Patients who have a colostomy may have the irritation of the skin around the stoma can occur in patients who have a colostomy. To prevent irritation and infection patients are instructed by a doctor, nurse or enterostomal therapist.

My fience had the three stage surgury for colitis does anyone know what to expect for diet restrictions.