Whipple (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
- Removes pancreatic head and nearby structures (duodenum, bile duct, gallbladder) for pancreatic/periampullary cancers.
- Goal: complete tumor removal (negative margins) and adequate lymph node sampling.
- ERAS pathways support recovery with early movement and feeding as tolerated.
FAQs
Am I a candidate for minimally invasive Whipple?
Depends on tumor size/location, vessel involvement, and prior treatment. Imaging guides the safest approach.
How long is the hospital stay?
Often about a week, but varies with individual factors and intraoperative findings.
Hepatectomy
- Partial liver removal for primary tumors (HCC, cholangiocarcinoma) or metastases.
- Pre‑op planning assesses future liver remnant and liver function.
- Robotic approaches may be used for selected lesions, especially peripheral/segmental resections.
FAQs
Will I need a drain?
Sometimes, depending on the extent of resection and intraoperative findings.
When can I return to activity?
Light activity within days; full recovery varies from weeks to months.
Gastrectomy
- Removal of part or all of the stomach with reconstruction for gastric cancer.
- Extent (partial vs. total) depends on tumor location and stage.
- Nutritional counseling is integral before and after surgery.
FAQs
Will I eat normally after?
Diet progresses gradually; small, frequent meals are typical after major resections.
Is robotic gastrectomy safe?
When indicated, robotic techniques can meet oncologic standards while supporting recovery.
Esophagectomy
- Removes a portion of the esophagus with reconstruction for cancer.
- Often combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
- Minimally invasive techniques can reduce pulmonary complications.
FAQs
Will I need a feeding tube?
Temporary feeding access is common to support nutrition during recovery.
When can I swallow?
Swallowing is advanced carefully after imaging confirms healing.
Colectomy & Rectal Surgery
- Right/left colectomy or rectal resections depending on tumor location.
- Total mesorectal excision principles for rectal cancer to optimize oncologic control.
- Robotic platform facilitates precise pelvic dissection and nerve preservation.
FAQs
Is an ostomy required?
Sometimes temporarily to protect a low anastomosis; we review specifics pre‑op.
Recovery timeline?
Most patients walk the day of/after surgery; full activity resumes over weeks.
Cytoreductive Surgery & HIPEC
- Removes visible peritoneal disease; HIPEC in selected cases.
- Patient selection based on disease distribution and biology.
- Robotics can aid selected steps in appropriate patients.
FAQs
Who is a candidate?
Depends on cancer type, peritoneal cancer index, and response to therapy.
Hospital stay?
Varies widely with case complexity; expectations are individualized.
Melanoma Surgery
- Wide local excision with margins based on Breslow depth.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging when indicated.
- Coordination with medical oncology for adjuvant therapy as appropriate.
FAQs
Will I have a scar?
Yes—incisions are planned for oncologic safety and cosmetic outcome.
Do all melanomas need lymph node surgery?
No; indications depend on depth, ulceration, and pathologic features.
Sarcoma Surgery
- Soft tissue and retroperitoneal sarcomas; often complex, multi‑organ resections.
- Emphasis on en‑bloc resection with negative margins.
- Multidisciplinary planning with imaging, medical and radiation oncology, and reconstruction as needed.
FAQs
Is radiation part of treatment?
Often yes, before or after surgery depending on tumor type/location.
How do you protect nearby organs?
We plan resections to remove tumor en‑bloc while preserving function when safe.