Lesson 1Comprehensive history and focused physical exam for suspected colon cancerThis section focuses on obtaining a comprehensive history and targeted physical exam for suspected right colon cancer, emphasising red-flag symptoms, comorbidities, performance status, abdominal and rectal findings, and documentation relevant to operative planning.
Key symptom inquiry and red-flag featuresOncologic, surgical, and family history detailsMedication, allergy, and anticoagulant reviewPerformance status and frailty assessment toolsAbdominal and digital rectal examination pointsDocumenting findings for staging and planningLesson 2Cross-sectional imaging (CT abdomen/pelvis, CT chest, MRI indications) and staging interpretationThis section reviews optimal use of CT, MRI, and chest imaging for suspected right colon cancer, focusing on staging accuracy, detection of metastases, vascular mapping, and how radiologic findings guide resectability and operative planning.
CT abdomen/pelvis protocol and contrast timingCT chest for metastatic and pulmonary assessmentMRI indications for liver and local stagingRadiologic TNM staging and resectability criteriaIdentifying vascular variants relevant to surgeryLesson 3Cardiopulmonary risk assessment (ASA, METs, ECG, echo, stress testing indications)This section explains structured cardiopulmonary risk assessment, including ASA class, METs, ECG, echocardiography, and stress testing, and how to integrate guideline-based indications into a practical algorithm for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.
Assigning ASA class and documenting comorbiditiesEstimating METs and functional capacity in clinicBaseline ECG indications and interpretation pearlsWhen to order echocardiography preoperativelyStress testing indications and test selectionIntegrating findings into a risk stratification planLesson 4Antithrombotic management and perioperative anticoagulation strategiesThis section details perioperative management of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents, including DOACs, warfarin, and heparin bridging, balancing thrombotic and bleeding risks, and coordinating with cardiology for complex stent or valve patients.
Risk stratification for thrombosis and bleedingStopping and restarting antiplatelet therapyManaging warfarin and INR reversal optionsDOAC interruption schedules and renal functionHeparin bridging indications and protocolsCoordination with cardiology and hematologyLesson 5Nutritional assessment, prehabilitation, and anaemia management protocolsThis section addresses nutritional screening, sarcopenia, prehabilitation, and anaemia management, including iron therapy, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and transfusion thresholds, to reduce complications and support enhanced recovery pathways.
Nutritional screening tools and sarcopenia detectionDietitian referral and optimization strategiesPrehabilitation: exercise and respiratory trainingIdentifying and classifying preoperative anemiaOral versus IV iron and timing before surgeryTransfusion thresholds and ESA use in oncologyLesson 6Preoperative labs: CBC, CMP, coagulation, tumour markers and when to repeatThis section outlines essential preoperative laboratory tests for right hemicolectomy, including CBC, CMP, coagulation profile, and tumour markers, and defines when to repeat or expand testing based on comorbidities, timing, and evolving clinical status.
Baseline CBC interpretation and red flagsCMP, renal function, and electrolyte correctionCoagulation profile and bleeding risk factorsCEA and other tumor markers in colon cancerTiming and indications to repeat abnormal labsAdditional tests for high-risk or frail patientsLesson 7Preoperative multidisciplinary coordination: oncology, anaesthesiology, stoma therapy, geriatrics/medicineThis section describes multidisciplinary coordination before surgery, involving oncology, anaesthesiology, stoma therapy, geriatrics, and internal medicine, to align staging, systemic therapy, risk optimisation, and postoperative support for complex patients.
Indications for tumor board case discussionOncology input on neoadjuvant or adjuvant plansAnesthesiology assessment and optimization goalsStoma therapist evaluation and site markingGeriatrics and medicine comanagement strategiesCommunication and documentation across the teamLesson 8Patient counselling and consent: explaining benefits, risks, alternatives, and oncologic principlesThis section covers structured counselling for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, including explanation of diagnosis, benefits, risks, alternatives, oncologic principles, stoma possibilities, and documentation of informed consent tailored to patient literacy and cultural context.
Explaining diagnosis and surgical objectivesDiscussing benefits and expected oncologic outcomesDetailing surgical and anesthesia-specific risksPresenting nonoperative and palliative alternativesDiscussing stoma risk and postoperative functionBest practices for consent documentation and witnessesLesson 9Interpreting colonoscopy findings, biopsy results, and tumour localizationThis section explains interpretation of colonoscopy reports, biopsy pathology, and tumour localization, including tattooing techniques, correlation with imaging, and how endoscopic findings influence resection extent and lymphadenectomy planning.
Reading colonoscopy reports systematicallyAssessing lesion morphology and synchronous polypsBiopsy handling and key pathology elementsEndoscopic tattooing technique and pitfallsCorrelating endoscopy with cross-sectional imagingImpact on resection margins and lymph node field
