Surgery
Some cancers can be treated without surgery but many patients
will need an operation under either a general or local
anaesthetic.
Surgery enables your doctors to remove the tumour, tissue around
it which may also contain cancer cells and sometimes also lymph
nodes which can be instrumental in spreading cancer around the
body. Any tissue removed will be sent for examination under a
microscope and will then give valuable information about your
cancer which will enable your doctors to plan future treatment.
You will get a chance to discuss your operation and the
alternative options available with your doctors in advance. They
will explain why they believe it is necessary and what they hope to
achieve, and how you are likely to feel afterwards.
You may be admitted to hospital the day before your planned
operation. This can allow staff to monitor you and also carry out
any tests needed before the operation.
On the day of the operation you may not be able to eat or drink.
You will have the chance to meet your surgeon and anaesthetist
before the operation and ask any last-minute questions.
Depending on the operation and how it goes, you may need
intensive monitoring afterwards. As you recover, this will be
reduced. You may experience some pain but staff should be able to
help you with this and any other side-effects. You will be given
advice about moving and when to get up after the operation;
generally, you are encouraged to become mobile as soon as
possible.
Even with a general anaesthetic you should be able to go home
within a few days if you feel well enough.
Contact us
Ramsay hospitals offers a range of screening and diagnostic
procedures at a time convenient to you, and also offers treatment
for some of the most common types of cancer. We offer the support
of multi-disciplinary teams who will be working together to ensure
you get the care which is right for you.
If you would like to discuss possible tests or treatment
contact
us.