Colon Cancer Procedures

The following procedures are performed at Central Vermont Medical Center:

Colonoscopies

A colonoscopy is a procedure used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer, as well as to diagnose other conditions. The procedure uses a video camera on the end of a flexible scope to directly look at the colon lining. This is an outpatient procedure, conducted under mild anesthesia.

To learn more about colon cancer screening, click here.

Colectomy

A colectomy or a segmental resection typically involves the removal of the cancer and a piece of normal colon on either side of the cancer (as well as nearby lymph nodes). The two ends of the colon are then reconnected. This surgery is usually done through an incision in the abdomen.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Colectomy

For early stage or smaller tumors, a laparoscopic-assisted colectomy may be an option. Instead of one long incision in the abdomen, the surgeon makes several small ones. Specially constructed thin instruments are placed into the abdomen through small incisions, referred to as ports, and are used to remove part of the colon and lymph nodes.