As a laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgeon here in Monmouth County, it’s been especially rewarding to help people overcome obesity through weight loss surgery.
On several occasions, I’ve discussed the fact that being very overweight puts people at higher risk for many serious chronic diseases, including cancer. On more than one occasion, patients who were undergoing pre-surgical testing discovered they have cancer.
Pre-op bariatric surgery testing can discover colon cancer
A few years ago, one of my patients, James Langan had a colonoscopy (which I required since he was over 50 years old) only to discover he had a cancerous mass on his colon.
Performing minimally invasive laparoscopic colon surgery, I was able to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue successfully and later perform his gastric sleeve procedure without complications. Both operations were a success and Mr. Langan went on to lose more than 75 pounds.
Laparoscopic surgery advantages
Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery allows faster patient recovery, less post-operative pain, smaller scars and less risk of infection. In most cases, patients can go home about three days after surgery.
Colorectal (colon) cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, effecting more than 130,000 Americans each year. About 75% of cases occur in the colon and about 25% are diagnosed in the rectum.
Surgery, in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation, is generally the most successful treatment option; by removing the tumor and surrounding tissue, we can prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
Colon cancer screening saves lives
The colorectal cancer death rate remains high because this kind of cancer often has no symptoms. As a result, the cancer is often diagnosed in later stages or after it has spread to other parts of the body. But when discovered early, colorectal cancer is highly curable.
Therefore, screening is essential, particularly for people over age 50 or those with a family history of this cancer. I recommend three key screenings:
- High-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing (FOBT)
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
What do these tests reveal?
Colorectal cancer generally begins as a polyp which can become cancerous if left untreated. Eventually, more advanced cases may present physical symptoms such as rectal bleeding, blood or changes in the stool; cramping in the lower stomach; a feeling of discomfort or an urge to have a bowel movement.
Today’s minimally invasive surgical advancements for cancer treatment and other conditions necessitating surgery can provide successful outcomes with significantly less physical stress on the patient.
But patients can’t be helped if their cancer is not diagnosed through prompt medical attention or screening, as recommended by your personal physician.
Talk with your primary care or GI doctor about your risk factors for colon and rectal cancer, particularly if you are over age 50. Keep in mind, once your colorectal screening comes back clear, you may not need to undergo another exam for several years.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.