Questions patients actually ask.
Straightforward, careful answers about cancer surgery — because understanding your options is the first step to confident decisions.
Common questions about keyhole and minimally invasive cancer surgery.
Many cancers can be operated laparoscopically when the tumour type, stage and anatomy are suitable. Complete, safe removal always comes first — the approach is chosen to serve that goal.
Sometimes, but not always. Advanced or complex disease may be treated more safely and completely with open surgery. The decision is made after full evaluation.
For appropriately selected patients, smaller incisions can mean less postoperative discomfort and a quicker recovery — but this varies by operation and individual.
Recovery depends on the cancer, the operation and the person. Many patients recover faster than after equivalent open surgery, but your team will give you a realistic picture for your case.
Neither is universally better. Each suits different situations and for many operations the outcomes are comparable. The right choice depends on the specific cancer and patient.
Open surgery is recommended whenever it is the safest way to remove the cancer completely. It remains the right answer for many cancers.
Understanding cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy.
HIPEC (Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) is heated chemotherapy circulated inside the abdomen during surgery, to target microscopic cancer cells that surgery alone cannot remove.
CRS (Cytoreductive Surgery) is the surgical removal of visible tumour deposits from within the abdomen, usually performed together with HIPEC in the same operation.
It is considered for selected patients whose cancer has spread to the peritoneal lining. Suitability is decided only after detailed staging and multidisciplinary discussion.
Practical questions about seeing a surgical oncology team.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, advised surgery, or want a second opinion on a surgical plan, a surgical oncologist can help you understand your options.
A second opinion is an independent review of your diagnosis and treatment plan by another specialist team — helpful before major decisions, and something patients are entitled to seek.
Bring any biopsy or pathology reports, imaging (PET-CT, CT, MRI, ultrasound) with films or discs, previous surgery or discharge summaries, and a list of your current medications.
Yes. You can share your reports in advance so the team can guide you on the appropriate next step before you travel for a consultation.
Can't find your question? Ask the surgical team and we'll guide you.
Talk to a specialist about your diagnosis.
Share your reports or questions and our team will respond quickly. An enquiry is not an appointment — just the first, easy step.