RECTAL CANCER
The Management of Rectal Cancer
Rectal Cancer Management is challenging due to the location of the tumour and its relation to the anal sphincters. These cancers are best managed by Specialist Teams who do a high volume of Rectal Cancer in high volumes centers. Dr Venkatesh Munikrishnan, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon & Clinical Lead at the Institute of Colorectal Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai heads the Colorectal Cancer Surgery Programme at Apollo Main Hospital Chennai. This Programme has a robust multidisciplinary team which assesses each patient and makes a personalized & tailored plan. This programme routinely offers Robotic Surgery for Rectal Cancer removal with high rates of sphincter preservation, avoiding permanent stomas (bag to collect stool on the abdomen) and excellent patient outcomes.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT)
Vital for Rectal Cancer Management
The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) led by the Colorectal Surgeon, includes Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Radiologists, Pathologists, Stoma therapists & Colorectal Nurse Specialists. Every individual patient is discussed at the weekly MDT meeting and a joint decision is made. In the UK & the USA it is imperative all patients are discussed in similar MDT meetings
PRE-OPERATIVE CHEMORADIATION
Decreases cancer recurrence and improves survival
This has been the standard of care for patients with operable rectal cancer for over two decades now. Based on pre-operative staging on CT and MRI scans appropriate patients will be recommended pre-operative chemoradiation to reduce the stage and size of tumour & spread. This also improves sphincter preservation and reduces permanent colostomy rates. Patients normally have long course chemoradiation for 5 weeks followed by a 6 to 8 weeks wait period prior to Surgery.
ROBOTIC RECTAL CANCER SURGERY
Cutting Edge Technology in Rectal Cancer Surgery
Through a holistic approach to medicine, I try viewing each patient as a whole rather than a single symptom to be treated. This is just one of many procedures I perform when coming up with any diagnosis. Your health deserves proper care and attention and I’m able to provide. Please contact me today to schedule an appointment.