Cancer
Modern approaches to cancer have greatly increased survival rates over the past few decades, but a great deal of importance still lies on your choice of surgeon.
Dr Lorenzo is a skilled surgeon who has performed hundreds of biopsies and tumour removal surgeries. He has a holistic approach that includes pre- and post-surgical management.
Oesophageal Cancer
The type of surgery performed depends on the location and stage of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. The two main types of surgery for oesophageal cancer are oesophagectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).
Oesophagectomy involves the removal of a portion of the oesophagus and nearby lymph nodes, as well as reconstruction of the remaining part of the oesophagus using a piece of the stomach or small intestine. This procedure is typically performed for patients with early-stage cancer or for those with advanced cancer that has not spread to other organs.
EMR is a less invasive procedure, typically used for early-stage cancer or precancerous conditions of the oesophagus. This procedure involves using a special endoscope to remove the tumour or abnormal tissue from the lining of the oesophagus.
In some cases, the cancer may have spread to other parts of the oesophagus or to other organs, making surgery not possible. In these instances, other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used to control the cancer and alleviate symptoms.
It is important to note that the success of surgical treatment for oesophageal cancer depends on many factors including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the experience of the surgical team. After the surgery, patients may need to undergo postoperative therapy such as radiation and chemotherapy to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Stomach (gastric) Cancer
One of the most common surgical procedures for stomach cancer is a gastrectomy, which involves the removal of a portion or the entire stomach. This can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques. Laparoscopic gastrectomy is a less invasive procedure that uses small incisions, making recovery time shorter and less painful.
Another surgical option is an endoscopic submucosal resection (ESD), which is a less invasive procedure, typically used for early-stage cancer or precancerous conditions of the stomach. This procedure involves using a special endoscope to remove the tumour or abnormal tissue from the lining of the stomach.
Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is the gland responsible for producing enzymes that aid in digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. The surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer involves the removal of a tumour or tumours from the pancreas.
The two main types of surgery for pancreatic cancer are pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) and distal pancreatectomy.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy, also known as the Whipple procedure, is the most common surgical procedure for pancreatic cancer. It involves removing the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and the bile duct. This procedure is typically performed for patients with cancer located in the head of the pancreas.
Distal pancreatectomy involves the removal of the tail and body of the pancreas, as well as the spleen. This procedure is typically performed for patients with cancer located in the body or tail of the pancreas.
Liver Cancer
The surgical treatment of liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma, involves the removal of the tumour or tumours from the liver. The main goal of surgery is to completely remove the cancerous tissue and achieve a cure. The type of surgery performed depends on the size, location, and number of tumours, as well as the overall health of the patient.
The most common surgical procedure for liver cancer is a liver resection, which involves removing the portion of the liver containing the tumour. This can be done through an open incision or minimally invasively through small incisions using laparoscopic techniques.
Another surgical option is a liver transplant, which involves removing the entire liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor. This is typically only considered for patients with early stage liver cancer and who have a good chance of survival after the transplant.
In some cases, the cancer may have spread to other parts of the liver or to other organs, making surgery not possible. In these instances, other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used to control the cancer and alleviate symptoms.
It is important to note that the success of surgical treatment for liver cancer depends on many factors including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the experience of the surgical team. It is also important for patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet and exercise after the surgery to increase the chance of recovery.
Expectations
The outcome of surgical treatment varies and depends on various factors such as the stage and location of the cancer, the overall health of the patient and the expertise of the surgical team. It is crucial to work closely with a team of experienced surgeons and oncologists to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. After the surgery, patients may need to undergo additional therapy such as radiation and chemotherapy to minimise the chances of recurrence.
Recovery from surgery can take several weeks or even months, depending on the extent of the surgery. Pain and discomfort are common after the surgery, and patients will likely need to follow a special diet to help the healing process. They will also need to have regular follow-up appointments with Dr Lorenzo to monitor their recovery and ensure that there are no complications or recurrences of the cancer.
