CancerCompass message board discussion started by rossiter on 6/23/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25330,0.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My 76 year old mother just completed 28 treatments of radiation/chem.  We met with the surgeon last week and he has recommended laparoscopic surgery due to the very small size and location of the tumor. We were not given the stage,but I assume it is either Stage 1 or 11.  I have only read that laparoscopic surgery is used for colon and not usually for rectal cancer.  Has anyone else had laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer? Her surgery is scheduled for July 29th.  Besides the cancer diagnosis, she is in general good health. rossiter Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT My dad did not have laparoscopic surgery for his rectal cancer, but I know they started that way, so it must be possible.  They had to convert to convention becuase of other things (such as my dad's atypical anatomy), but I wish they could have done it.  The recovery time is much better and there is not change in survival rate.  I think you have a good doctor to suggest this, especially as the surgery takes longer, but again shorter recovery. ConcernedinKC Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT That is good to hear that at least someone else was offered it.  Unfortunately they were not able to complete it in your dad's case. My mom thinks the world of this surgeon and I think a second opinion would be out of the question.  He was her surgeon for breast cancer five years ago and followed up with her for the entire time. Laparoscopic appears to be the "gold standard" for colon cancer,but not for rectal due to the few studies that have been done to date. We will just have to have complete faith in his judgement. He did mention that if there was any leakage,then a conversion would have to be done.By the way, did you dad fare well with the rectal cancer?  Did he end up with a bag? My mom never had a colonoscopy and had mentioned it to her oncologist that she should have one. Hopefully, she caught it in time. She had no symptoms,but was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Unfortunately, she had breast cancer follow- ups with three doctors for the past five years and not one of them mentioned getting a colonoscopy.  I think all doctors, especially oncologists should be promoting colonoscopies,since colon/rectal cancers are preventable. rossiter Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,Although I know it can't be done with everyone, my friend had her rectal resection just 4 weeks ago, and it was all done laporoscopically.  Her surgery lasted almost twice as long as it would have, had it been done conventionally (due to the tight working space), but she feels it was worth it.  Since she also had a hysterectomy at the same time (recommended due to  pelvic radiation & her young age- mid 30's), everything (ovaries and all the resected rectum) were actually removed vaginally & laporoscopes were used.  So, the only incisions she ended up with were the holes for the laparoscopes and the stoma for the ileostomy she ended up with.I imagine the healing time will be easier lacking the larger incision she would have had otherwise.Best wishes-Lisa lisaann Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello to a thoughtful Caregiver,I have to write, even though you may not be checking this since so much time has apssed since you posted. i am a Rectal Cancer survivor of 15 years.  I was stage 4 & my future looked bleak at best. But through great Drs. & aggressive treatment i am still here and watched my daughter graduate from High School this week. I am really here write about my sister. She had a large benign tumor in her acending colon.  due to family history - LOTS of cancer and the size the Dr. felt it was precancerous & should be removed during surgery - too much danger of cells spreading during a colonoscopy.The bottom line - the best Drs. at New York Hospital performed laporoscopic surgery & left my sister with an artey that bled a quart of blood into her bowel & body cavity, an infection from the surgery that caused her bowel to twist.... 3 surgeries later - with a different Dr.!!!!,, an ostomy... and many other complications she is finally O.K.Laporoscopic is the "new & improved" - but it hasn't been around that long & lots can go wrong. How many has your Dr. performed? This is just one syory, but I wanted to honest. For me the bottom line is get the cancer the safest way possible.  Best of luk to you and your mother. 15 years and counting :-) Soozi Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT