The role of screening colonoscopy after surgery for colorectal cancer, avoiding recurrence

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Vu Van Quan - Gastroenterologist - Department of General Surgery & Anesthesia - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Surgery is the indicated treatment for about 80% of patients with colorectal cancer that has not metastasized, however, even when radical surgery is combined with chemotherapy and radiation, the possibility of cancer Colorectal recurrence is still very high if not monitored and screened periodically after surgery. Laparoscopic method is included in the screening techniques for colorectal cancer after surgery.

Surgery is an effective treatment for colorectal cancer, the first choice to remove the part of the bowel carrying the tumor from the patient's body. At the same time, surgery will help remove all accompanying lymph nodes to prevent the risk of local recurrence, with current medical advances, the re-establishment of the intestinal tract in colorectal cancer patients can be achieved. done quickly by means of machine stitching.
Although cancer cells will be removed from the body after surgery, they can still be present in other places in the body and have the potential to recur after surgery for colorectal cancer. , depending on the characteristics of the cancer origin and the specific stage.
Statistically, at least 1 in about 5 patients with a history of colorectal cancer will develop a new polyp after surgery, it is important to screen and remove these polyps before surgery. they become recurrent cancers.
Most cases of colorectal cancer recurrence are detected in the first 2-3 years after surgery. Therefore, the role of gastrointestinal endoscopic screening after colorectal cancer surgery is extremely important and necessary.
If cancer recurs, doctors, experts... will discuss to decide on the next treatment regimen for the patient. If the cancer recurs locally, it can be treated with additional surgery to remove the recurrent tumor; if the cancer recurs at a distance or in more than one site, treatment is usually initiated with chemotherapy. .

Colorectal cancer is a fairly common disease in Vietnam. If this disease is detected early and properly treated, it will contribute to increasing the cure rate. After surgery for colorectal cancer, the patient's health is somewhat affected, so it is necessary to pay attention to the following issues:
The patient needs to exercise, breathe, as well as eat lightly again. on the first day after surgery; Do not use carbonated drinks, gas causing foods such as peas, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber...; It is necessary to develop a reasonable diet after surgery to help replenish energy, fight infections and quickly recover after surgery for colorectal cancer. The diet will not change compared to before surgery, however, it is necessary to reduce the amount of fiber in the first few months after surgery.

The purpose of follow-up after colorectal cancer surgery is to help find the early symptoms when the cancer recurs, which will create more opportunities for the patient to be cured again.
The earlier colorectal cancer is detected, the better the treatment results. Surgery for recurrent colorectal cancer can now also cure limited metastases, such as liver metastases.
According to statistics, nearly 40% of patients can live more than 5 years after partial liver resection due to metastases. The recommended follow-up period after surgery for colorectal cancer is 3 to 6 months for the first three years after surgery, every 6 months for the fourth and fifth years, then every year after that. once.

Narrow band whole colonoscopy (NBI) technique for colorectal cancer screening after surgery is being performed very effectively at Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
In order to make screening highly effective, Vinmec Hai Phong has synchronously equipped the most modern flexible endoscope system of Olympus - Japan with endoscopic technique with narrow light frequency band (NBI). ). This technique has made a breakthrough in the screening and diagnosis of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, esophagus, duodenum, colon, rectum) at early and very early stages.
NBI endoscopic images bring high resolution and contrast, making it easy for doctors to detect small changes in morphology and color of cancerous and precancerous lesions that are difficult for conventional endoscopy detect.
Endoscopic technique with narrow band of light (NBI) at Vinmec Hai Phong is performed according to standard treatment techniques, ensuring safety and quality of treatment for patients. In addition, it is impossible not to mention Vinmec Hai Phong's team of highly qualified and experienced specialists, which are:
Specialist Doctor II Hoang Thi Hien Specialist Doctor I Pham Thi Thao Master, Doctor Vu Huy Binh Surgical customers at the Department of Surgery, Vinmec Hai Phong Hospital enjoy outstanding benefits including:
Short hospital stay, minimizing the cost of stay, reducing the risk of hospital infections. With cases of lithotripsy, inguinal hernia, customers can always go to work after 1 day of discharge from the hospital. Limit the use of antibiotics, reduce the risk of side effects, save costs, patients do not have to worry, fear when administering antibiotics and follow up after taking the drug. Recovery rate reached 90%, re-hospitalization 0%, postoperative infection 0%. The Early Post-Surgery Care Program provides comprehensive care to patients before, during and after surgery, helping to reduce hospital stay, improve treatment quality and reduce costs; reduce the rate of complications. ERAS has been shown to shorten the average length of stay from 8-10 days to 3-4 days. Insurance: Vinmec signed with many large private insurance partners. When customers are hospitalized, they are guaranteed and compensated at the hospital. Save a lot of customer's time and effort. Other advantages : Modern equipment; Service quality according to international standards; Highly qualified doctor; Patients do not need relatives to take care of them because they are cared for by a dedicated and attentive nursing doctor...