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If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, you’re not alone.

~150,000
Americans are affected by colorectal cancer every year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Colon cancer surgery — What you need to know

Colonoscopies can help diagnose colon cancer early. This is important because this type of cancer is highly treatable when detected early. According to the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, “over 90% of patients with localized colorectal cancer are alive five years after diagnosis.” 

Surgery is the primary treatment for colon cancer, and Houston Colon is home to experts in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques.

90%+

Five year survival rate

For patients with localized colorectal cancer.

— American Society of Colon u0026amp; Rectal Surgeons

Types of colon cancer surgery

More than 95% of colon cancer procedures at Houston Colon are performed using minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and the NICE procedure. 

Compared to traditional open surgery, these approaches offer: 

  • Safe removal of cancer without a colostomy in the majority of cases

  • Shorter hospital stay

  • Less post-operative pain

  • Less scarring

  • Lower surgical site infection rates

  • Faster return to normal activity

Wide operating room shot of a da Vinci surgical robot's four instrument arms with a masked staff member in the background.

01

Robotic colon cancer surgery
u003ca href=u0022https://houstoncolon.com/treatments/robotic-surgery/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eRobotic-assisted surgeryu003c/au003e uses a surgeon-controlled robotic platform to perform precise colorectal resections through small port incisions.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eDuring a robotic colon cancer procedure, the surgeon makes two or three small incisions for robotic ports, places a high-definition camera through one port for a magnified view of the colon and surrounding structures, and uses specialized robotic instruments through the remaining ports to remove the cancerous tissue with precision — without a large abdominal incision and without a colostomy in most cases.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe surgeon operates from a console with 10x magnification and 3D visualization, enabling accurate dissection in confined anatomical spaces where conventional techniques are significantly more limited. 

02

Laparoscopic colon cancer surgery
u003ca href=u0022https://houstoncolon.com/treatments/laparoscopic-surgery/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eLaparoscopicu003c/au003e colon cancer surgery in Houston is a minimally invasive approach that uses small incisions, a high-definition camera, and specialized instruments to remove diseased colon tissue.  u003cbru003e u003cbru003eThe surgeon makes two or three small abdominal incisions, places a camera for a magnified view of the surgical area, and uses laparoscopic instruments to perform the resection.  u003cbru003e u003cbru003eThe result is less postoperative pain, lower complication rates, and faster recovery than with open surgery. 

03

The NICE Procedure for Colon Cancer
u003ca href=u0022https://houstoncolon.com/nice-procedure/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eThe NICE Procedureu003c/au003e is the most advanced minimally invasive option currently available for left-sided colon cancer resection.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eDeveloped and first performed by Dr. Eric Haas and the Houston Colon surgical team in 2018, it removes diseased colon tissue entirely without an abdominal wall extraction incision — using the rectum as a natural extraction pathway and leaving only four small port sites.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHouston Colon pioneered this technique and remains the world’s highest-volume center for it. For patients who qualify, it delivers outcomes that no other surgical approach can match.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eSee u003ca href=u0022https://houstoncolon.com/nice-procedure/who-is-a-candidate/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003ewho is a candidate for the NICE procedureu003c/au003e to find out if this approach is appropriate for your case. 

Why the surgical approach matters

Outcomes of colon cancer surgery vary by surgical approach and surgeon volume. However, you can have peace of mind when you select Houston Colon because:

  • u003ca href=u0022https://houstoncolon.com/physicians/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eOur surgeonsu003c/au003e are all fellowship-trained and board-certified. 

  • We are among the highest-volume robotic colorectal surgeons in the world.

  • Houston Colon provides a state-of-the-art facility that can handle even the most complex cases.

Additionally, our minimally invasive colon cancer surgery techniques offer better visualization and precision with lower complication rates. It’s a strong combination for those seeking colon cancer surgery in Houston, TX. 

Understanding the risk factors and early detection of colon cancer

Colon cancer often starts as a polyp, which can be removed during a routine colonoscopy. As a result, getting routine screening for colon cancer can help reduce your risk. It can also help detect colon cancer early, which is when it is most treatable.

It’s also important to understand the risk factors for colon cancer. These include:

Age
As age increases, so does the risk.
Gender
It affects men slightly more than women.
Race
Black patients have the highest incidence of non-hereditary colon cancer.
Family history
Colon cancer can run in families.
Personal history of certain cancers
Some cancers appear to have a hereditary component.
Nutrition
A diet high in red or processed meat has been consistently linked to colon cancer.
Physical inactivity and obesity
Physical inactivity and obesity are linked to colon cancer.
Smoking
People who smoke are more likely to develop colon cancer than people who do not smoke.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Patients with this condition are at greater risk for colon cancer.
Adenomatous polyps
These benign growths may be precursor lesions to colorectal cancer.

Hear from our patients

Dr. Haas is an amazing professional; he is up to date with the latest techniques and procedures. I feel safe and know I am in good hands with his knowledge and caring attitude. Also, Dr. Haas has the most amazing staff; each person you talk with goes above and beyond to answer your questions and make you feel important.

Joy M.

It is easy to write a review on one of the best doctors, Dr. Eric Haas, who was recommended to me for a surgery that I was terrified to go through; the outcome has been great. My recovery was incredible, and I will recommend him to anyone who needs his expertise. His office staff is helpful and kind.

Martha P.

Dr. Haas was a pleasure to work with, and his support staff is great. He explained the surgery process very well, and he was very realistic with me about my surgery recovery time. I felt I knew exactly what to expect before, during and after.

Stacey T.

Visiting this office was literally the best experience I have had in dealing with the medical staff and team. I felt very relaxed and not as nervous or fearful as I normally am in this setting. From reception to everything that followed, the experience was wholly pleasant.

Noe A.

Dr. Haas and his entire staff are great people, always professional and very kind. They treat you as if they’ve known you forever, which is what you want both before and after surgery.

Dawn H.

Frequently asked questions

Surgery is the primary treatment for colon cancer in most cases. The specific approach — robotic, laparoscopic, or the NICE procedure — is determined based on the cancer’s location, stage, and the patient’s individual clinical profile. Your surgeon will outline the recommended approach at your consultation.
Yes. Robotic-assisted colon cancer surgery is Houston Colon’s preferred approach for the majority of cases. It allows for precise oncologic dissection, full lymph node harvest, and minimally invasive extraction, with outcomes that consistently outperform conventional open surgery.
The American Society of Colon u0026amp; Rectal Surgeons states that the five-year survival rate for localized colorectal cancer is u0022u003ca href=u0022https://fascrs.org/Web/Web/Patients/Diseases-and-Conditions/A-Z/Colon-Cancer-Myths-vs.-Reality.aspxu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eover 90%u003c/au003e.” 
Permanent colostomy is uncommon at Houston Colon. Minimally invasive and robotic techniques, including the NICE procedure, significantly reduce the need for a permanent stoma. Your surgeon will discuss the likelihood based on your specific case at your consultation.

Schedule a consultation

Houston Colon’s fellowship-trained surgical team is available to evaluate your case, explain your surgical options, and outline a clear path forward.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003ca href=u0022/insurance/u0022 data-type=u0022linku0022 data-id=u0022/insurance/u0022u003eInsurance verificationu003c/au003e is available prior to your first appointment.  u003cbru003eWith u003ca href=u0022/locations/u0022 data-type=u0022linku0022 data-id=u0022/locations/u0022u003emultiple locations throughout Greater Houstonu003c/au003e, advanced colon cancer surgical care is closer than you think.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eCall u003ca href=u0022https://houstoncolon.com/sitemap/u0022 data-type=u0022pageu0022 data-id=u00222086u0022u003e(713) 832-8888u003c/au003e or u003ca href=u0022/contact-us/u0022u003econtact usu003c/au003e online. 

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