Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
Message from Dr. Ajay Simha
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families. When surgery is recommended, patients naturally have concerns about the type of surgery, recovery, pain, possible complications, and how the procedure may affect their daily life.
Advances in surgical techniques have made it possible to treat selected cancers through minimally invasive approaches. These techniques use smaller incisions and specialized instruments, with the surgeon guided by a camera and high-definition images of the operating area.
I am Dr. Ajay Simha, Consultant Surgical Oncologist (Cancer Surgeon), and this page provides an overview of minimally invasive cancer surgery, including when it may be considered, how patients are evaluated, available surgical approaches, and what to expect during recovery.
What Is Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery?
Minimally invasive cancer surgery is a surgical approach in which cancer is removed through a few small incisions rather than a single large incision used in conventional open surgery.
When is Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery Recommended?
Minimally invasive surgery may be considered when the cancer can be safely and effectively removed using this approach.
The suitability of the technique depends on several factors, including:
- Type and location of the cancer
- Size and extent of the tumour
- Stage of the cancer
- Involvement of nearby organs or lymph nodes
- Previous abdominal or chest surgeries
- Patient’s overall health and fitness for surgery
- Response to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, when these treatments have been given
- Ability to achieve complete cancer removal safely through a minimally invasive approach
Not every cancer or every patient is suitable for minimally invasive surgery. The surgical approach is selected after detailed evaluation, with the primary goal being safe and complete cancer treatment.
Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
Before recommending minimally invasive cancer surgery, a detailed evaluation is performed to understand the cancer and assess the patient’s fitness for surgery.
Imaging investigations such as CT scans, MRI, PET-CT or other appropriate scans may be used to determine the location and extent of the tumour.
A biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer. Depending on the cancer, additional investigations may be required to assess nearby lymph nodes or possible spread to other organs.
Treatment Options for Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
Cancer treatment depends on the type, stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Surgery may be one part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan and may be combined with other cancer treatments when appropriate.
For selected solid tumours that are localized and technically suitable for removal, surgery may be used to remove the cancer along with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed when required for cancer staging and treatment. When appropriate, the operation can be performed using a minimally invasive approach instead of conventional open surgery.
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy or control cancer cells. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour, after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or as part of treatment for more advanced disease.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended before or after surgery for certain cancers and can also be used in combination with other treatments depending on the treatment plan.
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Its use depends on the type and stage of cancer and specific characteristics of the tumour.
Targeted therapy uses medicines designed to act on specific molecules or biological features involved in cancer growth. These treatments may be recommended when the tumour has particular molecular or genetic characteristics that make it suitable for targeted treatment.
Supportive Care
Supportive care is an important part of cancer treatment and helps patients maintain their strength, nutrition, mobility and overall well-being during treatment and recovery.
Nutritional Support
Good nutrition is important before and after cancer surgery. Some patients may have difficulty eating because of the cancer, previous treatment, or the effects of surgery. A nutrition plan may be recommended based on the patient’s nutritional status, type of cancer and planned treatment. Nutritional support can help patients maintain strength and support recovery.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy and early mobilization may form an important part of recovery after cancer surgery. Depending on the type of operation, physiotherapy may help improve mobility, breathing, muscle strength and return to daily activities.
Surgical Approaches for Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
horacoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive approach used for selected procedures within the chest. A thoracoscope provides a view of the chest cavity through a small incision, while specialized instruments are used through additional small incisions.
It may be used for selected lung and other chest procedures depending on the location and extent of the disease.
Recovery After Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
Recovery depends on the type and extent of cancer surgery, the patient’s general health and whether additional treatments are required.
Patients are monitored after surgery for pain, bleeding, infection and other possible complications. Wound care, nutrition, mobility and activity are gradually progressed according to the type of operation.
Dr. Ajay Simha has experience in advanced cancer surgery using minimally invasive and open surgical techniques. The choice of surgical approach is individualized, with emphasis on
Frequently Asked Questions
Minimally invasive cancer surgery is a technique in which cancer surgery is performed through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments. Laparoscopic, thoracoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures are examples of minimally invasive surgery.
No. The suitability of minimally invasive surgery depends on the type, location and stage of cancer, the extent of the tumour and the patient's overall health. Some cancers or complex cases may be better treated with open surgery.
For appropriately selected patients, minimally invasive surgery may offer smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, reduced scarring and a faster recovery compared with conventional open surgery. The benefits vary depending on the procedure and individual patient.
No. Robotic-assisted surgery is controlled entirely by the surgeon. The robotic system holds and moves specialized instruments based on the surgeon's hand movements and provides an enhanced view of the surgical field.
Dr. Ajay Simha provides individualized evaluation and surgical treatment planning for patients who may be suitable for minimally invasive cancer surgery.