Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer surgery offers the chance for a cure to many people. But these procedures are often complex, requiring the skilled hands of experienced gastrointestinal cancer surgeons. Surgery can also be combined with other GI cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, to improve outcomes.
At Penn Medicine, our renowned gastrointestinal surgery experts are among the most skilled in the U.S. Their special expertise allows them to provide good results in even the most complicated cases. And their deep knowledge means treatments are customized to your health, lifestyle and preferences.
We offer many surgical options to treat gastrointestinal cancers, including:
Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery: The Abramson Cancer Center Advantage
GI cancer surgery is often just one piece of your treatment puzzle. Many need chemotherapies before or after surgery. And some may need multiple surgeries that involve different specialists working as one in the operating room.
That's why our multidisciplinary approach to care is so critical. In weekly GI tumor board meetings, GI cancer experts from all areas of medicine meet to discuss treatment approaches and complex cases. The result is personalized, cohesive treatment plans that consider all the options.
When you choose us for gastrointestinal cancer surgery, you can also expect:
- Comprehensive care for all GI cancers: From esophageal and pancreatic cancers to rarer bile duct and neuroendocrine tumors, our surgeons specialize in the full spectrum of GI cancer procedures. As one of the largest GI surgery programs in the U.S., we also provide advanced treatments for metastatic cancers (cancers that have spread), including HIPEC (heated/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) for complex abdominal cancers.
- World-class experts: Our fellowship-trained surgeons are among the busiest in the Philadelphia region. They perform an unusually high volume of GI cancer surgeries, including esophagectomies, hepatectomies and Whipple procedures. Their extensive experience in these complicated procedures leads to better results for our patients.
- Minimally invasive options: Our surgeons use minimally invasive approaches whenever possible. Minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic and robotic procedures, offers improved access to hard-to-reach areas of the body, smaller scars and easier recoveries.
- Faster recoveries: We follow Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS ®) protocols to make your return to daily living easier. These evidence-based methods help lessen pain and postsurgical complications while getting you home sooner.
- Focus on your quality of life: We put a special emphasis on methods to preserve function in affected organs, prevent and manage side effects and symptoms, and enhance your quality of life before and after surgery. Resources include our Cancer Appetite and Rehabilitation (CARE) Clinic, nutrition counseling and Palliative Care Program.
- Support at every step: Our specially trained GI oncology nurse navigators serve as a consistent point of contact for you. They help you meet with the right specialists at the right times, make sure you understand what to expect at every step and support you as you navigate our health care system. Advanced practice practitioners help guide you and offer personalized care both before and after surgery.
Our GI Cancer Surgery Programs
Anal Cancer Surgery
Anal cancers are not common, so it can be hard to find doctors who treat them. At Penn, you have a whole team.
Our GI cancer surgeons specialize in the treatment of anal cancers and cancer recurrences (cancers that return after treatment). We also offer advanced treatment options, including proton therapy, through clinical trials. Learn more about anal cancer surgery.
Bile Duct Cancer Surgery
Bile duct cancer surgeries are rare and require advanced techniques. We perform many of these complex procedures every year, with low complication rates and excellent results.
We also offer advanced bile duct cancer treatments, including hepatic artery infusion pumps and liver transplants. These special treatments are not available at most centers in the Philadelphia region. Read about bile duct cancer surgery.
Colon Cancer Surgery
If you have colon cancer, surgery is often an important part of your treatment plan. Our surgeons are skilled in surgeries that treat every stage of colon cancer, including procedures done during colonoscopies, colectomies and diverting colostomies. Read more about colon cancer surgery.
Esophageal Cancer Surgery
Esophagectomies are major surgeries. That's why people who go to hospitals that routinely do these procedures have better results.
At Penn, we are leaders in esophageal cancer surgery. In our ultra-high volume center, our surgeons perform more than 70 esophagectomies each year. Read more about esophagectomy at Penn.
GIST Surgery
Your GIST care includes treatment from internationally recognized experts and access to the latest advances, surgical techniques and clinical trials. Specialized oncology nurse navigators round out your treatment team — providing support and quicker access to needed care. Learn about GIST surgery.
Liver Cancer Surgery
Our hepatobiliary surgeons deliver outstanding outcomes for every type of liver cancer surgery, including partial hepatectomies and liver transplants. We also provide the latest treatments for secondary liver cancers, including concentrated chemotherapy doses via hepatic artery infusion pumps. Learn more about liver cancer surgery.
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
Pancreatic cancer surgeries are complex, and your doctor's experience counts. Our nationally recognized hepatobiliary surgeons perform the highest volume of pancreatic cancer surgeries in the region.
Our patients are also among the first to access the latest pancreatic cancer therapies and advances through our Pancreatic Cancer Research Center. Read about the Whipple procedure and pancreatic cancer surgery.
Rectal Cancer Surgery
Recent advancements in rectal cancer care — including the addition of radiation and chemotherapy to treatment plans — have led to better outcomes. Our integrated rectal cancer team works together to create personalized treatment plans that coordinate care and optimize your quality of life. Learn about rectal cancer surgery.
Small Intestine Cancer Surgery
At Penn, you have an elite team of small intestine cancer specialists on your side. They leverage their decades of experience to effectively treat these tumors at every stage — and provide great outcomes after small bowel resection and surgical bypass. See more about small intestine cancer surgery.
Stomach Cancer Surgery
We are regional leaders in gastrectomies to treat existing stomach cancers and reduce stomach cancer risk in people with a CDH1 genetic mutation. Our comprehensive program also provides extra support to help you make informed decisions about your care. This support includes genetic and nutrition counseling and the region's only support group for patients with CDH1 genetic mutations.
Find out more about gastrectomy for stomach cancer.
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Call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.