Gastrointestinal Oncology Surgery

Gastrointestinal oncology surgery is a specialized field of surgery that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancers affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract includes organs such as the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine (colon and rectum), and anus. Gastrointestinal oncology surgeons work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, and pathologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with GI cancers.

Here are some common types of gastrointestinal oncology surgeries:

Esophagectomy: This surgery involves the removal of part or all of the esophagus (the tube connecting the throat to the stomach) to treat esophageal cancer. Depending on the location and extent of the tumor, different surgical techniques may be employed, including open surgery or minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery.

Gastrectomy: Gastrectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the stomach and is commonly performed to treat stomach (gastric) cancer. Depending on the location and stage of the cancer, different types of gastrectomy may be performed, including subtotal gastrectomy (partial removal of the stomach) or total gastrectomy (complete removal of the stomach). In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.

Hepatectomy: Hepatectomy involves the surgical removal of part or all of the liver to treat liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or to remove liver metastases from other gastrointestinal cancers. The extent of the hepatectomy depends on the size, location, and number of tumors, as well as the overall liver function.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure): The Whipple procedure is a complex surgical procedure performed to treat pancreatic cancer or tumors located at the head of the pancreas. It involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, a portion of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder, and sometimes a portion of the stomach. The remaining organs are then reconnected to restore digestive function.

Colorectal Surgery: Colorectal surgery encompasses various procedures performed to treat colon or rectal cancer. These procedures may include colectomy (partial or total removal of the colon), rectal resection, and ostomy creation (such as colostomy or ileostomy) when necessary. Minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, may be used whenever possible.

Surgeries