Cancer surgery of the digestive system
Surgery is often the main treatment for cancers of the stomach, colon and rectum, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. It is planned together with medical and radiation oncologists, so that each patient gets the right treatment in the right order.
- Food pipe, stomach, bowel, liver and pancreas
- Dots: organs where cancer surgery is done
Common signs
When to see a surgeon
- Blood in the stools or black stools
- A change in bowel habit that lasts more than a few weeks
- Weight loss, loss of appetite or tiredness without a clear cause
- Difficulty swallowing, or vomiting after meals
- Yellow eyes or skin without pain
Go to an emergency department now if you vomit blood, pass a large amount of blood, or have severe abdominal pain with a swollen abdomen.
Treatment
What can be done
Treatment starts with finding out exactly what the cancer is and how far it has spread, using endoscopy, a biopsy and scans. The plan may be surgery first, or chemotherapy or radiation first and then surgery.
Surgery removes the part of the organ with the cancer, along with nearby lymph nodes. Depending on the cancer, it can be done by keyhole or open surgery.
Not every cancer is suitable for surgery. When it is not, the reasons and the other options are explained clearly.
From the first test to the last visit
Recovery ruler
Diagnosis
Endoscopy, biopsy and scans to stage the cancer
Planning
Discussion with oncologists; chemotherapy first in some cases
Surgery day
Removal of the cancer with nearby lymph nodes
Hospital stay
Usually several days, depending on the operation
Weeks 2 to 8
Recovery at home; diet built up in stages
Follow-up
Biopsy report, further treatment if needed, and regular checks
Every patient is different. Dr. Aslam Baba will explain your own plan before surgery.
Patients often ask
Questions before surgery
Will I need chemotherapy too?
Many patients do, before or after surgery. It depends on the type and stage of the cancer, which the biopsy and scans show.
Can I bring my reports for a second opinion?
Yes. Bring all scans (with the CD or link), endoscopy and biopsy reports, and any discharge summaries.
Who should come with me?
A family member who will help you through treatment. Decisions about cancer surgery are best made together.
Booking a visit
Send a WhatsApp message with your name and the clinic you prefer.
The clinic team will reply with a time. Bring your old reports, scans and a list of the medicines you take.
Clinic
GastroMed Clinics
Ground Floor, Alam Residency, 10-3-444/4
St Mary's School Road, beside St Ann's Girls High School
Vijaya Nagar Colony, Hyderabad 500057
Monday to Saturday, 2 pm to 10 pm
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Renova Century Hospitals
Road No. 12, Bhola Nagar
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500034
Please call for OPD days and timings
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