Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in India: Guide To Cost, Hospital, Surgeon

Q: Which is the best colorectal cancer hospital in India?

BLK-Max Hospital and Max Healthcare are among the best colorectal cancer hospitals in India. They have highly experienced specialists in medical, radiation and surgical oncology. Their Tumor Board includes oncologists with over 40 years of experience and affiliations with international and national organizations. They also use advanced technologies like the Da Vinci Xi Robotic System, Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), TrueBeam Linac with Exactrac, TomoTherapy, and HIPEC.

Get affordable surgery for colorectal cancer in India! Save ~92% compared to US costs while accessing expert surgeons and JCI-certified hospitals. Learn about costs, treatment options, recovery, and success rate. Dive into this blog for a life-changing solution!

What Is the Cost of Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in India?

The cost of surgery for colorectal cancer in India ranges from $3,000-$11,800. On the other hand, the same procedure costs around $100,000 in the US. It implies you can save up to 92% by getting this procedure in India. Check out the table below for a detailed cost comparison:

**Cost of Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in India vs. US (USD)**
Procedure*	Cost in India (USD)	Cost in the US (USD)	Savings %
Surgery for Colorectal Cancer	Starts at $3,000	$100,000^[1] (Surgery + round of Chemo)	~92%
Colectomy/ Rectal Resect/ Colore Resecti-IPS	Starts at $11,800	$100,000^[1] (Surgery + round of Chemo)	~92%

Cost of Alternate Treatments for Colorectal Cancer

Alternative treatments for colorectal cancer in India include immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Additional treatments include targeted therapy drugs, ablation, and embolization.

Refer to the table below for a detailed cost comparison of alternative treatments in India versus the US.

**Cost of Other Treatments for Colorectal Cancer in India (India vs. US)**
Treatment	Cost in India (USD)	Cost in the US (USD)
Radiation Therapy	$4,000 - $6,500	$15,000^[2]
Chemotherapy	Starts at $250	$12,000^[3]
Advanced Immunotherapy like CAR T-cell	$85,000	$400,000

Know Your Alternate Treatment Options

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays, like X-rays, to destroy cancer cells.^[4]
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves treatment with anti-cancer drugs injected into a vein or taken orally. These drugs travel through the bloodstream, reaching most parts of the body.^[5]
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer in India boosts the body's immune system to recognize better and attack cancer cells, offering a promising treatment option.^[6]
Targeted Therapy Drugs: These drugs enter the bloodstream and reach almost all parts of the body. This process makes them effective against cancers that have spread to distant areas.^[7]
Ablation and Embolization: This treatment treats colorectal cancer that has spread to other body parts. These methods are often used for cancers in the liver or lungs.^[8]

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Overview of Colorectal Cancer

In this section, you will learn what colorectal cancer is and how it impacts the body. You will also understand why surgery is used to treat it, how it works, and get a global perspective on the disease.

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. Most of these cancers begin as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called 'polyps'.

Polyps are common, especially as people get older. Most polyps are not precancerous. However, some polyps can turn into cancer over time.

If a polyp becomes cancerous, it can grow into the wall of the colon or rectum. The wall has many layers. Colorectal cancer starts in the innermost layer and can grow through the other layers. Note that cancer cells can spread into blood vessels. From there, they can reach other parts of the body.

The stage of colorectal cancer depends on how deeply it grows into the wall and if it has spread outside the colon or rectum.

Source: American Cancer Society^[9]

2nd

Leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide

1.9 million

New cases in 2020

930,000

Deaths worldwide in 2020

Source: World Health Organization^[10]

Surgery is usually used to treat colorectal cancer when it has not spread to other parts of the body.^[11]

Before surgery for colon cancer, you will get a general anesthetic to make you sleep. The surgeon will use either of the two methods to perform the surgery:

Open Surgery: The surgeon makes one large cut down your abdomen to remove the cancer.
Keyhole Surgery: The surgeon makes several small cuts in your abdomen. They use a long tube with a light and camera to see inside. Tools are inserted through the other cuts to perform the surgery. This is also called laparoscopic surgery. Sometimes, a robotic system helps the surgeon.

After the operation, the surgeon will stitch up the cuts. The size of the scars will depend on the type of surgery you have.

Source: Medical News Today^[12]

Global Perspective on Colorectal Cancer

Researchers are making significant strides in understanding and treating colorectal cancer. Here are some key advancements:

Immunotherapy: Scientists have found that certain drugs, like nivolumab and ipilimumab, help patients with Lynch syndrome or MSI-H colorectal cancer. These drugs help the immune system better target cancer cells.
Targeted Therapies: New treatments focus on specific genetic mutations. For example, encorafenib combined with cetuximab targets the BRAF gene mutation. This combination shows promising results in shrinking tumors.
Liquid Biopsies: This method detects cancer DNA in the blood. It helps in early diagnosis and monitoring treatment response. Studies show ctDNA testing can identify patients needing additional chemotherapy after surgery.
Combining Treatments: Researchers are exploring combining immunotherapy with other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. This approach aims to improve outcomes for patients who do not respond well to immunotherapy alone.
Diet and Lifestyle: Studies indicate that dietary factors and lifestyle changes can impact colorectal cancer risk. Reducing red meat consumption and managing obesity can significantly help.

Source: National Cancer Institute^[13]

India at the Frontrow of Colorectal Cancer Initiatives

India is at the forefront of colorectal cancer treatment with the FOxTROT 2 India trial. This study tests giving chemotherapy before surgery. It aims to improve outcomes and reduce cancer recurrence. The trial benefits thousands of patients across India.^[14]

Procedure: Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in India

Surgery for colorectal cancer in India is advanced and affordable. Skilled surgeons perform these procedures at a much lower cost than in many Western countries. This section explains the types of surgeries, their processes, and the benefits of getting treatment in India.

Types of Surgeries

Some early colon cancers (stage 0 and early stage I) and most polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy uses a long, flexible tube with a small camera to see inside the colon. The tube is put into the rectum and eased into the colon.

During a colonoscopy, two types of surgeries can be done:^[15]

The cancer is removed along with the polyp. The polyp is cut at its base, like cutting the stem of a mushroom. A wire loop with an electric current is used to cut the polyp off the colon wall.

This is a bit more involved. Tools are used to remove small cancers from the inner lining of the colon. A small amount of healthy tissue around the cancer is also removed.

These procedures do not require cutting into the abdomen from the outside. The goal is to remove the tumor in one piece. If any cancer is left behind or if tests show the tumor might spread, more extensive surgery may be needed.

Before diving into the types of surgeries, let’s understand when your surgeon would recommend another surgical procedure:^[16]

Your surgeon could not remove all of the polyps during your colonoscopy.
The polyp removed during your colonoscopy had invasive cancer cells.
You have stage I, II, or III colorectal cancer.
You have stage IV colorectal cancer that has spread to parts of the liver or lungs.

Now, let’s look at the common types of extensive surgeries:

Your surgeon might remove the part of the colon containing the tumor. This is called a colectomy. How much the surgeon removes depends on the exact position and size of the cancer.

The operations have different names depending on where the cancer is located. Surgery to remove part of the colon is called a hemicolectomy or partial colectomy. Surgery to remove the whole large bowel (colon) is called a total colectomy.^[17]

This surgery is for small, early-stage cancers. The surgeon removes the cancer and a border of healthy tissue from the bowel lining. They use a flexible tube called a colonoscope to perform the operation.^[18]

Want to know more about surgery as an option for other cancers, such as prostate cancer? Read our blog on Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer In India.

Precautions and Preparations Before the Surgery

The below section outlines everything you need to know to prepare for colorectal surgery:^[19]

Before your operation, you will one or more of the following tests to ensure you are fit for surgery:

Blood Tests: To check your overall health and kidney function.
ECG: To ensure your heart is healthy.
Lung Function Tests: To check your breathing.
Echocardiogram: A painless test using sound waves to check your heart.
Chest X-ray: To ensure your lungs are healthy.

1-2 weeks before your surgery, your healthcare provider will guide you on:

What to do on the day of your operation.
When to stop eating and drinking.
Whether to stop taking any medicines (do not stop unless instructed).

Arrive 1-2 hours before your surgery time for pre-op preparations.
A nurse will place an IV in your arm or hand for medications and fluids.
You'll have a catheter to drain urine from your bladder.
Your anesthesiologist will discuss the type of anesthesia you'll receive.
Once asleep, a breathing tube will be placed in your mouth to help you breathe.

Recovery After Colorectal Surgery

Recovery after colorectal surgery for cancer may take 2-6 weeks. Depending on your case, you’d be required to stay at the hospital for 2-4 days after the surgery. Factors affecting the recovery include:^[20]

Type of procedure
Extent of the procedure
Your health at the time of surgery

Follow-Up: After treatment, you will have regular follow-up visits with your doctor, depending upon your case.

Side Effects of Colorectal Surgery

As with any surgery, colorectal cancer surgery can also lead to complications. Here are some of the common ones:^[21]

Infections: These can occur at the surgical site, in the chest, or in the urinary tract. Symptoms include fever, pain, redness, and swelling. Antibiotics are usually given to prevent and treat infections.
Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after surgery. This might require a blood transfusion or additional surgery.
Leakage: This happens when the new connections in the colon do not hold together properly, leading to leakage. Minor leaks may cause a loss of appetite. On the other hand, larger leaks can lead to severe infections and may require further surgery.
Blood Clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur because of reduced mobility after surgery. Blood clots can travel to the lungs, causing issues. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness in the leg, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Most people recover well from colorectal surgery. However, it is important to know about possible complications. Please note that these issues can be managed. If you experience any concerning symptoms, seek medical advice.

Success Rate of Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in India

The success rate of surgery for colorectal cancer in India is 89.7% for Stage I and Stage II cancer. For Stage III cancer, the success rate is 65.5%, and for Stage IV, it is 22.8%. These are 3-year progression-free rates.

Source: Indian Journal of Cancer^[22]

Best Hospital for Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in India

BLK Max Healthcare

4.7 (16,401 Verified Reviews)

Pusa Rd, Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place, New Delhi, Delhi, 110005New Delhi, India

Max Healthcare Group is a leading healthcare provider in India, serving both domestic and international patients.

With a network of 14 hospitals across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, they offer standardized and international-class healthcare services across 29 specialties.

BLK Max Hospital, one of the largest private clinics in Delhi, ranks among the top 10 Multi Sup

60+ Years of Experience
JCI Accredited

NABH Accredited

Procedures Offered :

Dental, Bariatric, Orthopedic, Neuro & Spine, & More

Book Appointment

Advanced technology medical oncology like immunotherapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy
Leading medical oncology specialists with organ-specific expertise
Round-the-clock critical care with OPD services, which are designed for an organ-specific approach

Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital

4.3 (1,671 Verified Reviews)

Press Enclave Marg, Saket District Centre, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017, IndiaNew Delhi, India

Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, is a 250-bed facility with 12 modular theatres, emergency care, 50 critical beds, and advanced diagnostic units.

Equipped with 256 Slice CT Angio, 3.0 Tesla MRI, and Cath Labs, it offers Cardiac Sciences, Orthopaedics, Urology, Neurology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology.

With 300+ specialists and advanced technology, it provides comprehens

NABH Accredited
300+ Doctors

22+ Departments

Procedures Offered :

Bariatric, Orthopedic, Neuro & Spine, Cosmetic, & More

Book Appointment

JCI-accredited with high-tech equipment like Da Vinci Robot, Novalis Tx for IMRT/IGRT, Radiosurgery, HIPEC and SRS/SRT for oncology care
Pioneers in all kinds of cancer treatment, including immunotherapy, hormone therapy and stem cell transplant
Highly skilled oncology team, including specialists with over 4 decades of experience

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali

4.6 (11791 Verified Reviews)

W-3, Ashok Marg, near Radisson Blu Hotel, Sector-1, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201012.Ghaziabad, India

Max Super Specialty Hospital in Vaishali, Ghaziabad, is considered one of the best hospitals in Delhi-NCR.

Renowned for its world-class infrastructure, advanced technology, and stringent health and safety standards, it has earned multiple awards and industry accreditations, establishing itself as a leader among healthcare providers.

NABH Accreditation
NABL Accreditation

28+ Specialities

Procedures Offered :

Bariatric, Orthopedic, Neuro & Spine, Cosmetic, & More

Book Appointment

State-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive support services for patients undergoing advanced immunotherapy like CAR-T cell therapy.
Top haematology experts who provide advanced oncology care to patients.
NABH-accredited multidisciplinary hospital with over 260 leading specialists.

Best Specialist for Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in India