Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second leading cause of cancer mortality among men, and the third leading cause among women. Worldwide, CRC is the fourth most common cancer with approximately 1 million new cases annually. Unfortunately, advanced disease at diagnosis is still all too common. Locally advanced rectal cancer, node-positive colon cancer, and metastatic disease still compose a significant proportion of colon and rectal cancer. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, providing definitive management and potential cure in early cases, and effective palliation in advanced cases. Chemotherapy and, sometimes, radiotherapy are essential components of effective treatment. This article briefly reviews the general principles of surgical management and describes recent developments.