Part of Sant's colon removed

A section of Labour leader Alfred Sant's colon was removed during his operation last Thursday in order to extract a malignant tumour, The Sunday Times has learnt.

Results of laboratory tests, which are expected to establish the type of tumour and whether it has been completely expelled, are expected in the next few days.

It is understood that Dr Sant's doctors are cautiously optimistic that the tumour has not spread to other parts of his body, but further tests may be required to confirm this.

The outcome of all the laboratory tests will also establish whether the 59-year-old Labour leader will require chemotherapy or merely a period of rest.

Dr Sant underwent a three-and-a-half hour operation at Mater Dei Hospital on Thursday. No details were given of the nature of the surgery, other than that the operation was "major" and a "success".

In its daily health bulletin yesterday, the Labour Party said that Dr Sant's condition had improved and that some of the tubes attached to his body had been removed. With the assistance of physiotherapists, he also managed to walk along the corridors of his ward.

Dr Sant's operation, and the scant details provided by official sources, have given rise to a great deal of speculation about the nature of his condition.

There have also been hints within some quarters of the MLP of manoeuvres for a change in leadership, particularly since a general election is approaching.

However, when contacted, MLP general secretary Jason Micallef insisted that the party was four-square behind Dr Sant, whom he said was determined to return for the election campaign.

One official said that Dr Sant will probably make his first public appearance proper at Labour's annual general conference at the end of January.

Asked whether the leader's condition had derailed the MLP's preparations for an electoral campaign, even if it were held in February, Mr Micallef said:

"Even in these circumstances... this is a very strong and organised party and we're prepared to go for it, even if it's held then (in February). Judging by the medical bulletins we're receiving I'm hopeful that Dr Sant will be doing very well during the election campaign."

However, the Office of the Prime Minister would not be drawn into commenting on the implications of Dr Sant's condition on the timing of the election.

In a curt reply, the OPM said: "The Prime Minister has nothing to add except that he wishes Dr Sant a complete and speedy recovery."

Colon tumours

The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine.

Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Malignant tumors of the large intestine are called cancers.

Cancer of the colon and rectum (also referred to as colorectal cancer) can invade and damage adjacent tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also break away and spread to other parts of the body (such as liver and lung) where new tumors form.

The spread of colon cancer to distant organs is called metastasis of the colon cancer. Once metastasis has occurred in colorectal cancer, a complete cure of the cancer is unlikely.

Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the location, size, and extent of cancer spread, as well as the age and health of the patient.

Complications occur if the cancer has spread and this will be established by what is known as histology - the samples which have been sent to a laboratory to establish the extent of the tumour and what kind of further treatment is required.

When the tumour is malignant, how well a patient does depends on several factors, including how early treatment has been administered.

In general, when treated at an early stage, more than 90 per cent of patients survive at least five years after their diagnosis. However, only about 39 per cent of colorectal cancer is found at an early stage.

Globally, a malignant tumour of the colon and rectum is the third leading cause of cancer in males. It is common in the Western world and is rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing.

Factors that increase a person's risk of colorectal cancer include high fat intake, a family history of colorectal cancer and polyps, and the presence of polyps in the large intestine.

Surgeon Anthony Zammit gave no details on the nature of Thursday's intervention itself, which he termed as a major operation. The surgeon insisted that the Opposition leader now needs rest and that no visitors will be allowed for the 10 days he is expected to stay at Mater Dei Hospital.

The details provided about Dr Sant's operation are in stark contrast to those provided when former Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami underwent a triple bypass heart operation. In 1999, heart surgeon Alex Manché had given a press conference and the Department of Information provided detailed daily updates.