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Palliative surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the quality of life or alleviating symptoms associated with advanced cancer. It is also used to assess the extent of a disease and manage issues like pain, bleeding, or tumors.
Surgical Palliation
Any part of the body
Surgical
Palliative surgery is usually considered when non-surgical treatments, such as medications, have not successfully managed pain or symptoms. Before opting for surgery, it’s essential to consult with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks. You may be advised to avoid smoking and certain medications for a week before surgery. Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding food intake, and you might be asked to refrain from eating anything except water on the day of the surgery.
Palliative surgery seeks to reduce pain and other symptoms caused by advanced diseases like cancer. A common procedure under palliative surgery is tumor debulking, where most of the malignant tumor is removed to make other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, more effective. This process improves the patient’s quality of life.
The patient will be under general anesthesia during the surgery. Depending on the tumor’s size and location, the surgeon may use laparoscopy to make a small incision or perform open surgery if the tumor has spread significantly. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, leaving behind minimal visible cancerous tissue, ideally less than 1 cm in size.
After the surgery, a hospital stay of 4 to 7 days is typical for initial recovery and to begin additional treatments such as chemotherapy. Following discharge, regular check-ups will be necessary, usually once a week initially. The doctor will monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection or bleeding and assess your overall health. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for 8 to 12 weeks until your doctor clears you.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks and side effects, including:
Recovery from palliative surgery typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, though it may take longer depending on the type of surgery and individual healing progress. During this time, you may be restricted from driving or returning to work. Once cleared by your doctor, you can resume your daily activities. Follow-up visits will continue, typically every 2 to 3 months, or as instructed by your healthcare provider. If you experience persistent side effects such as bleeding, infection, or incontinence, consult your doctor immediately.