Colon Cancer Surgery
Colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Modern surgery makes recovery easier than ever.
Dr. Chung specializes in robotic-assisted colon resection designed for precision, faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes.
Colon cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the colon. Most colon cancers begin as small polyps that gradually grow over years and, if left in place, can eventually become cancerous and spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and lungs. Early detection and removal are what change the trajectory of this disease.
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Symptoms to Watch For
Colon cancer often develops silently in its earliest stages. When symptoms do appear, common signs include:
A persistent change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency)
Blood in the stool, sometimes dark or maroon-colored
Persistent abdominal discomfort, cramping, or gas pain
A feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely
Unexplained weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Iron-deficiency anemia, often discovered on routine bloodwork
These signs overlap with many benign conditions, which is why screening matters so much: it can find cancer (or precancerous polyps) before symptoms ever appear.
Risk Factors
Several factors raise the likelihood of developing colon cancer.
Age
Risk rises with age. Current US guidelines recommend starting screening at age 45.
Family history
A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps significantly raises your risk.
Personal history
If you've had polyps, previous colorectal cancer, or chronic IBD, your risk is elevated.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Long-standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease in the colon raises cancer risk meaningfully.
African-American ethnicity
Higher incidence and earlier onset of colorectal cancer compared to other groups.
Lifestyle factors
High intake of red and processed meats, low fiber, smoking, heavy alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity all contribute.
Genetic syndromes
Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) substantially raise lifetime risk and require earlier, more frequent screening.
How Colon Cancer Is Diagnosed
If Dr. Chung determines that you're at risk based on your medical or family history, or if symptoms warrant evaluation, he'll conduct a comprehensive workup. Diagnostic methods may include:
Colonoscopy
The gold standard. A flexible scope provides a full view of the colon and allows for biopsy or polyp removal during the same procedure.
Sigmoidoscopy
A shorter scope that examines the lower colon. Useful in some situations but doesn't see the entire colon.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
A quick physical examination that can detect abnormalities in the rectum. Often a first step.
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
Detailed imaging of the colon. Effective for detection but doesn't allow polyp removal, so a follow-up colonoscopy is needed if anything is found.
Stool-based tests (FIT, Cologuard)
Detect signs of cancer or precancerous changes in stool samples. Increasingly common as a screening option, with positive results requiring follow-up colonoscopy.
Barium enema
A liquid barium solution is introduced into the colon for X-ray imaging. Used less commonly now that colonoscopy and CT colonography are widely available.
When Caught Early, Outcomes Are Strong
~91%
Five-year survival rate when colon cancer is found and treated before it spreads. Catching it early changes the entire trajectory of care.
Screening saves lives: Colonoscopy can find and remove precancerous polyps before they ever become cancer. If you're 45 or older, or have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to Dr. Chung about getting on a screening schedule.
Treatment Approach
For most patients diagnosed with colon cancer, surgery is the primary treatment. A colectomy (also called colon resection surgery) removes the diseased section of the colon along with nearby lymph nodes to prevent the spread of cancer.
After removing the affected tissue, Dr. Chung typically performs an anastomosis to reconnect the healthy parts of the intestine. Depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer, treatment may also include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy in combination with surgery.
Surgical Approaches
Three main approaches are used in colon resection surgery, each with different tradeoffs.
Open surgery
Traditional approach
A single large abdominal incision. Effective and still appropriate in some complex cases, but generally involves longer recovery and higher complication risk than minimally invasive approaches.
Laparoscopic surgery
Minimally invasive
Several small incisions with thin instruments and a high-definition camera. Reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery than open surgery, with comparable cancer outcomes.
Robotic-assisted
Most precise
Uses advanced robotic instruments controlled by the surgeon for the highest level of precision and 3D visualization. Especially valuable for complex anatomy.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery with the da Vinci System
Dr. Chung's specialty
da Vinci Robotic Surgery
Cutting-edge precision for complex colon cancer cases.
Dr. Chung specializes in robotic-assisted colon cancer surgery using the da Vinci surgical system. The technology gives him a level of precision and visualization that traditional approaches simply can't match, particularly when navigating complex anatomy or working in tight spaces.
Surgeon Console
Provides a 3D, high-definition magnified view of the surgical site for superior visualization and control.
Patient-Side Cart
Holds robotic instruments that translate Dr. Chung's hand movements into precise, tremor-free actions inside the patient.
Vision Cart
Coordinates the system components and provides the surgical team with a clear view of the operative field.
Firefly® fluorescence imaging: A specialized feature that highlights blood flow in the colon during surgery, revealing perfusion patterns invisible to the naked eye. This helps Dr. Chung make better decisions about tissue viability and surgical margins.
Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Colon Surgery
Compared to traditional approaches, robotic-assisted colon surgery may offer:
✓Fewer complications compared to open and laparoscopic surgery.
✓Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
✓Lower likelihood of conversion to open surgery mid-procedure.
✓Greater surgical precision and dexterity.
✓Less blood loss and reduced need for transfusion.
✓Smaller scars and reduced postoperative pain.
Is Surgery Right for You?
Surgical intervention is highly effective for colon cancer, but not every patient is a candidate for minimally invasive techniques. The right approach depends on tumor size, location, stage, and your overall health. Dr. Chung will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the treatment plan that gives you the best chance of full recovery.
Get an expert evaluation
Whether you're newly diagnosed, due for screening, or seeking a second opinion on your treatment plan, Dr. Chung can help you understand your options and choose the approach that's right for you.
Book a consultation
Call (714) 988-8690
