27-year-old undergoes laparoscopic surgery to treat colon cancer

Indian doctors perform a laparoscopic surgery on a 27-year-old man to treat colon cancer. Read to know more

Love Bhushan, a 27-year-old medical student, diagnosed with colon cancer, successfully underwent a laparoscopic surgery and got treated for the cancer. The surgery was carried out by a team of doctors led by V.P. Bhalla, senior consultant, GI Cancer Surgeon and Director, BL Kapoor Centre of Digestive and Liver diseases. Colon cancer, which was common in older people (50s or 60s) is affecting younger people (in their 20s and 30s).

How did the patient know about the cancer?

The patient initially witnessed blood in his stool which compelled him to undergo various blood tests. Later, he did an endoscopic examination which revealed that he had a tumour in his rectum. And further diagnosis, confirmed it to be a cancerous tumour, known as colon cancer. (Read: 4 ways fibre in your diet can prevent colon cancer)

What did he do after experiencing the symptoms?

'I ignored it initially. But later when the bleeding persisted I told a colleague who insisted I undergo some tests for the same,' said Bhushan, who comes from a family of doctors. He got admitted to the B.L. Kapoor Memorial Hospital, Delhi and underwent laparoscopic surgery. The doctors operated upon him and removed the cancerous rectum.

What did the doctor say about the surgery?

'During the surgery the big painful incisions on the abdomen were totally avoided and subsequently had chemotherapy to consolidate the gains of the surgery,' said Bhalla in a statement after the surgery. (Read: What is laparoscopic surgery?)

Why did the patient undergo surgery for the second time?

Complications recurred when he again developed cancerous tumours in the remaining part of his colon (the large bowel). Hence, he again underwent the laparoscopic surgery. This time, he got treated for the colon cancer. Br Bhalla said, 'Even after the removal of the entire colon, he is leading a near normal life now.'

How to get treated for colon cancer?

Dr Bhalla said that laparoscopic surgery with minimal blood loss and reduced post-operative pain has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of patients with cancer of colon and rectum. Also, with extensive surveillance, early detection and prompt treatment colon and rectum cancer could be treated effectively. And a healthy lifestyle, maintaining an ideal body weight and a high fibre diet can prevent colon cancer. (Read: Health insurance FAQ for cancer patients)

Image Source: Getty images

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