Max Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi
Elevate Health Solutions, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi
Max Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad
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Dr. Vivek Mangla is a renowned GI and HPB Surgical Oncologist and presently Senior Director at Max Institute of Cancer Care, Max Hospitals, Patparganj and Vaishali, Delhi-NCR. With over two decades of surgical experience and specialized training in India and abroad, Dr. Mangla is recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive GI oncology, pancreatic surgery, colorectal cancer, and liver transplantation.
His academic journey includes an MBBS and MS in Surgery from Maulana Azad Medical College, and MCh in GI Surgery from AIIMS, New Delhi, followed by international fellowships in the UK and USA. Dr. Mangla is a gold medallist in colorectal surgery (FACRSI) and a fellow of multiple surgical societies, including FAIS, FACRSI, and FALS (HPB Surgery).
Dr. Mangla has been honored with multiple prestigious awards:
His research contributions span over 30 PubMed-indexed publications in leading surgical journals and multiple book chapters on surgical gastroenterology. He is affiliated with esteemed bodies such as:
Dr. Mangla believes in a patient-first approach—providing personalized, evidence-based treatment plans while ensuring compassion and clarity in every patient interaction. All surgeries are conducted using international protocols and safety standards, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery, reduce complications, and better outcomes. His dedicated team ensures holistic support through every stage of treatment—from diagnosis to post-operative care.
What Is Rectal Cancer and Why Early Detection Matters
Rectal cancer arises when malignant cells form in the rectum—the final 6–7 inches of the large intestine leading to the anus. While the exact cause remains unclear, several risk factors have been identified, most important of which is presence of polyps in the rectum.
Common Symptoms:
It is important to note that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, such as hemorrhoids. However, rectal bleeding in cancer typically presents as dark or black stools and usually mixed with sttols, whereas hemorrhoidal bleeding is usually bright red and as drops in pan or on wiping tissue.
Colon and rectal cancers are both types of colorectal cancer but differ in location and treatment approaches:
Despite the rectum being part of the colon, these cancers are treated differently due to their distinct anatomical and functional characteristics.
Early detection of rectal cancer significantly simplifies treatment, reduces cost of treatment, improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Timely colonoscopy screenings can identify precancerous polyps, which can be removed before they develop into cancer.
Regular screenings are particularly crucial for individuals over 45 years of age or those with risk factors.
Several factors increase the risk of developing rectal cancer:
While genetics play a role in 1–2% of cases, the majority are lifestyle-driven, highlighting the importance of healthy living and regular screenings.
For a more comprehensive understanding, you may find this video informative:
If you have further questions or need assistance finding specialists in Delhi, feel free to ask.
Advanced Treatment Modalities Offered
Real Patients, Real Results
From the very beginning, Dr. Mangla displayed a remarkable level of knowledge and expertise in the field of colorectal cancer surgeon in Delhi. His ability to explain complex medical concepts in a clear and understandable manner put me at ease and instilled a sense of confidence in his abilities. He took the time to thoroughly assess my condition, discuss treatment options, and answer all of my questions, ensuring that I was well-informed and involved in the decision-making process.

I recently had the privilege of being under the care of Dr. Vivek Mangla, a highly skilled and compassionate colorectal cancer surgeon based in Delhi. After my experience, I can confidently say that Dr. Mangla is an exceptional professional in his field. Here's my review of his expertise and the care I received during my treatment.

Dr Mangla is an excellent surgeon and his numerous accolades and reviews speak for itself. We consulted him for my father's colorectal cancer treatment and he suggested surgery. My father then underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy performed by Dr Mangla at Max Vaishali without any delay. Our experience was very positive overall. He also patiently listened to my questions. His whole team was very polite and helpful in the pre and post admission process.

My Grandmother was diagnosed with Rectal Cancer spreading to Liver, Dr Vivek Mangla guided us through the treatment procedure and started the Treatment immediately with Chemotherapy. The immediate response and treatment plan helped my Grandmother from the pain and suffering she had. Most of her symptoms of pain and blood in stool were resolved before the surgery and then we were informed properly about the Surgery to be done in two phases by Dr Mangla. The process of treatment was quite smooth with Dr Mangla and the way he took care minute details while she was in Hospital is well appreciated.

My father was detected with early stage of Colorectal Cancer, a doctor friend of mine advised us to visit Dr Vivek Mangla. Dr Mangla suggested us to get a surgery done without delay so that the cancer doesn't spread to lymph nodes and other parts. Acting on his advice, I immediately got my father operated by him and by God's grace the biopsy report said cancer did not spread to lymph nodes. Which means Chemo/ radiotherapy is not required and we now just have to get my father tested frequently so that cancer does not relapse. Credit goes to Dr Mangla for his advice and the surgery that he conducted, which put a full stop to the spread of cancer immediately after detection. My father is now recovering and is always singing praises of Dr Mangla. Dr Vivek Mangla is an amazing surgeon and a humble person, as he gives personal touch to a patient's experience which not a lot of doctors would do. If you have any GI related issues, from my personal experience, I would recommend Dr Vivek Mangla :)

You have to be extremely lucky to have an excellent doctor, and choosing your surgeon can be an uphill task . We consider ourselves, very fortunate come across Dr Vivek Mangla for treatment of colorectal cancer and thank our lucky stars for consulting him. Dr. Vivek Mangla is an outstanding doctor with exceptional knowledge and surgical expertise, and a rare gem of a person with an empathetic, kind heart. An extremely competent doctor, he has energy of a young Turk and wisdom of a sage... a very rare combination indeed! At the very first interaction, we were amazed by his knowledge, deep research, and well explained data points. His confidence level put our mind at ease, We knew instantly that we have come to the right place. We let go the thought of second consult option and decided to go with Dr. Vivek . After going through the films ( MRI/PETCT/Colonoscopy /CT Scan) in details he was the first doctor to let us know that chemoradiotherapy CRT is not required in this case. Patient (has colorectal cancer), had already undergone 6 cycles of Chemo and had partial response to the treatment; so the next step would be surgery. He had already discussed this case in Onco GI tumour board and all doctors agreed. He did his homework well . After that we bombarded him with so many queries through WA chat, over days after days and he responded to all of them patiently and reassuringly, be it 5:20 a.m. or 11:30 p.m. We have never seen any doctor who cares for his patients, and their family, this much. After ages, we felt positive and rest assured..... Our heart was calm; fears put to rest, and we knew that half battle has been won. On the day of surgery, we were quite apprehensive of blood requirement, ICU admission etc but after 6 hours of surgery Dr Vivek came to us with a smile and all our tensions vaporised. He showed us the dissected colon and explained too. It was extremely complex surgery but he pulled it quite effectively; no blood requirement , no ICU , no stoma bag and patient could walk few hours after the surgery and had normal bowel at end of 48 hrs! Our special thanks to Dr. Mangla’s team doctors, Dr Suresh, Dr. Neha and Dr. Shruti, Head nurse Kusumlata who are great and capable medical professionals , and are guiding us through the process of recovery. Patient is recuperating at home and though it is still a long road ahead to complete recovery, we feel immensely grateful to have the wonderful Dr. Mangla and his capable team by our side.

Dr Vivek Mangla is very good suregon. My father was suffering from Rectal cancer and it was nightmare for my family. We consulted to Dr. Vivek and he explained us completely procedure and treated my father two weeks back and my father is fine now. Dr. Vivek and his team was very suppotive and they were taking care of my father. Thanks to him and his team.

My father-in-law was diagnosed with Rectal carcinoma around 5 months back during a routine health check-up in Bangalore. We were in Bangalore while he stayed in Jhansi. Being a doctor myself in Bangalore, we extensively searched for surgical oncologists throughout the country. Then someone suggested Dr. Vivek Mangla. We arranged for an OPD consultation with him. In the first visit itself, my father-in- law was very pleased and we decided to go ahead with his line of treatment. The radiotherapy and chemotherapy was completed at Bangalore and surgery at Max, Vaishali. Dr. Vivek was very approachable throughout the treatment and gave us regular updates. We are very thankful to him for his personal touch in our case and wish him all the best in all his future endeavors.

I visited Dr. Vivek Mangla at Max Hospital, vaishali for treatment of my father, diagnosed with rectal carcinoma. Dr vivek is a very generous, humble , and down to earth person, very approachable and available for his patients. My personal experience with him has been great so far. He explains everything very clearly and cares for his patients, to provide them best possible treatment. He is always updated with the health and treatment being provided to his patients. He helps his patients getting them best treatment and supports them emotionally, or planning treatment financially. Dr. Vivek, is always available for his patients, he answered all my queries regarding treatment and expenses, diagnosis and everything. Feeling confident that with Dr. Vivek's treatment would help my father recover faster. I would highly recommend people suffering with such critical illness to get his guidance and advice. God bless Dr. Vivek for the wonderful job to humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rectal Cancer & Its Treatment
Frequent digestive problems or symptoms that resemble common conditions like piles may sometimes be early signs of rectal cancer. These symptoms include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, frequent urge to pass stool, persistent diarrhea, a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, abdominal discomfort, weakness, or unexplained weight loss. If you experience these symptoms repeatedly over a relatively short span of time, or have persistent symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. Early evaluation can help diagnose the condition at the right time and improve treatment outcomes.
Blood in the stool is not normal and should never be ignored. If you notice blood in your stool more than once, or if it is accompanied by pain, constipation, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, weakness, or recent changes in your bowel habits, you should consult a doctor immediately. Timely evaluation can help identify the underlying cause, whether it is hemorrhoids, rectal cancer, or another serious condition. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly increase the chances of successful recovery and better outcomes.
To diagnose rectal cancer, the doctor first evaluates the patient's symptoms, family history, and performs a physical examination. This is followed by a colonoscopy to examine the inside of the rectum and colon. If any suspicious lump or abnormal tissue is found, a biopsy is performed to confirm whether it is cancer. Doing MSI testing on the biopsy, helps decides whether option of immunotherapy alone can help selected patients thereby avoiding radiotherapy, chemotherapy and sometimes surgery too. Additional tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or other imaging studies help determine the stage of the cancer and assist in planning the most appropriate treatment.Once the diagnosis and stage is confirmed, treatment is started without delay based on the stage and extent of the disease.
The most appropriate treatment for rectal cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the size and location of the tumor, and the patient's overall health. If rectal cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, it can often be completely removed through surgery. Sometimes, very early cancer arising in a polyp can be treated definitely with a colonoscopic excision too. However, in some cases, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be required before or after surgery to achieve the best possible outcome. Early diagnosis, timely treatment by an experienced specialist, and following the doctor's recommendations can lead to faster recovery and better treatment outcomes.
If rectal cancer is diagnosed in the first or second stage, it is often treatable, and in most cases, a cure is possible. During the early stages, the tumor or cancerous tissue can usually be removed completely through surgery. However, regular follow-up examinations and monitoring by the doctor are essential even after surgery to detect any signs of recurrence at an early stage. In some patients, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may also be recommended before or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning and to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and care under an experienced specialist significantly improve the chances of recovery and long-term health.
Both robotic and laparoscopic surgery are effective treatment options for rectal cancer, as they are modern, minimally invasive surgical techniques. The most suitable approach depends on the stage of the cancer, the location of the tumor, and the patient's overall health condition. Robotic surgery is known for offering greater precision and better control, while laparoscopic surgery is also a safe and effective option for many patients. The choice of surgery should be made after a detailed discussion between the patient and an experienced specialist, taking into account the individual needs of the patient.
Rectal cancer can often be treated without a permanent stoma bag, but this depends on the stage and extent of the disease. If the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of preserving normal bowel function are much higher, and the most appropriate treatment plan can be determined. With the help of modern surgical techniques, it is often possible to preserve the anal sphincter and avoid a permanent stoma even in patients who present late. However, in some advanced cases especially those with very distal cancers with involvement of external; sphincters, a permanent stoma bag may be necessary to ensure the patient's safety and achieve the best possible treatment outcome.
Rectal cancer is divided into four main stages. The first and second stages are considered the early stages. During these stages, the tumor or cancerous tissue can often be removed through surgery, and medications or other treatments may also be used when needed. Patients diagnosed at these stages generally have a higher chance of recovery and better treatment outcomes.The third and fourth stages are considered advanced and more complex. In these stages, treatment may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, depending on the extent of the cancer. Although treatment can help control the disease and improve both survival and patient's quality of life, the chances of recovery are generally lower than in the early stages. However, about 70% patients can achieve cure even in stage III rectal cancers. Some patients with stage IV cancers especially those with limited spread to liver, lungs or peritoneal cavity can be treated with curative intent with significant improvement in survival.
Yes, it is true that in some cases, rectal cancer can return even after successful treatment or surgery. The risk of recurrence may also increase if the patient does not follow the doctor's instructions properly after surgery or misses prescribed medications and follow-up care. The chances of the cancer returning are generally lower when it is diagnosed and treated in the first or second stage. However, in patients with stage III or stage IV rectal cancer, the risk of recurrence remains higher. Most patients with stage III rectal cancers will achieve cure. Some patients with stage IV cancers especially those with limited spread to liver, lungs or peritoneal cavity can be treated with curative intent with significant improvement in survival.
In cases of rectal cancer, Dr. Vivek Mangla is a highly experienced specialist and a trusted choice for treatment. Based on his expertise and extensive experience, he evaluates each patient's condition carefully and recommends the most appropriate tailored treatment plan. Dr. Vivek Mangla uses modern treatment techniques and advanced surgical approaches to provide personalized care. Treatment is started only after a thorough evaluation and detailed investigations, helping ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
If rectal cancer is diagnosed timely, it can often be treated successfully with surgery alone. Early diagnosis, timely treatment, and following the specialist's recommendations significantly reduce the risk of the cancer returning. However, in some advanced or high-risk cases, rectal cancer may recur even after surgery. In such situations, additional treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be required. Therefore, it is important for patients to remain under regular follow-up with their doctor and continue to follow all medical advice even after completing treatment.
The survival rate for rectal cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's age, overall health, and the type of treatment received at the right time. If rectal cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival are significantly higher. However, when the disease is detected at an advanced stage, the chances of recovery become understandably lower, and treatment becomes more complex. Even in advanced cases, modern treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can provide good outcomes when treatment is started promptly and managed appropriately. With appropriate treatment, survival rate for patients with rectal cancer is far better than most other cancers affecting the human body.
Recovery after rectal cancer surgery may take approximately 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the patient's age, overall health, the type of surgery performed, and the stage of the cancer. If radiotherapy or chemotherapy is given before or after surgery, the recovery period may be longer than usual. The patient's active participation is also essential for a successful recovery. Minimally invasive surgery (both laparoscopic and robotic surgery) help patients recover faster and get back to their normal activities sooner. Following the doctor's instructions, attending regular follow-up appointments, and maintaining a balanced diet can help promote faster healing and improve overall recovery.
Yes, rectal cancer is often curable, especially when detected early. Most patients with rectal cancer have good survival outcomes with appropriate treatment. Even in advanced stages, such as Stage IV, cure is possible in selected patients through a combination of surgery and multimodal therapies like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation.
Survival rates for rectal cancer vary by stage:
Better outcomes are achievable with timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plans.
The duration of recovery varies based on the complexity of the surgery and the overall health of the patient. It is noted that elderly patients, even those over 70 years old, can recover well with proper preparation. For example, an 80-year-old patient underwent successful surgery for Stage IV rectal cancer, which included the removal of liver metastasis, with good long term outcomes.
In cases of early-stage rectal tumors, a stoma is typically avoidable. However, in advanced cases where radiation and chemotherapy are required before surgery, a temporary stoma will be necessary in most patients but is often reversible after treatment. Advanced surgical techniques are aimed at preserving normal bowel function, thereby reducing the need for permanent colostomies, even in the case of distal rectal cancers. Less commonly, a permanent stoma may be needed for patients with disral rectal cancers, involvement of sphincters or poor sphincter function.
For a more in-depth understanding, you might find this video informative:
Visit for the Best Rectal Cancer Treatment in Delhi
Max Hospital Patparganj
Room No. 1001, Ground Floor,
New Building
Max Hospital Vaishali
Room No. 2623, 6th Floor, Tower 2
Specialist Clinic
D23, Block D, Rajori Garden, New Delhi