Surgical Oncology
Access exceptional surgical cancer treatment.
Many cancer treatment plans involve surgery to remove cancerous tumors. The surgical oncologists at Novant Health Cancer Institute are highly specialized by cancer type, regularly performing surgery for your condition. To ease your recovery we perform complex procedures using minimally invasive cancer surgeries and the most advanced surgical equipment, like robotic arms, whenever possible.
Understanding Surgical Oncology Treatments.
Robotic Surgery gives your surgeon increased precision and steadiness. At Novant Health, our surgeons are highly skilled in the da Vinci Surgical System®. This procedure uses a robotic arm to guide the surgeon and features high-definition, 3D vision and precision tools.
During this minimally invasive procedure, small incisions are made using a laparoscope. This device is a thin tube with a camera that gives the surgeon an excellent view of the surgical area. Special tools are then used to remove the cancerous growths.
This technique targets tumors using a strong beam of light to eradicate the cancerous cells. The laser can accurately focus on specific areas.
Open surgery is a traditional type of cancer treatment that involves the surgeon making a large incision to remove a tumor. This more invasive surgery may be your best option if cancer has caused significant damage to muscles or tissue.
In this method, your surgeon freezes cancerous or abnormal cells using liquid nitrogen. This minimally invasive procedure typically doesn't leave scarring and heals quickly.
Inpatient oncology surgery
Our inpatient oncology team cares for you when your treatment requires a hospital stay. We want to ensure you receive the highest level of clinical care and support you need as you .
Why inpatient surgery may be necessary
Although our specialists use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, in some instances, your surgical oncologist may recommend performing a procedure in an inpatient setting. That may depend on factors like:
- The complexity of the surgery
- The effect of surgery on the function of the organ or gland where the tumor is being removed
- The potential for complications related to your surgery
- Your family and medical history
- Your general health, age and lifestyle
- Other medical conditions you currently have
- Whether any rehabilitative services are needed after surgery
Recovering from inpatient oncology surgery
Your surgical oncologist is part of your multidisciplinary cancer care team that includes specialized nurses and rehabilitative experts. Depending on the type of surgery and your post-operative needs, you may be connected with physical, occupational, speech, cognitive and mental health therapists. These professionals can help you start the recovery process to regain your strength, functioning and confidence.
Outpatient oncology surgery
Some surgical oncology procedures are performed as outpatient services. Outpatient surgeries are minimally invasive, resulting in less discomfort and faster recovery. After your surgery, our team will ensure you have the support and educational resources you need when you go home.
Recovering from outpatient oncology surgery
You'll typically go home on the same day when your surgery is an outpatient procedure. However, your surgeon may recommend staying overnight for observation to ensure you recover from the operation as expected.
Although outpatient surgeries are typically minimally invasive, it could take weeks or months to recover from your procedure. Your care team may send you home with the following:
- Instructions for wound care at home
- Directions related to appropriate physical activity
- Medications and usage instructions
Your treatment plan may also include follow-up care, including rehabilitative and imaging services, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. We’ll arrange those as part of your care journey.
Surgical specialists for hepatopancreatobiliary cancer
Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cancers include cancers of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. Cancers in this area of the body are usually complex and may require a combination of treatment methods. Novant Health Cancer Institute has some of the state’s few leading surgical experts dedicated to these delicate surgeries, including the Whipple procedure.
Our surgeons use minimally invasive cancer surgery techniques such as endoscopy, interventional radiology or laparoscopic surgery whenever possible. Novant Health has also been an early investor in robotic equipment and training, and our surgical team has significant experience and success using this leading-edge technology with our patients.