It is often possible to surgically remove the primary tumour. Removing the tumour may be curative if the cancer is in an early stage. The common operation is to cut through the intestine above and below the tumour. The affected section is then removed and, if possible, the two cut ends of intestine are sewn together.

• Sometimes a temporary colostomy is done to allow the joined ends to heal without faeces passing through. The colostomy is often reversed in a second operation a few months later when the joined ends of the intestine are well healed.
• If the tumour is low down in the rectum, then the rectum and anus need to be removed. You would then need a permanent colostomy.

A colostomy is where an opening (hole) is made through the wall of the abdomen. A section of colon is then cut and the edges are attached to the opening in the abdominal wall. This is called a stoma and it allows faeces to pass out from the colon into a disposable bag which is stuck over the stoma.

Even if the cancer is advanced and a cure is not possible, surgery may still have a place to ease symptoms. For example, a stent can be inserted to ease a blocked colon. A stent is a thin metal tube which is placed through a narrowed or blocked section of colon. It can then be opened wide and remains in the colon to prevent a further blockage.

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