What treatment is recommended for a patient diagnosed with non-metastatic, obstructing colon cancer?

For a patient diagnosed with non-metastatic, obstructing colon cancer, the recommended treatment typically involves creating a bowel diversion to manage the obstruction before performing definitive surgery. This is due to the need to alleviate symptoms and ensure the patient can tolerate surgery without the risk of complications associated with an obstructed bowel.

A diverting colostomy serves as an initial intervention that allows for the decompression of the bowel and addresses any urgent issues related to the obstruction. Once the patient is stabilized and the acute symptoms managed, a colectomy can be performed to remove the cancerous part of the colon along with involved lymph nodes. This two-step approach enhances the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome and reduces the risk of postoperative complications that can arise from operating on an obstructed or inflamed bowel.

The rationale behind this strategy includes improving patient safety and allowing for better surgical conditions. It also provides the opportunity for thorough staging of the cancer and ensures that any necessary adjuvant therapies can be planned based on the pathologic findings post-surgery.

Overall, the combination of diverting colostomy followed by a definitive colectomy aligns with established protocols for treating obstructing colon cancer while allowing for comprehensive management of the disease.