Cancer Surgery: What to Expect Before, During, and After

Cancer surgery is a vital part of treatment for many types of cancer. For patients and their families, the word "surgery" often brings a mix of hope, anxiety, and questions. Knowing what to expect at each stage can demystify the process and help you approach your surgery with confidence.

1. Before Surgery: Preparation & Trust The weeks leading up to surgery are dedicated to thorough preparation. During your consultations with Lt Col (Dr) Rahul Sandhu, you will discuss: - **Comprehensive Staging & Imaging:** High-resolution CT scans, MRI, or PET scans help define the exact boundaries of the tumor. - **Pre-Anesthesia Checkup (PAC):** Blood tests, cardiac evaluation, and chest imaging ensure you are physically optimized for the procedure. - **Informed Discussion:** You will receive clear explanations regarding the surgical approach (open vs. minimally invasive), expected hospital stay, and potential risks. - **Nutrition & Physical Fitness:** Prehabilitation—including light walking, breathing exercises, and high-protein nutrition—significantly speeds up recovery.

2. During Surgery: Precision & Safety In the operating room, modern oncology follows rigorous safety standards: - **Dedicated Onco-Surgical Team:** Led by Dr. Rahul Sandhu alongside experienced anesthesiologists and specialized surgical nurses. - **Targeted Clearance:** The primary tumor is excised with microscopic negative margins (R0 resection) to eliminate lingering malignant cells. - **Lymph Node Staging:** Regional lymph nodes are sampled or systematically dissected to evaluate microscopic spread. - **Advanced Monitoring:** Intraoperative nerve monitoring and high-definition visualization protect critical neurovascular structures.

3. After Surgery: The Path to Recovery Recovery is a stepwise, patient-centered journey: - **Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS):** We focus on early oral fluid intake, minimal drain usage, and gentle mobilization on day 1 to prevent complications. - **Effective Pain Management:** Multimodal analgesia ensures you are comfortable and able to take deep breaths and walk comfortably. - **Histopathology Review:** Around 7 to 10 days post-surgery, the final pathology report details tumor margins, grade, and nodal status, forming the basis for any subsequent adjuvant treatments (chemotherapy or radiation).

Remember: Every patient's body and cancer are unique. Having an approachable surgical oncologist who answers every question with patience transforms anxiety into strength.