Colon Cancer Surgery

At Weill Cornell Medicine, we understand that colon cancer treatment can be scary, tiring and overwhelming. Our team personalizes your treatment — and promotes your comfort and quality of life throughout the entire process. Your emotional and physical well-being are our top priorities.

Your colon cancer treatment team may include oncologists (doctors who specialize in cancer), radiation oncologists (doctors who specialize in radiation cancer treatment) and colon and rectal surgeons. These doctors work together to develop the best treatment plan for your specific condition.

The physicians at Weill Cornell Medicine Colon and Rectal Surgery Division provide the most advanced surgical treatments for colon cancer. Internationally recognized as experts in treating colon cancer at all stages, our surgeons have extensive experience performing a wide range of surgical techniques to treat colon cancer.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine for Colon Cancer Surgery?

After evaluating your specific condition and overall health and lifestyle goals, your colon and rectal surgeon will tell you about the best surgical options for you. You will discuss what to expect during and after the surgery, as well as what other treatments are recommended, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

As our patient, you will be assigned a nursing care coordinator to help you throughout the entire process. Your nurse will be available to answer questions and prepare you for your surgery. Your care coordinator will manage your appointments and other details. You can directly contact your nurse care at any point.

Colon Cancer Surgical Treatments

At Weill Cornell Medicine, our surgeons have extensive training, experience and expertise in surgically removing cancer of the colon. There are many surgical treatments and techniques available. Our surgeons will determine the best options for your long-term health and quality of life.

Colon cancer can be treated more easily and effectively when diagnosed early, but many treatment options are available for all disease stages.

Surgical treatments for early-stage colon cancer:

● Polypectomy (colon polyp removal during a colonoscopy): During this procedure, small-size cancer is entirely removed during a colonoscopy.

● Endoscopic mucosal resection: Larger colon polyps can also be removed during a colonoscopy using a special tool that removes the polyp and a small amount of the interior lining.

● Local excision: The cancer is removed through a tube that is inserted into the rectum.

● Laparoscopic surgery: In this minimally invasive surgical technique, your surgeon creates several small incisions in your abdominal wall to remove the cancer.

Surgical treatments for more advanced-stage colon cancer:

● If your cancer is more advanced, our surgeons will work within a multidisciplinary team to determine the optimal sequence of treatments for you, from chemotherapy to radical surgery, including cytoreductive surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC).

If your cancer is very advanced, your surgeon may place a stent to relieve a blockage of your colon. A stent is a hollow expandable tube that the doctor can put inside the colon. While this does not cure cancer, a stent will relieve symptoms, such as bleeding or pain.

Our highly trained surgical and ostomy nurses will care for you compassionately during your stay at Weill Cornell Medicine. They will also help you and your loved ones feel confident about how to care for you when you return home.

What to Expect During Your Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine

Colon surgery needs to be done on a clean and empty colon. You will be put on a special diet before surgery and may need to use laxative drinks to get all of the stool out of your colon. This is similar to the bowel prep used before a colonoscopy.

At Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, we support our patients and their loved ones while they receive treatment. Learn more about what to expect for preparing for your surgery and during your stay.

Make an Appointment

Whether you visit us virtually through a video visit or you see us in person, you can be assured that we will deliver the highest standards of care with compassion. Our team has taken every step to keep our facilities safe for you to continue your care. Learn more about our safety measures and the changes we’ve made to enhance your patient experience.

If you would like a remote second opinion, we can connect you directly with expert physicians and specialists at the Weill Cornell Medicine Colon and Rectal Surgery Division. They will review your individual situation, answer your questions and provide you with information you can share with your family and local practitioner. You can then decide to come to our facilities for treatment or choose to stay in your hometown and receive treatment locally. Learn more at WCM OnDemand Second Opinion.

To request an appointment, please fill out our form. Our staff will help you find the physician who best fits your individual medical needs.

Meet Our Surgeons

The surgeons at the Weill Cornell Medicine Colon and Rectal Surgery Division offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide seamless care throughout your treatment — to promote long-term physical and mental health.