Top 5 Most Common Surgical Procedures in Oncology and What to Expect
In the fight against cancer, surgery remains one of the most effective tools, especially when it’s performed to remove a tumor or alleviate symptoms. There are a variety of surgical options depending on the type, stage, and location of cancer, each tailored to help improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Here’s a look at the top five most common surgical procedures in oncology, along with insights on what patients can expect.
1. Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery often used for early-stage breast cancer. In this procedure, only the cancerous tissue and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed, allowing the patient to retain most of the breast.
- What to Expect: Lumpectomies are generally performed under general anesthesia, though some may only require local anesthesia. Patients can typically go home the same day, with minimal scarring and shorter recovery time compared to a mastectomy. Follow-up treatments like radiation are often recommended to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated.
2. Mastectomy
A mastectomy involves the removal of one or both breasts, often as a treatment for breast cancer or as a preventive measure for high-risk patients. There are various types of mastectomies, including total mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, and skin-sparing mastectomy.
- What to Expect: Mastectomies are more invasive than lumpectomies and typically require a few days of hospital stay. Recovery may take several weeks, and there may be soreness, swelling, or drainage around the incision. Many patients opt for breast reconstruction surgery afterward, either immediately or as a separate procedure, to rebuild the shape of the breast.
3. Prostatectomy
A prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland, commonly used to treat localized prostate cancer. This procedure can be done traditionally or with minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery.
- What to Expect: Prostatectomy is generally performed under general anesthesia and may require a short hospital stay. Minimally invasive robotic-assisted prostatectomy has become increasingly popular, as it often results in less blood loss and quicker recovery. Patients may experience temporary side effects, such as urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction, which typically improve over time.
4. Colectomy
A colectomy involves the removal of part or all of the colon and is commonly used to treat colon cancer. Depending on the cancer’s location, a partial, total, or segmental colectomy may be recommended.
- What to Expect: Colectomies are usually performed under general anesthesia, and recovery may take several days to weeks. After surgery, patients may need to adapt to changes in bowel function. In some cases, a temporary or permanent stoma (an opening for waste to leave the body) is created. With minimally invasive techniques, recovery time and hospital stays are often shorter.
5. Lung Resection (Lobectomy)
A lobectomy involves the removal of one of the lobes of the lungs and is a common surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. This procedure helps prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the lung and body.
- What to Expect: Lobectomies are performed under general anesthesia and often involve a hospital stay of several days. Minimally invasive options, like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), are frequently used to reduce pain and recovery time. After surgery, patients may experience fatigue and some difficulty breathing, but these typically improve over time with proper rehabilitation.