What to do in Advanced Stages of Cancer Surgery

When cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, the treatment process can be managed more controllably. However, in cases of advanced-stage cancer, surgical intervention becomes more complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Advanced-stage cancer surgery varies depending on the tumor's spread, the patient's overall health, and their response to treatment.

In this blog post, we will discuss the basic principles of advanced-stage cancer surgery, what factors need to be considered, and the course of action that patients and physicians should take during the treatment process.

1. The Role of Surgery in Advanced-Stage Cancer

In advanced stages of cancer, surgical treatment is often applied as a palliative or tumor-reducing strategy. The main goals of advanced-stage cancer surgery are:

• To reduce the tumor burden

• To preserve the function of vital organs

• To limit the effects of metastatic spread

• To improve the patient's quality of life

• To provide palliative care

In this process, a multidisciplinary team effort is of great importance. Oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists must work together to create the best treatment plan for the patient.

2. When Can Surgical Intervention Be Performed?

Whether or not surgical intervention can be performed in advanced-stage cancer depends on several factors:

• Tumor Location and Spread: If the cancer has spread to surrounding organs and tissues, surgery may not be the primary treatment option. However, if the tumor can be controlled within certain boundaries, surgery might be considered.

• Patient's Overall Health: Most cancer patients in advanced stages may be frail. Their suitability for surgery must be evaluated.

• Surgical Resectability of the Cancer: If the tumor can be completely removed, surgery can be an option. However, this may not be possible with some metastatic cancers.

• Palliative Purpose Intervention: If the cancer cannot be completely removed, surgery may be performed to relieve the patient's pain or prevent bowel obstruction.

3. Techniques Used in Advanced-Stage Cancer Surgery

Some surgical techniques used in advanced-stage cancer cases include:

Debulking Surgery (Tumor Reduction Surgery) In this procedure, the largest possible part of the tumor is removed. Even in cases where it cannot be completely cleared, reducing the tumor burden can increase the patient's life span and quality of life.

Palliative Surgery This method aims to improve the quality of life for patients with advanced-stage cancer. For example, in a patient with a bowel obstruction, surgery can open the blockage, or a pain-causing tumor can be removed.

Minimally Invasive Methods (Laparoscopic or Robotic Surgery) With the advancement of technology, robotic surgery and laparoscopic methods have started to be used more frequently in advanced-stage cancer surgery. These methods allow the patient to recover faster and experience fewer complications.

HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) This method, especially used in advanced-stage stomach and colorectal cancers, involves applying a heated chemotherapy solution to the abdominal cavity during surgery. This helps to kill any remaining cancer cells.

4. Post-Surgical Process and Patient Follow-up

The process after surgery is quite critical for advanced-stage cancer. Some important points to consider during the post-operative period are:

Intensive Care and Early Recovery Patients with advanced-stage cancer may be monitored in an intensive care unit after a major surgical intervention. Preventing post-anesthesia complications and ensuring stabilization is important.

Monitoring Nutrition and Bowel Functions The nutritional status of patients must be closely monitored after surgery. In some cases, patients may experience digestive system problems after the operation, and nutritionists may be involved in this process.

Combined Treatment with Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be applied after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. This process should be planned according to the patient's individual situation.

Infection and Complication Management The risk of infection is high in advanced-stage cancer surgeries. Regular check-ups should be performed to prevent post-operative complications.

5. What Patients and Their Loved Ones Should Do

There are some points that patients undergoing advanced-stage cancer surgery and their families should pay attention to during this process:

Seeking Psychological Support Patients and their loved ones go through a difficult psychological process during the advanced stages of cancer. Seeking professional support can help them cope with stress.

Balanced and Regular Nutrition Post-operative nutrition is of great importance. Patients should consume protein-rich foods that strengthen the immune system.

Not Neglecting Regular Doctor Check-ups After the surgery, patients must have regular doctor check-ups. Blood tests, imaging methods, and general examinations are important for monitoring the course of the disease.

Not Neglecting Movement and Exercise Inactivity in patients with advanced-stage cancer can negatively affect muscle loss and overall health. Therefore, doing light exercises under a doctor's supervision can be beneficial.

Conclusion

Advanced-stage cancer surgery is a complex process that requires careful consideration of many factors. Surgical methods suitable for the patients' individual situations should be determined, and a multidisciplinary approach must be adopted. Post-surgical patient follow-up, nutrition, psychological support, and other complementary treatments play an important role in improving the patients' quality of life.

In this process, being informed will help both patients and their loved ones manage the treatment process more healthily. The goal of advanced-stage cancer surgery is not only to control the disease but also to improve the patients' quality of life as much as possible.