Cancer of the colon and rectum is among the most prevalent of all malignancies, accounting for 14% of all cancer in males and 15% of all cancer in females. The chance for successful treatment of colon cancer is much greater if the disease is identified and treated at an early stage.

Colon surgery is recommended for a variety of problems including tumors, colon polyps, recurring or severe diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.  Symptoms for these illnesses may include the following:

• A change in bowel habits, constipation, or diarrhea
• Blood in the stool or bowel obstruction
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Weight loss, anemia, or fever

Colonic Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease of the colon, known as either diverticulosis or diverticulitis, is an extremely common condition that effects 30% of the population, usually in the 60 – 70 age group.  The small saccules or diverticulae are most commonly found in the left side of the colon or the sigmoid colon. 

They are thought to be caused by increased pressure in this part of the colon from a low fiber diet or hardened stool.  When a segment of the colon with diverticulae becomes infected, this condition is known as diverticulitis, which results in left lower abdominal pain associated with fever, constipation, or diarrhea.

Most patients respond to antibiotic treatment within 48 hours, but about 25% of patients with severe diverticulitis will require surgery.  Developing healthier eating habits, such as decreasing the consumption of animal fats and greatly increasing fiber in the diet, helps prevent the development of diverticular disease of the colon. Diverticular disease does not require patients to avoid foods with seeds.

Colon Cancer Screening

Important screening procedures for colon disease include having a rectal examination done by your physician annually after age 40, a barium enema (which is an X-ray procedure providing a way to view the colon), a CT scan of the abdomen, and a colonoscopy, where a colonoscope is inserted through the rectum allowing the physician to identify colon tumors that may be present.  An initial colonscopy should be done by the time one is age 50 or earlier if high risk factors are present. 

In most cases, surgical treatment of colon disease involves removing a section of the colon and sewing the ends back together.  The surgery takes 2 – 3 hours, and any pain after the surgery will be controlled with pain medication.  Hospitalization usually ranges from 6 – 8 days. 

At home patients may slowly resume normal activities but should do no heavy lifting for 6 weeks.  In serious cases of colon disease, a colostomy may be necessary which is where a portion of the colon is brought out through the skin and a bag is worn.  This may be temporary or permanent.