Decision guide
Removal of colon cancer
Colon cancer resection removes the cancer-bearing part of the colon, with a border of surrounding bowel and associated lymph nodes.
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How surgery works and how approaches differ
Colon cancer resection removes the cancer-bearing part of the colon, with a border of surrounding bowel and associated lymph nodes. The aim is to remove the cancer completely and examine the tissue for spread. Lymph nodes are small structures that can contain cancer cells; their examination helps establish the cancer stage. The extent of removal depends on the tumour and the blood vessels supplying that part of the bowel. Surgery can use an open or minimally invasive approach. In a US database study of 33,183 people undergoing colon cancer surgery, minimally invasive surgery was associated with fewer wound infections and leaks at the bowel join during postoperative assessments at 30, 60 and 90 days. This was an observational comparison, not proof that one approach is best for every patient.
When surgery may help and what alternatives to discuss
For surgery intended to cure colon cancer, the operation is planned around complete tumour removal and examination of nearby lymph nodes. A more extensive removal of the tissue carrying the bowel’s blood vessels and lymph nodes is one surgical option, with the strongest signal of benefit reported for stage III disease. Its use is linked to specialist training and routine review of surgical results. Cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen presents a different treatment decision from cancer confined to the colon and nearby nodes. When this spread is discovered unexpectedly during surgery, treatment planning takes account of the patient’s fitness, bowel blockage or perforation, consent and the centre’s expertise. There is no standardized, evidence-based best approach for this unexpected finding.
Expected outcomes and limits of the evidence
Bowel function is one important outcome alongside cancer control. In a randomized trial of 56 people with stage II or III sigmoid colon cancer without distant spread, all underwent laparoscopic surgery without radiation treatment beforehand. The trial compared two positions for tying off an artery during the operation. Constipation scores were higher after a high tie, at the artery’s origin, than after a low tie, just below a branch, at 1, 6 and 12 months. These findings concern this particular operation and patient group, rather than all colon cancer surgery. Examining the removed lymph nodes also helps guide decisions about chemotherapy after surgery. More detailed laboratory examination can detect small deposits of cancer missed by routine examination, but whether this additional detection improves the benefit from chemotherapy remains uncertain.
Risks to discuss with your surgeon
An anastomotic leak is a breakdown of the join made between bowel ends after removal of the cancer. In a three-centre study of 2,217 patients with stage I–III colon cancer who had surgery intended to cure the disease and an immediate bowel join, 44 patients (2.0%) developed a leak within 30 days. Patients with a leak were more likely to need another operation. Death within 30 days occurred in 6.8% of patients with a leak and 0.4% of those without one. A review of cohort studies also linked diabetes, lung disease and emergency surgery with higher odds of leakage. These group results describe risk patterns, not an individual patient’s predicted risk.
Recovery and follow-up care
Recovery can be substantially longer when a bowel join leaks. In the three-centre study of 2,217 patients with stage I–III colon cancer, the median hospital stay was 21 days for patients with a leak and 7 days for those without one. Early monitoring can include a blood test for C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. A diagnostic study in two groups of 401 and 213 patients undergoing planned colon cancer surgery with a bowel join evaluated this test on the second day after surgery, with selective repeat testing on the third day. The results supported its use to help assess readiness for early discharge within a structured recovery programme, rather than as a stand-alone guarantee that no leak will develop.
Explore surgery and care teams
Specialists and their operations
Germany · 3 entries
| Specialist | Clinic | Operations and experience | Ask about treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
 Manuela Seifert | Medical Center in Solingen Solingen, Germany | Mastectomy; Removal of colon cancer; Breast cancer surgery; Lumpectomy In practice since 2000 | Ask about treatment |
 Wolfgang Schröder | Helios Gesundheit Wuppertal, Germany | Removal of liver cancer; Removal of colon cancer; Stomach cancer surgery; Da Vinci Robotic System; Esophagectomy; Small intestine resection; Breast cancer surgery; Lumpectomy; Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC); Whipple surgery; Mohs microsurgery; Lung cancer surgery; Colectomy (large bowel resection); Liver resection; Rectal resection; Throat cancer operation; Gastroectomy; Pancreatic cancer surgery In practice since 2001 | Ask about treatment |
 Lars Bönicke | Helios Gesundheit Wuppertal, Germany | Removal of liver cancer; Removal of colon cancer; Stomach cancer surgery; Da Vinci Robotic System; Esophagectomy; Small intestine resection; Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC); Whipple surgery; Colectomy (large bowel resection); Liver resection; Rectal resection In practice since 2011 | Ask about treatment |
Austria · 1 entries
| Specialist | Clinic | Operations and experience | Ask about treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
 Thomas Bachleitner-Hofmann | Confraternitaet & Goldenes Kreuz Private Clinic Vienna, Austria | Removal of colon cancer; Small intestine resection; Breast cancer surgery; Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC); Colectomy (large bowel resection); Rectal resection In practice since 2001 | Ask about treatment |
Israel · 3 entries
| Specialist | Clinic | Operations and experience | Ask about treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
 Joseph Klauzner | Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) Tel Aviv, Israel | Removal of liver cancer; Removal of colon cancer; Stomach cancer surgery; Da Vinci Robotic System; Small intestine resection; Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC); Whipple surgery; Colectomy (large bowel resection); Liver resection; Rectal resection; Gastroectomy; Pancreatic cancer surgery In practice since 1984 | Ask about treatment |
 Ron Greenberg | Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) Tel Aviv, Israel | Removal of liver cancer; Removal of colon cancer; Stomach cancer surgery; Esophagectomy; Small intestine resection; Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC); Whipple surgery; Colectomy (large bowel resection); Liver resection; Rectal resection; Gastroectomy In practice since 1991 | Ask about treatment |
 Almog Ben Yaacov | Sheba Medical Center Ramat Gan, Israel | Removal of liver cancer; Removal of colon cancer; Stomach cancer surgery; Da Vinci Robotic System; Esophagectomy; Small intestine resection; Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC); Whipple surgery; Colectomy (large bowel resection); Liver resection; Gastroectomy; Pancreatic cancer surgery In practice since 2006 | Ask about treatment |
Czech Republic · 1 entries
| Specialist | Clinic | Operations and experience | Ask about treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
 Jaroslav Tvaruzek | Robotic Surgery Center in St. Zdislava Hospital Velke Mezirici, Czech Republic | Thyroid resection; Removal of liver cancer; Removal of colon cancer; Stomach cancer surgery; Da Vinci Robotic System; Esophagectomy; Small intestine resection; Colectomy (large bowel resection); Liver resection; Rectal resection; Pancreatic cancer surgery In practice since 1990 | Ask about treatment |
Turkey · 3 entries
| Specialist | Clinic | Operations and experience | Ask about treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
 Abdulcabbar Kartal | Anadolu Medical Center Istanbul, Turkey | Removal of colon cancer; Stomach cancer surgery; Esophagectomy; Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC); Whipple surgery; Colectomy (large bowel resection); Liver resection; Rectal resection; Pancreatic cancer surgery In practice since 2007 | Ask about treatment |
 Kivanc Derya Peker | Hisar Hospital Intercontinental Istanbul, Turkey | Thyroid resection; Removal of liver cancer; Removal of colon cancer; Stomach cancer surgery; Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC); Whipple surgery; Colectomy (large bowel resection); Liver resection; Rectal resection; Pancreatic cancer surgery In practice since 2004 | Ask about treatment |
 Vafi Atalay | Anadolu Medical Center Istanbul, Turkey | Removal of colon cancer; Stomach cancer surgery; Colectomy (large bowel resection); Rectal resection; Gastroectomy In practice since 2004 | Ask about treatment |
Spain · 2 entries
| Specialist | Clinic | Operations and experience | Ask about treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
 Domenico Sabia | Centro Médico Teknon Barcelona, Spain | Removal of colon cancer; Small intestine resection; Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC); Colectomy (large bowel resection); Rectal resection In practice since 2002 | Ask about treatment |
 Carlos Garcia Vasquez | Digestive Surgery and Gastroenterology Specialist Centro PAD Madrid, Spain | Removal of liver cancer; Removal of colon cancer; Stomach cancer surgery; Da Vinci Robotic System; Small intestine resection; Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC); Colectomy (large bowel resection); Liver resection; Rectal resection; Gastroectomy In practice since 2006 | Ask about treatment |
Programmes and prices
| Public programme | Clinic | Recorded price | Programme details | Request a quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da Vinci Robotic Colorectal Resection Surgery | Robotic Surgery Center in St. Zdislava Hospital | USD 14032Bookimed offer, Oct 2026 |
What the programme includesDa Vinci Robotic Colorectal Resection Surgery Included: Colonoscopy Included: Removal of colon cancer Included: Individual chamber Included: Transfer airport-clinic-airport Excluded: Airfare Excluded: Hotel Excluded: Additional activities not included Stay: 10 days in the hospital Additional source terms: Single superior chamber with a bathroom, internet and television. 5 meals per day. Drinks are included in the price. Medical concierge service during examinations, consultations and surgeries |
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| Robotic Colon Cancer Removal — All-Inclusive Package with 4-Night Hotel Stay | Büyük Anadolu Hospitals (BAH International) | USD 16000Bookimed offer, Oct 2026 |
What the programme includesRobotic Colon Cancer Removal — All-Inclusive Package with 4-Night Hotel Stay Included: Removal of colon cancer Included: Consultation with an oncologist Included: Consultation with an anesthesiologist Included: Complete blood count (CBC) Included: Biochemistry blood test Included: Electrocardiogram (ECG) Included: Chest X-ray Included: Abdominal and pelvic CT Included: PET/CT Included: Ultrasound Included: Follow-up examination Included: Post-operative care Included: 3 meals per day by nutritionist Included: 24-hr nurse services Included: 4* Hotel Included: VIP transfer (premium vehicle service, all transfers between airport, hotel and clinic) Excluded: Airfare Excluded: Additional activities not included Stay: 6 days in the hospital Stay: 4 days in the hotel Additional source terms: Performed by expert colorectal & oncologic surgeons with thousands of successful cases Laparoscopic or open colectomy options for faster recovery and less pain Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation (CT/MRI, bloodwork, anesthesia consultation) Full hospital stay included (5–7 days, private room with companion) Personalized postoperative oncology plan based on pathology Advanced pathology analysis with rapid reporting Dedicated international patient coordinator available 24/7 Affordable price compared to UK/EU without compromising quality Free online consultation + medical second opinion before arrival Airport–hotel–hospital transfers included |
Ask about treatment |
| Resection + anastomosis. | VM Medical Park Florya Hospital | USD 13900Bookimed offer, Oct 2026 |
What the programme includesResection + anastomosis. Included: Removal of colon cancer Excluded: Airfare Excluded: Hotel Excluded: Additional activities not included Excluded: Accommodation is not included Excluded: Transfer is not included |
Ask about treatment |
| Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (Minimally Invasive) PIPAC | Centro Médico Teknon | USD 22427.56Bookimed offer, Oct 2026 |
What the programme includesPressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (Minimally Invasive) PIPAC Included: Removal of colon cancer Included: Stomach cancer surgery Included: Pancreatic cancer surgery Excluded: Airfare Excluded: Additional activities not included Stay: 2 days in the hospital Stay: 7 days in the hotel |
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| LAPAROSCOPIC LEFT HEMICOLECTOMY – MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY FOR LEFT-SIDED COLON CANCER | Anadolu Medical Center | USD 20600Bookimed offer, Oct 2026 |
What the programme includesLAPAROSCOPIC LEFT HEMICOLECTOMY – MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY FOR LEFT-SIDED COLON CANCER Included: Hemicolectomy Included: Da Vinci Robotic System Included: Removal of colon cancer Included: Consultation with an anesthesiologist Included: General anesthesia Included: Blood tests Included: Medical Examination for pre-operation Included: Post-op medications Included: Electrocardiogram (ECG) Included: Hospitalization Included: Transfer airport-clinic-airport Excluded: Airfare Excluded: Hotel Excluded: Additional activities not included Stay: 11 days in the hospital Additional source terms: LAPAROSCOPIC LEFT HEMICOLECTOMY – MINIMALLY INVASIVE REMOVAL OF THE LEFT COLON Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy provides an effective minimally invasive treatment option for diseases affecting the left colon. The laparoscopic approach allows surgeons to perform precise colorectal surgery through small incisions while minimizing surgical trauma and supporting faster recovery. PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure involving the removal of the left portion of the colon using advanced laparoscopic techniques. Small incisions are used to insert surgical instruments and a camera, allowing surgeons to perform the procedure with high precision. After removal of the affected colon segment, the remaining parts of the intestine are reconnected to restore digestive continuity. WHAT’S INCLUDED The treatment package includes: • Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy surgery • One surgical assistant during the operation • Pre-operative anesthesiology evaluation and routine anesthesia tests • Operating room services and surgical team • All procedure-related surgical materials and medications • Daily physician visits during hospitalization • Approximately 10 days inpatient hospital stay (including 1 day ICU monitoring) • Accommodation for one accompanying person • Standard pathological examination of the surgical specimen |
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Sources (5)
- Da Vinci Robotic Colorectal Resection Surgery
- Robotic Colon Cancer Removal — All-Inclusive Package with 4-Night Hotel Stay
- Resection + anastomosis.
- Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (Minimally Invasive) PIPAC
- LAPAROSCOPIC LEFT HEMICOLECTOMY – MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY FOR LEFT-SIDED COLON CANCER
Research and sources
Sources (18)
- Histopathological ultrastaging of mesocolic lymph nodes after colon cancer resection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Anastomotic leak risk factors following colon cancer resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Defecatory Dysfunction After Colon Cancer Resection: The Role of Inferior Mesenteric Artery Tie.
- Surgical Approach as a Mediator of Rural-Urban Disparity after Colon Cancer Resection.
- Allocation of Postacute Care Services Differs Among Rural and Urban Patients after Colon Cancer Resection.
- Oncologic standards in colon cancer resection: from margins to lymph node yield and mesentery.
- [Prostate-Preserving Curative Surgery for Isolated Peritoneal Recurrence with Seminal Vesicle Invasion Following Sigmoid Colon Cancer Resection-A Case Report].
- Postoperative Day 2 C-reactive Protein Identifies Patients at Low Risk of Anastomotic Leakage After Colon Cancer Resection.
- TreatmENT of AnastomotiC LeakagE after colon cancer resection: the TENTACLE – Colon study.
- Anastomotic Leak Following Colon Cancer Resection: An Independent Predictor of Non-Oncologic Mortality and Morbidity.
- A rare and complex ileocolic vein variant managed with robotic surgery: Achieving surgical excellence in right colon cancer resection – A case report.
- Unplanned intensive care unit admission after elective colon cancer resection: population-based registry study.
- The impact of anastomotic leakage after curative colon cancer resection on long-term survival: A retrospective cohort study.
- Racial disparities in complications following elective colon cancer resection: Impact of laparoscopic versus robotic approaches.
- Prognostic Value of Metastatic Lymph Node Ratio and Identification of Factors Influencing the Lymph Node Yield in Patients Undergoing Curative Colon Cancer Resection.
- Descending Colon Cancer Resection Using the da Vinci SP with an Access Port kit: World’s First Case.
- Unexpected peritoneal metastases diagnosed at the time of primary colon cancer resection: controversies regarding options for management.
- [A Case of Scarred Tissue Caused by a Hem-o-Lok Clip Used during Descending Colon Cancer Resection].
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