HJBR Mar/Apr 2021

52 MAR / APR 2021 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE ONCOLOGY appropriate candidate for this type of sur- gery. If a rectal cancer is locally advanced, the patient usually undergoes some form of chemotherapy and radiation prior to sur- gery. After surgery (or sometimes before), they also receive dedicated chemotherapy. These treatment modalities have been very well studied. While the order of treatments may change, it is universally agreed upon that a multidisciplinary approach (multi- ple specialties working together to form a dedicated treatment plan) leads to better outcomes for patients. As with colon can- cer, patients with rectal cancer are followed very closely after their treatment. This in- volves imaging, lab work and endoscopy to make sure that the cancer has not returned. Patients with rectal cancer should seek care at a National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) organization. This ensures the most progressive and high-quality care for those with the disease. One important advancement in the field of surgery has been the development of ear- ly recovery programs. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have led to decreased pain and earlier discharge from the hospital. The road to recovery begins before a patient undergoes their procedure of providers who help a patient adjust to and manage their new stoma. While it can be an adjustment at first, patients with co- lostomies or ileostomies have no limita- tions to their lifestyle and have myriad sup- port options with many support groups in addition to their providers. CONCLUSION A diagnosis of colorectal cancer is a life-changing event. With proper treatment, over 90% of early-stage cancers can be cured. There are also many excellent treat- ment options available for patients with ad- vanced disease. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to help patients obtain good outcomes. Every patient with a new- ly diagnosed colorectal cancer should take comfort in the fact that they will receive an individualized treatment plan for an of- ten-curable disease. n Nathan Hite, MD, is a colorectal surgeon in Ba- ton Rouge at Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center (an NAPRC organization) and a member of the Colon Rectal Associates. He is board-certified in general surgery and specializes in colorectal surgery. Hite serves on the Cancer Center’s colorectal and rectal multidisciplinary care teams. “Newer developments in colorectal cancer screening include specialized stool tests as well as special imaging. While stool tests initially only tested for blood, newer tests can detect abnormal DNA shed from polyps or cancers with a high rate of accuracy.” with specialized nutrition and guidance/ counseling on what to expect after sur- gery. While in the hospital, multiple teams coordinate to mobilize patients early after surgery. Most patients tolerate a diet on the same day as their procedure. Pain is often controlled through the use of non-narcotic medicines. FOLLOW UP/SURVEILLANCE/SUPPORT After any surgery or procedure, the treat- ing physicians maintain close ties with their patients after they are discharged from the hospital. Surgeons will follow up to make sure that a patient has recovered from their procedure. Oncologists will continue to see patients as well and help coordinate care between all specialties. Dieticians and ther- apists work with patients both in the hospi- tal and at home if necessary. Apatient is fol- lowed for many years after their diagnosis and treatment with lab work and imaging studies in addition to physical exams and well visits. Some patients with colon cancer or rectal cancer require creation of a colostomy (or ileostomy). These can be temporary or per- manent. Wound care/ostomy care nurses are a highly trained and specialized group