Surgical Oncology

The Department of Surgical Oncology provides surgical care to patients with solid tumours in combination with adjuvant treatments. Major surgical management of the cancers of the breast, gastro-oesophageal, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, colorectal, genitourinary, gynecological, head and neck, endocrine and musculoskeletal tumours are conducted. 

Our 24 x 7 in-hospital specialty services include: 

• Gynaecologic Oncology Services 

Surgical experts at the Department of Gynaecologic Oncology offer integrated approach to gynecologic cancers and also for complex benign gynecologic diseases. The department offers: 

• Cancer Treatment: For all gynecologic cancers 
• Preventive Services: Prevention of cervical cancers, Breast cancer screening 
• Special Services: Multidisciplinary Tumour Boards, Oncofertility services 

• Cancer Treatment 

We offer treatment for all gynecologic cancers including cancer of ovary, uterus, cervix and vulva. Each patient is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board including medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists before planning appropriate treatment. 

Surgeries offered 

• Endometrial cancer - staging surgeries, debulking surgeries for advanced disease. 
• Ovarian cancer - staging surgeries, complete cytoreduction for advanced disease, interval cytoreduction after chemotherapy, surgery for recurrent ovarian cancers, fertility sparing staging surgeries for young women, surgery for borderline ovarian tumors. 
• Cervical cancer - radical surgery for early cervical cancer and exenterative surgery for recurrent cervical cancer. 
• Cancer of vagina and vulva - radical vulvectomy, inguinal node dissection, radical surgeries for vaginal cancers. 
• Benign surgeries - surgeries for complex endometriosis with frozen pelvis. 

Latest Surgical Advances 

• Minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery:   
  At Amrita Hospital, we offer the entire range of minimally invasive surgery from advanced laparoscopy to robotic assisted surgery. AIMS is one of the pioneering Centre in India for robotic assisted surgery in gynecology with over 800 complex gynaecologic surgeries completed robotically so far. 
• Sentinel Node mapping:   
  Sentinel node mapping is a method which helps to identify the lymph nodal spread of cancers accurately. AIMS pioneered the sentinel node mapping for endometrial cancer with the help of indocyanine green dye.  
• Enhanced recovery protocols:   
  Every patient undergoing surgery at the gynecologic oncology department is managed with the help of enhanced recover protocols which helps in faster recovery. 
• Intraperitoneal chemotherapy:   
  Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a modality used in the management of ovarian cancers. It is offered to suitable patients after ovarian cancer surgery to improve the delivery of chemotherapy to diseased tissues and enhance disease control. 

• Preventive Services 

We offer comprehensive cancer screening services for women. 

Prevention of Cervical Cancers 

• HPV based screening 
• Pap smear tests 
• Colposcopy 
• Cervical cancer vaccination 

Breast Cancer Screening 

• Mammography 
• Breast ultrasound 
• A 1.5 T, 8 channel coil, Breast MRI unit 

Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer Screening in Legitimate Population 

• Specific tumour markers 
• Advanced imaging techniques 

• Special Services 

Multidisciplinary Tumour Boards 

At Amrita Hospital, each cancer patient is evaluated by a multidisciplinary tumour board, including medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, and oncopathologists, to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.  

Oncofertility Services 

Amrita Hospital offers special onco-fertility clinics for younger women with cancer who desire pregnancy. These clinics provide an opportunity for patients to discuss and implement the best option for preserving fertility in association with a fertility specialist. This helps ensure that cancer treatment does not interfere with the patient's ability to have children in the future. 

Genetic Counselling 

A dedicated genetic counsellor is available at Amrita Hospital to help patients assess their genetic risks for cancer. With modern genetic testing, patients and their families can determine if they carry an increased risk, allowing them to take preventative measures if necessary. The genetic lab at AIMS has the capability to test for a wide range of genetic mutations that can cause cancer, including the BRCA mutations. 

Oncopsychology 

The diagnosis of a cancerous lesion and the subsequent treatment period can be stressful for both patients and their caregivers. Amrita Hospital offers the services of a dedicated oncologist to help alleviate this stress. 

Lifestyle management 

Patients and caregivers often have concerns about diet, permitted activities, exercise, and return to work during and after cancer treatment. Amrita Hospital provides integrated lifestyle management support, including access to experts such as dietitians, counsellors, and physiotherapists. 

• Breast Disease Division

The Breast Diseases Division at Amrita Hospital is unique in its approach to breast health, offering a full range of services dedicated to total breast care. The goal of the division is to provide:  

• Comprehensive breast health services with a focus on holistic health 
• Dedicated team of breast cancer experts and compassionate clinical staff 
• State-of-the-art facility for best possible patient experience 
• Promotion of breast cancer awareness and education through various programs 
• Early breast cancer detection through screening mammograms 
• Excellent multidisciplinary treatment options including surgical, medical, reconstructive and radiation 
• Integrated lifestyle management services including counselling and rehabilitation and cosmetology 
• Oncoplastic surgical techniques for breast cancer removal while preserving the breast aesthetically 
• Expert multidisciplinary team for complete and comprehensive care for all breast problems 
• Technologically advanced imaging, pathology, and treatment departments for one-stop solution for all breast issues 
• Evidence-based and ethical treatment approach with weekly tumour boards and multi-disciplinary breast team.

• Head and Neck Oncology Services

The head and neck oncology division treats all malignancies of the head and neck region and has the expertise to perform complex craniofacial surgeries and microvascular reconstruction. 

GI Oncology Services 

The Gastrointestinal Oncology division undertakes the care of all GI malignancies including oesophagus, pancreas, liver, colon, rectum and anus. Our division has considerable expertise in procedures such as hepatectomy, Whipple’s Procedure, total mesorectal excision and laparoscopic oncologic procedures. 

Neuro-Oncology Services 

An active Neuro-Oncology programme under the Department of Neurosurgery has the facilities for the comprehensive management of all central nervous system and craniospinal neoplasms. These include cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA), neuro-endoscopic and stereotactic biopsy, transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors and advanced skull-base and micro neurosurgical techniques. 

Orthopaedic Oncology Services 

The Centre for Orthopaedics provides surgical treatment of muscle and bone tumours and works closely with the Cancer Centre to coordinate additional follow-up care for cancer patients. Pre and post-operative chemotherapy improves the prognosis to a large extent and is carried out with the help of the Oncology Department. 

• Multidisciplinary Tumour Boards 

The availability of all associated departments under a roof makes the management of most malignancies easier for the patient and physician. There is a strong emphasis on multi-disciplinary approach to treat the patient with tumor board meetings being held regularly to discuss the cases and decide the best management options for the patient. 

Phone: 0484 - 6683040, 0484 - 2853040, 0484 - 6683041, 0484 – 2853041 
Email: surgicaloncology@aims.amrita.edu