Surgical Oncology

“Precision in Every Incision. Hope in Every Surgery.”

Welcome to the Department of Surgical Oncology

is a specialized branch of oncology that focuses on the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of cancer through surgical intervention. At Health City Hospital, our Surgical Oncology Department plays a critical role in the curative and palliative management of various cancers — offering state-of-the-art procedures delivered by highly trained surgical oncologists. Each patient is evaluated through a multidisciplinary tumor board to ensure the most effective and individualized treatment plan.

When is Surgery Needed in Cancer Care?

Surgical treatment is often the primary approach for early-stage cancers, where complete tumor removal can lead to a cure. It may also be combined with:

• Radiation therapy (before or after surgery)
• Chemotherapy (neoadjuvant or adjuvant)
• Targeted or immunotherapy (as part of multimodal treatment)

Advanced Surgical Techniques

Thanks to advancements in surgical technologies, modern cancer surgeries are:

• Minimally invasive (laparoscopic)
• Safer with reduced blood loss and infection risk
• Linked to faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays
• Effective for tumors in complex or critical anatomical locations

Scope of Surgical Oncology at Health City Hospital

We offer surgical treatment for a wide range of cancers, including:

• Breast, thyroid, and endocrine cancers
• Head and neck malignancies
• Gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers
• Gynecologic cancers
• Hepato-pancreato-biliary tumors
• Urological and soft tissue sarcomas

Our Experience 

Our team is equipped to perform organ-preserving procedures, radical cancer resections, and reconstructive surgeries, depending on the patient’s condition and tumor type.

The Surgical Oncology Department at Health City Hospital, Guwahati, brings together years of specialized experience in oncologic surgery, managing a wide range of complex cancers with a focus on curative, reconstructive, and palliative procedures. The team has successfully performed numerous major resections — from breast-conserving surgeries to gastrointestinal and head-and-neck tumor removals — making it a regional referral center for cancer surgery in Northeast India.

Our Skills

Our department offers comprehensive surgical management for cancers including:

• Breast and endocrine tumors
• Head and neck malignancies
• Gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic cancers
• Gynecologic and urologic cancers
• Thoracic, soft tissue, and skin cancers

We employ modern surgical approaches such as:

• Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgeries
• Organ-sparing and function-preserving procedures
• Reconstructive surgeries after tumor removal
• Sentinel lymph node biopsies
• Oncoplastic breast surgery

Each case is discussed in a Multidisciplinary Tumor Board involving medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and radiation oncologists, ensuring personalized and evidence-based care.

Types of Cancer Surgeries

Advanced, Targeted & Patient-Centered Surgical Oncology
Health City Hospital, Guwahati

Our Surgical Oncology Department uses a range of cutting-edge and minimally invasive techniques to treat cancer safely and effectively. These surgical procedures are customized based on the cancer type, location, and stage, always prioritizing patient outcomes and quality of life.

1. Laser Surgery

A focused laser beam is directed at the tumor to destroy cancer cells through heat generation. This precise method is used for certain skin, cervical, and early-stage internal tumors, minimizing bleeding and damage to nearby tissue.

2. Laparoscopic Surgery

A minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions using a laparoscope — a thin tube with a high-resolution camera. Used for abdominal and pelvic cancers, it offers:

• Faster recovery
• Less postoperative pain
• Reduced risk of infection

3. Endoscopic Surgery

Ideal for gastrointestinal and respiratory cancers, this method uses an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and light) to access and remove tumors without large incisions. It is frequently used for early-stage tumors in the esophagus, colon, or lungs.

4. Diagnostic Surgery (Biopsy Surgery)

Sometimes surgery is essential for diagnosing cancer. Oncosurgeons may remove part or all of a suspicious growth for histopathological examination to confirm malignancy and determine treatment.

5. Debulking Surgery

This involves removing as much of the tumor as possible before chemotherapy or radiation. Common in ovarian and advanced abdominal cancers, this approach improves the effectiveness of subsequent treatments.

6. Palliative Surgery

Used in advanced-stage cancers, palliative surgery helps relieve distressing symptoms like:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Obstruction or compression of organs
  It enhances quality of life, even when the cancer is not curable.

8. Reconstructive Surgery

After tumor removal, reconstructive procedures restore appearance and function, especially in facial, breast, or limb surgeries. These can include skin grafts, flap surgery, and prosthetic implants, ensuring both physical and psychological recovery.

9. Preventive (Prophylactic) Surgery

Performed in patients with a high genetic risk of developing cancer. For example, women with BRCA gene mutations may opt for preventive mastectomy to reduce breast cancer risk.

Future Scope:

1. Robotic Surgery

One of the most advanced cancer surgery techniques, robotic systems offer unparalleled precision through:

• Robotic surgical arms
• 3D vision and enhanced dexterity
• Surgeon-controlled console
  Used in urologic, gynecologic, and gastrointestinal cancers, robotic surgery allows for minimal tissue trauma and improved functional outcomes.

Why Choose Health City Hospital for Cancer Surgery?

• Multidisciplinary tumor board evaluations
• State-of-the-art operating suites
• Access to post-operative critical care and rehabilitation
• Personalized care and emotional support

How we keep our commitment of patient safety and quaity

• Following NCCN/ESMO-based treatment protocols
• Incorporating advanced preoperative diagnostics and intraoperative technologies
• Close integration with radiation oncology and medical oncology departments
• Structured preoperative and postoperative patient education and counseling
• Active participation in clinical audits, surgical outcomes tracking, and tumor registry
• Continuous surgical training and participation in national conferences and CMEs
• Providing clear, honest communication about procedures, risks, and outcomes
• Practicing informed consent, shared decision-making, and psychological support
• Ensuring strict surgical safety protocols, infection control, and ethical standards
• Maintaining complete confidentiality and dignity of every patient
• Supporting post-operative rehabilitation and survivorship care.

“Where skill meets compassion, and precision becomes hope.”
Trust the Surgical Oncology team at Health City Hospital, Guwahati, to walk with you — every step of the way.

📞 Need help understanding your cancer surgery options?
Talk to our Surgical Oncology team at Health City Hospital, Guwahati today.