COLORECTAL CANCER CARE

Colorectal cancer incidence in Sri Lanka has increased over the past few decades according to the National Cancer registry data. Worldwide, treatment for colorectal cancer has become more aggressive with improved survival. We provide surgical care under a multi disciplinary team setting in collaboration with the department of pathology, radiology and oncological services of the National Cancer institute. The department has experience in managing advanced cancers with both local and distant spread. Facilities are also available for concomitant liver metastasis resection in association with the hepatobiliary division of the department. Department maintains a prospective database of all cancer patients which helps us to carry out research and improve the delivery of care.

TEMS

Early cancers and precancerous lesions can be managed with trans anal surgery which has a very low morbidity and proven oncological safety. Transanal Endoscopic Micro surgery (TEMS) has been used with satisfactory outcome.

 Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery

Majority of colorectal cancer surgeries at the department are approached laparoscopically. Low and ultralow laparoscopic anterior resections are performed as sphincter saving procedures for low rectal cancers.

 Pelvic Exenteration

Advanced rectal cancers sometimes require the lateral pelvic wall structures to be excised with the rectum to achieve oncological completeness. Pelvic exenteration is a surgery with a high morbidity and should be performed at high volume centers with expertise.

Abdominoperineal Resection

Abdominoperineal resection is the excision of the rectum with the anus which results in a permanent stoma. It is performed when the cancer is situated low down making spinchter preserving surgery not possible. The abdominal part of the surgery is now performed laparscopically reducing the morbidity to the patient.

Stoma Care

Professorial Surgical Unit of the North Colombo Teaching Hospital provides specialized stoma care for the patients who require temporary or permanent stoma.There are specially trained stoma care nurses who provide inward and outpatient care for the patients. This includes training in stoma management, appliance handling and identifying and managing complications. There are also programmes organized to help patients with stoma to cope with the new challenges in life.