Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer is the second commonest cancer in Australia. Most colorectal cancer, if picked up early, can be cured with surgery alone, with a better prognosis than most other cancers.


Most colorectal cancers originate from a polyp. A series of step-wise mutations leads over several years to a polyp becoming a cancer (figure 1). As the cancer gets bigger, it invades the muscle layer of the bowel wall, then the other lining (serosa) before spreading to the nearby glands (lymph nodes) (figure 1). The aim of colonoscopy is to allow these polyps to be removed before they become cancer.


Most of these mutations occur sporadically, with inherited genetic syndromes such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Hereditary Non Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) accounting for less than 6% of all colorectal cancers. The main risk factors for colorectal cancer include a family history of colorectal cancer, previous polyps, and age greater than 50. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, lack of fruit and vegetables and fibre in the diet, and excessive ingestion of meat and animal fats.


Colon cancers rarely cause symptoms until very late. Rectal cancers may result in bleeding, and can be mistaken for haemorrhoids. Rectal cancers may also cause rectal pain on straining or urgency to defecate (tenesmus). All cancers, if large enough, can cause obstruction, with abdominal bloating and pain very similar to that experienced from constipation.


Any patient with a family history of colorectal cancer, previous polyps, rectal bleeding, or change in bowel habit should visit their colorectal surgeon to discuss having a colonoscopy to view the entire colon and rectum. If a colorectal cancer is found at colonoscopy, it is biopsied to confirm that it is in fact a cancer. Prior to surgery, a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis should be performed to show the size of the tumour and to exclude spread of the cancer elsewhere. Occasionally a PET CT is also required to rule out distant spread (metastases).


Colorectal cancer, if picked up early before it has broken through the bowel wall (Stage I-II), is cured with surgery alone. If it has spread to the lymph nodes (Stage III), it can be cured with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Colorectal cancers if treated aggressively with surgery frequently do better than other cancers. If your colorectal cancer has already metastasised to liver, bones or lung, you should discuss with your GP whether or not a referral to a colorectal surgeon is indicated, as there may still be a role for surgery in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.


A healthy lifestyle, consisting of regular exercise, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and fibre, and the avoidance of smoking, excessive alcohol, meat and animal fat intake, can all help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.

Those at high risk of colorectal cancer should have regular screening colonoscopy at least every 3-5 years, with removal of polyps when they are still small.

Those with rare inherited genetic syndromes (HNPCC and FAP) should speak with their colorectal surgeon and geneticist to discuss the role of preventative (prophylactic) colectomy.

Medical management

The primary treatment of colorectal cancer is surgery. However, occasionally, the tumour is large or there is spread of cancer to or beyond lymph nodes. In these situations, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may be also indicated. Occasionally chemotherapy is given on its own in a palliative setting when there is widespread cancer metastasis. All colorectal cancer cases are discussed in a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings with expert colorectal surgeons, radiologists and medical and radiation oncologists.

Surgical management

A colectomy (removal of a portion of colon) or procto-colectomy (removal of the rectum and a portion of colon), is required for colon and rectal cancers. This removes the cancer as well as the glands (lymph nodes) that the cancer can potentially drain to. The two ends of healthy bowel are then joined together creating an anastomosis (figure 2).


Key-hole (laparoscopic and robotic) surgery

In most cases surgery for colorectal cancer can be performed as a key-hole (laparoscopic or robotic) procedure. A small incision is then made at the end to deliver the specimen.


Stomas are occasionally used in elective colorectal surgery. They are usually temporary and usually only needed for very low rectal cancers requiring radiotherapy. If a temporary stoma is given, it will usually be reversed three months following your initial surgery after doing a gastrograffin enema to ensure patency of the join (anastomosis).

Follow-up after colorectal cancer surgery

After surgery for colorectal cancer your colorectal surgeon will discuss your follow-up plan. It usually consists of a 3-6 monthly visit and a blood test to test for cancer recurrence (CEA) for the first couple of years, then every 6-12 months. A CT scan of the abdomen & pelvis and a colonoscopy 1 year after your operation is usual. The frequency of subsequent CTs and colonoscopies will depend on circumstances, however a CT every 1-2 years (initially) and a colonoscopy every 3 years is customary.

What to expect pre operatively for colorectal surgery

Restrictions and clear fluids

You will need an empty colon for your colorectal surgery. For 24 hours prior to your procedure you can only drink clear fluids (no solid food). Clear fluids are fluids that can be poured through a sieve (no particulate matter) and can be seen through when placed in a glass. Clear fluids include broth or soup, apple juice, lemonade, jelly, and dilute green, orange or black tea or coffee and sports drinks such as Gatorade®, Lucozade® or Gastrolyte®. Ideally at least 3-4 litres of clear fluid should be drunk the day before your surgery.

Bowel Prep

PicoPrep® is a laxative taken orally the day before your colorectal surgery and is available at most chemists without the need for a prescription. It is sold as a box of three sachets of white powder that are each mixed as a drink with a glass of water. Those having morning surgery drink their PicoPrep at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm the day before their procedure. Those having afternoon surgery drink their PicoPrep at 6pm and 8pm (day before) and 6am (day of) their procedure. (see Table 1).

Pre-admission clinic

If you are greater than 70 years of age or have multiple co-morbidities (e.g. diabetes, previous problems with your heart, lungs or kidneys) you may need to attend the pre-admission clinic one week prior to your surgery.

What to expect post operatively for colorectal surgery


Immediately after your procedure you will be commenced on free fluids (semi thickened fluids such as custard, yoghurt, thin porridge). You will be commenced on a light diet once you have passed flatus. You will be discharged from hospital once you have opened your bowels.


If your procedure is performed key-hole (either robotically or laparoscopically), you will be up and mobilising from day one.

Length of stay

A typical admission is anywhere from 3 days to 7 days.

Post operatively, you will need to see your colorectal surgeon at 3-6 weeks post-operatively to check on you progress.

Follow-up and appointments

You will then be followed up regularly (every 1-3 years), with colonoscopy performed at regular intervals.

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