Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Colorectal cancer surgery removes a cancer of the colon or rectum along with a margin of healthy bowel and nearby lymph nodes, then rejoins the bowel where possible. It is the main treatment for many bowel cancers and is increasingly performed with minimally invasive (laparoscopic) or robotic techniques. It is planned by a tumor board so surgery combines with other treatments when needed.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Surgery is central to treating cancer of the colon or rectum. The surgeon removes the segment of bowel containing the tumor together with a margin of healthy tissue and the nearby lymph nodes, which are examined to confirm the stage. In most colon operations the two ends of bowel are then rejoined. For some rectal cancers, depending on the tumor's position, a temporary or, less often, permanent stoma may be needed, which the team discusses fully in advance.
Many of these operations can be performed with minimally invasive techniques — laparoscopic (keyhole) or robotic surgery — through small incisions, which can mean less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal bowel function. Enhanced-recovery programs further support a smoother recovery. Rectal cancer in particular is often treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery to improve results.
Surgery is planned by a multidisciplinary tumor board so it is sequenced appropriately with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy. International patients are supported by a coordinator with a clear plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel, and specialists can review imaging and pathology remotely for second opinions.
Who is a candidate?
- People with a cancer of the colon or rectum that can be removed surgically
- Patients whose tumor board recommends surgery as part of the treatment plan
- Those who may benefit from minimally invasive (laparoscopic) or robotic bowel surgery
- People with rectal cancer who may have treatment before surgery to improve results
- Patients fit enough for the planned operation, as assessed beforehand
- People seeking a second opinion on whether bowel surgery is appropriate
What happens
- 1
Diagnosis and staging
Colonoscopy with biopsy, and imaging such as CT and, for rectal cancer, MRI, confirm the cancer and its stage, which determines the operation and whether treatment is needed first.
- 2
Tumor-board planning
A multidisciplinary tumor board agrees whether surgery is appropriate and how it fits with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, particularly for rectal cancer where treatment often precedes surgery.
- 3
The operation
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the affected segment of bowel with a margin and nearby lymph nodes, rejoining the bowel where possible, using minimally invasive or robotic techniques where suitable.
- 4
Early recovery
An enhanced-recovery program supports early eating and mobilization as bowel function returns. If a stoma is needed, specialist nurses provide full support and teaching.
- 5
Further treatment and follow-up
Pathology confirms the stage and margins, and further treatment may follow if needed. International patients receive a clear surveillance plan that can be continued at home, with remote support.
Benefits
- Offers the best chance of cure for many localized colorectal cancers
- Removes the tumor with a margin and stages the disease via lymph nodes
- Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) and robotic approaches can speed recovery
- Enhanced-recovery programs support early eating and mobilization
- Planned by a tumor board so it combines well with other treatments
Risks & considerations
- Bleeding, infection and reaction to anesthesia, as with any major surgery
- A leak where the bowel is rejoined, which the team watches for closely
- The possible need for a temporary or, less often, permanent stoma
- Changes in bowel habit during recovery, which usually settle over time
- The possibility that further treatment is needed depending on pathology
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Comprehensive Oncology Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Colorectal Cancer Surgery — frequently asked questions
Not usually for colon surgery, where the bowel is rejoined. For some rectal cancers, depending on the tumor's position, a temporary or, less often, permanent stoma may be needed. Your team discusses this fully in advance, and specialist nurses provide support and teaching.
Yes. Where it is clinically suitable, our surgeons use minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic techniques through small incisions, which can mean less pain, a shorter stay and a faster return to normal bowel function.
For rectal cancer in particular, chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery can shrink the tumor and improve results. Whether this is right for you is decided by a multidisciplinary tumor board based on the stage and position of the cancer.
Yes. Share your colonoscopy report, pathology and imaging and our specialists provide an independent opinion on whether surgery is appropriate and how it fits the plan, before you commit to travel.
Colorectal surgery often means around four to eight nights in hospital plus follow-up before flying — shorter with minimally invasive surgery. Your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering colorectal cancer surgery?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.