Abdominal Cancer Surgeries
Abdominal cancer is a type of cancer that happens when there is an uncontrolled development of abnormal cells anywhere in the abdomen, the region between the lower chest and the groin.
overview
Abdominal cancer surgeries are complex procedures performed to remove cancerous tumors or tissues from organs located within the abdominal cavity. These surgeries play a central role in the treatment and management of various cancers affecting abdominal organs such as the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, colon, kidneys, ovaries, and others. The primary objective is to eliminate as much of the cancer as possible, reduce symptoms, prevent the spread of disease, and improve the patient’s survival and quality of life.
Surgical treatment of abdominal cancer depends on several factors including the type and stage of cancer, its location, whether it has spread to surrounding tissues or distant organs, and the patient's overall health. In some cases, surgery is used as a curative treatment, aiming to completely remove the tumor. In other situations, it may be palliative, intended to relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or bowel obstruction when a cure is not possible.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Many abdominal cancer surgeries involve the removal of part or all of the affected organ. For instance, in colon or rectal cancer, the diseased portion of the intestine may be removed and the remaining healthy sections reconnected. In cases of stomach cancer, a partial or total gastrectomy may be performed. Liver and pancreatic surgeries, such as hepatectomy or Whipple procedure, are more complex and are usually done in specialized centers due to the critical functions and blood supply of these organs.
Modern surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries, have greatly improved recovery times, reduced post-operative pain, and minimized complications. These minimally invasive approaches are increasingly used for appropriate cases, offering patients quicker return to normal activities with fewer visible scars. However, some cancers may require traditional open surgery due to the size or spread of the tumor.
In certain scenarios, surgery may be combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, either before (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor or after (adjuvant) to destroy remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence. In some advanced cases, procedures such as cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are performed, where visible tumors are surgically removed and heated chemotherapy is circulated within the abdomen to target microscopic cancer cells.
Recovery after abdominal cancer surgery varies widely depending on the extent of the operation and the patient’s condition. It often involves a period of hospitalization, dietary modifications, pain management, and gradual return to physical activity. Emotional and psychological support is also vital, as cancer diagnosis and treatment can be mentally and emotionally challenging.