Colon Cancer Surgery in Port Charlotte, FL
Most colon cancers begin as polyps, which is why screening colonoscopy matters. When colon cancer is found, surgery to remove the affected part of the colon and nearby lymph nodes (colon resection, or colectomy) is a main treatment, coordinated with your oncology team. We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
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Screening comes first
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. All four of our surgeons perform screening and diagnostic colonoscopy.
Possible signs of colon cancer
- Often no symptoms early on, which is why screening is important
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- A change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few weeks
- Abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or fatigue from anemia
When to see a surgeon
See a doctor promptly for any of the signs above. If a colonoscopy biopsy shows cancer, or a large polyp cannot be removed through the scope, a surgeon will review your results and options with you.
What to expect
Before surgery you will usually have blood tests and imaging such as a CT scan to stage the cancer.
The operation removes the part of the colon with the cancer and nearby lymph nodes, then reconnects the healthy ends. Many resections can be done with minimally invasive techniques.
Colon surgery usually requires a hospital stay. Some patients need a temporary ostomy, which your surgeon will discuss before surgery.
Recovery
You will be encouraged to walk soon after surgery, and your diet is advanced as your bowels recover. The lab report on the removed tissue guides whether more treatment, such as chemotherapy, is recommended. Follow-up visits and surveillance colonoscopy are part of long-term care.
Who performs this at Charlotte Harbor Surgical
Matthew Tufts M.D., F.A.C.S., Vincent Brown M.D., and Charles Campbell D.O. perform this procedure. Consultations and follow-up visits take place at our Port Charlotte office.
Frequently asked questions
Can colon cancer be prevented?
Screening helps. Most colon cancers start as polyps, and removing polyps during a colonoscopy can prevent them from turning into cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
How is colon cancer treated with surgery?
The usual operation is a colon resection (colectomy): the surgeon removes the part of the colon with the cancer and nearby lymph nodes, then reconnects the healthy ends. Many operations can be done with minimally invasive techniques.
Will I need a colostomy bag?
Most colon resections reconnect the bowel, so a bag is not needed. Some patients need a temporary or, less often, permanent ostomy. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before surgery.
Will I need chemotherapy?
It depends on the stage of the cancer found after surgery. If more treatment is recommended, your surgeon works with a medical oncologist.
Related services
Schedule a consultation
Call our Port Charlotte office at 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, or request an appointment online.
Port Charlotte Location: 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Call (941) 391-5102 · Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 pm. If you need urgent care and you have decided to go to an emergency room please use AdventHealth Port Charlotte.