Gastro-Intestinal Oncology (Cancers of Digestive tract)
The department works in close association with the Department of Oncology. Management of cancers is handled based on protocols already in place. This close association between the departments allows the patients to get integrated care for their diseases. Unlike most other centres, all phases of the treatment can be completed under one roof. Adjuvant treatment for colorectal cancers, cancers of the stomach and pancreas, cholangiocarcinoma, etc. are taken up after detailed discussions between the surgeon and the oncologist. This interaction helps in the optimisation of the treatment for each patient.
Gastric and Oesophageal Surgery
All major gastric and oesophageal surgeries are undertaken. Minimally invasive gastric and oesophageal surgeries are offered to patients where appropriate. The following conditions are treated regularly:
Gastric Cancer - Palliative and curative resections for gastric and gastro-oesophagal junction cancers are performed frequently, along with gastrectomy with extended lymph node dissections.
Achalasia Cardia - Laparoscopic myotomy is performed with excellent long term results.
Esophageal Cancer - Transthoracic and transhiatal oesophagectomies are also performed regularly. Laparoscopic oesophageal resection offers excellent results with minimal morbidity in the early stage of the disease.
Reflux Disease –In patients with failure of medical management antireflux surgery is offered after discussion with a medical gastroenterologist.
Small Intestine and Colorectal Surgery
The GI Surgery department provides integrated oncology care. The treatment of patients with rectal cancer is planned in consultation with an oncologist to include pre-operative radiotherapy. This approach significantly reduces the risk of recurrence of cancer. The department carries out a variety of procedures and treats conditions including:
Colorectal Cancers - Low anterior resections and stapled pouch anastomosis are carried out routinely. All attempts are made at sphincter preservation. Laparoscopic colorectal resections are being taken up on depending on patient preference and suitability.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - Inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease are handled in consultation with the Medical Gastroenterology department. Advanced procedures like Ileal Pouch Anal Canal Anastomosis (IPAA) are done regularly. Staged procedures for complicated IBD and management of fistulas utilize the services of the integrated stoma care services.
Abdominal Tuberculosis - The advanced facilities available in the hospital permit non-invasive or minimally invasive confirmation of this often obscure pathology.
Rectal Prolapse - Rectal prolapse is being treated routinely by Laparoscopic Rectopexy, thus allowing early return to activity for the patients.
Anal Sphincter Reconstruction and Augmentation - for patients with incontinence due to traumatic injuries to the sphincter.
Proctology clinic- The evaluation and management of complex perianal fistulae is aided greatly by the excellent imaging modalities of conventional and MR fistulograms done in the Radiology department. Stapler hemorrhoidectomy is offered to patients at their choice, avoiding the painful and prolonged convalescence after piles surgery.
