What treatment is indicated for sigmoid colon cancer?

In the management of sigmoid colon cancer, high anterior resection with colorectal anastomosis is the preferred treatment option, particularly when the cancer is localized and does not involve other structures significantly. This surgical procedure involves the resection of the sigmoid colon along with a portion of the surrounding tissue, followed by the reconnection of the remaining sections of the colon, which allows for the maintenance of intestinal continuity.

This approach is beneficial because it efficiently removes the cancerous segment while preserving as much of the normal bowel function as possible, leading to improved postoperative outcomes and quality of life for the patient. High anterior resection is typically indicated in cases where the lesion is situated in the upper part of the sigmoid colon and has not spread extensively beyond its local environment.

In contrast, other procedures, like a transverse colectomy or full colectomy, may be considered in different contexts or for other types of bowel cancers. Transverse colectomy may not adequately address localized sigmoid cancers, while a complete resection of the entire colon (full colectomy) is too radical for localized disease and can lead to more significant morbidity. Partial colectomy with stoma could be indicated in certain cases of obstructed bowel or when the cancer is unresectable, but it generally is not