Patient Education Colorectal Cancer: Your Care and Recovery | Page 20

Potential Risks and Complications of Surgery
It is important for you to know the risks and benefits of surgery. Your
surgeon will discuss these with you before your surgery. You will have to
sign a consent form authorizing the surgeon to perform the surgery.
The risks and complications of surgery may include but are not limited to:
• Side effects from the anesthesia
• Infection
• Leaking or separation where the colon is reconnected
• Bleeding, with a possible need for a transfusion
• Damage to nearby organs
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs

Complementary Medicine
It is natural to want to help yourself feel better. Some people with cancer say
that complementary medicine helps them feel better.
An approach is called complementary medicine when it is used along with
standard treatment. Examples include:
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Herbal products
• Vitamins or special diets
• Meditation

Talk with your doctor if you are thinking about trying anything new.
Things that seem safe, such as certain herbal teas, may change the
way standard treatment works. These changes could be harmful. Some
approaches could be harmful even if used alone.

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