Debulking Surgery

Overview

Debulking surgery focuses on removing a tumor to manage cancer effectively. This procedure targets the primary tumor and, where possible, metastatic lesions (tumor spread). If metastatic lesions are inaccessible, only the primary tumor is removed. It is performed under specific medical conditions to enhance treatment outcomes.

Alternate Name

Debulking Tumor Surgery, Cytoreductive Surgery

Body Location

Urinary bladder

Preparation for Debulking Surgery

Comprehensive fitness tests, including blood work, cardiac evaluation, and blood type determination, are conducted to assess surgical risk.
Smoking cessation is mandatory before surgery.
Admission is required 1-2 days prior for monitoring vital signs and stabilizing any abnormal parameters like high heart rate or blood sugar levels.
Fasting for at least 12 hours before surgery is necessary. The surgical area is shaved and sterilized.
Inform the oncologist and anesthesiologist about any ongoing medications.
Stay relaxed during anesthesia administration to minimize discomfort.

Types of Debulking Surgery

Primary Debulking Surgery: Initial removal of the tumor.
Interval Debulking Surgery: Tumor removal followed by chemotherapy.
Secondary Debulking Surgery: Removal of recurrent, metastatic, or residual tumors after initial treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Procedure Details

Pre-surgical imaging, such as MRI, CT, or PET scans, is used to evaluate the tumor’s location and spread.
The surgeon aims to remove the entire tumor without compromising healthy tissue.
Complete removal may not always be possible due to proximity to vital organs or risk of excessive bleeding.
Debulking can also be part of other procedures, like removing arterial plaques before stent placement.
Post-surgery treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy are often required to eliminate residual cancer cells.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery time ranges from 6-8 weeks, depending on the patient’s pre-surgery health.
Early mobilization, including walking and sitting up, is encouraged to prevent blood clots and swelling.
Compliance with follow-up chemotherapy or radiotherapy is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Follow-Up Care

Initial follow-up includes stitch removal and monitoring for complications like dizziness, weakness, or fainting. Report any such symptoms immediately.
Regular rehabilitation sessions, including physiotherapy, help improve mobility and daily activities.
Adherence to scheduled treatments and medical advice is essential for long-term recovery and health.

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