Minimally Invasive, Precision-Driven Surgical Oncology
Introduction
Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery has become a cornerstone of modern cancer care, offering
patients the benefits of minimally invasive surgery while maintaining the oncologic principles
necessary for safe and effective tumour removal. Using small incisions, specialised instruments,
and high-definition cameras, laparoscopic surgery enables surgeons to perform complex cancer
operations with greater precision, reduced pain, faster recovery, and lower complication rates.
At our clinic, laparoscopic cancer surgery is performed by highly experienced surgical
oncologists trained in advanced minimally invasive techniques. We follow evidence-based
protocols, meticulous tumour-handling principles, and enhanced recovery pathways to ensure
optimal outcomes. This approach aligns with our core values of Cure, Precision, and
Compassion.
1. What Is Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery uses several small incisions (usually 0.5–1 cm) rather than a large open
cut. Through these ports, a camera and long, thin instruments are inserted to perform the
operation.
Key Features
● Magnified views for high precision
● Minimal tissue handling
● Controlled dissection planes
● Advanced energy devices for cutting and sealing
● Reduced surgical trauma
Laparoscopy is now standard of care for many cancers, supported by strong clinical evidence in
terms of safety, oncologic completeness, and faster recovery
2. Cancers Commonly Treated with
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic techniques are widely used across multiple cancer types.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers
● Colon cancer
● Rectal cancer
● Stomach cancer (selected cases)
● Small intestine tumours
● Liver lesions (selected)
● Pancreatic lesions (early stage or palliative procedures)
Gynaecologic Cancers
● Endometrial cancer
● Early-stage ovarian cancer
● Selected cervical cancer procedures
Urological Cancers
● Kidney cancer (nephrectomy)
● Prostate cancer
● Adrenal tumours
Thoracic Cancers
● Lung cancer via VATS (detailed separately)
Other Indications
● Laparoscopic lymph node dissections
● Diagnostic laparoscopy for staging
● Removal of metastatic lesions (when appropriate)
3. Advantages of Laparoscopic Cancer
Surgery
1. Smaller Incisions and Less Pain
Reduced trauma to muscles and tissues results in significantly less post-operative pain.
2. Faster Recovery and Shorter Hospital Stay
Patients typically return home sooner and resume normal activities faster.
3. Reduced Blood Loss
Precise, controlled dissection decreases the need for blood transfusions.
4. Lower Infection and Wound Complication Rates
Small incisions reduce the risk of wound infections and hernias.
5. Better Cosmetic Outcomes
Minimal scarring is a major benefit for many patients
6. Enhanced Precision and Visibility
The camera provides a magnified, high-definition view of vital structures.
7. Equivalent Cancer Outcomes
Studies confirm that, in experienced hands, laparoscopic surgery offers:
● Similar oncologic margins
● Adequate lymph node retrieval
● Comparable survival rates
Compared to open surgery.
4. Limitations and When Laparoscopy May
Not Be Suitable
Laparoscopy may not be appropriate in certain situations:
Tumour-Related Factors
● Very large tumours
● Tumours invading adjacent organs
● Advanced metastatic disease
● Complicated prior surgeries causing dense adhesions
Patient-Related Factors
● Severe cardiopulmonary disease
● Morbid obesity (in certain cases)
● General fitness concerns
Our surgical team evaluates each case individually to determine the safest approach.
5. How Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery Is
Performed
1. Anaesthesia and Positioning
The patient is placed under general anaesthesia. Body positioning depends on the type of
surgery (e.g., Trendelenburg for pelvic surgery).
2. Creating Pneumoperitoneum
Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen, creating space for surgical instruments.
3. Placement of Ports
Three to five small incisions (ports) are created for the camera and instruments.
4. High-Definition Visualisation
A laparoscope connected to a 4K/HD camera provides a magnified view
5. Tumour Dissection and Removal
Following strict oncologic principles:
● No-touch technique
● Controlled vascular ligation
● Adequate lymph node dissection
● Specimen retrieval in protective bags
6. Closure
Ports are closed with minimal sutures, leaving very small scars.
6. Specific Laparoscopic Cancer
Procedures
A. Laparoscopic Colectomy
Used for colon cancer; provides:
● Adequate lymphadenectomy
● Fast recovery
● Early bowel function return
B. Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection (LAR)
For rectal cancer; requires high surgical expertise and precision for nerve preservation
C. Laparoscopic Gastrectomy
Performed for early and select advanced gastric cancers.
D. Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Kidney cancer removal with minimal morbidity.
E. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Staging
Standard of care for endometrial cancer.
F. Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Used for:
● Staging of GI cancersv
● Identifying metastases
● Assessing operability
G. Laparoscopic Lymph Node Dissection
Performed for prostate, bladder, and gynaecologic cancers where nodal status is crucial.
7. Safety and Oncologic Principles
We follow stringent oncologic guidelines during laparoscopic cancer surgery:
● Complete tumour removal with clear margins
● Adequate lymph node dissection (as per NCCN, ESMO guidelines)
● Avoiding tumour spillage through controlled specimen handling
● Preservation of critical nerves and organs
● Minimising manipulation of cancer tissues
● Standardised technique and peer-reviewed protocols
Our surgeons undergo continuous training and audit outcomes to ensure excellence.
8. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
(ERAS)
We incorporate ERAS protocols to improve overall outcomes:
Preoperative Measures
● Optimised nutrition
● Prehabilitation
● Anaemia correction
● Patient education
Intraoperative Measures
● Minimally invasive techniques
● Temperature control
● Fluid management
Postoperative Measures
● Early mobilization
● Early oral intake
● Physiotherapy
● Pain control using multimodal strategies
These protocols significantly reduce complications and improve patient satisfaction.
9. Postoperative Recovery and Follow-Up
Immediate Postoperative Period
Patients typically experience:
● Less pain
● Early bowel function recovery
● Minimal wound issues
Hospital Stay
Most patients are discharged within:
● 2–4 days for abdominal cancer surgery
● 1–2 days for pelvic surgeries
Return to Activities
● Light activities in 1–2 weeks
● Full recovery by 3–4 weeks
Long-Term Follow-Up
Includes:
● Wound check
● Pathology review
● Adjuvant therapy planning
● Surveillance scans as needed
10. Risks and Potential Complications
While laparoscopic surgery is safe, potential risks include:
● Bleeding
● Infection
● Injury to nearby organs
● Conversion to open surgery (rare but sometimes required)
● Anaesthesia-related risks
● Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
We have robust perioperative protocols to minimise these risks.
11. Why Choose Our Clinic for
Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery
1. Expert Surgical Team
Consultant surgical oncologists with extensive experience in advanced minimally invasive
procedures.
Multidisciplinary Planning
Surgery is planned after tumour board discussion with:
● Medical oncologists
● Radiologists
● Anaesthesiologists
● Pathologists
3. Use of Advanced Equipment
4K laparoscopic systems, energy devices, and precision-guided instruments.
4. Evidence-Based Protocols
We follow NCCN, ESMO, ASCO, and national surgical oncology guidelines
5. Enhanced Recovery & Patient Support
Comprehensive postoperative care including:
● Physiotherapy
● Nutrition
● Pain management
● Counselling
6. Compassionate Care
We prioritise patient comfort, dignity, and communication throughout the surgical journey.
Conclusion
Laparoscopic surgery has transformed cancer care by offering precise, minimally invasive
treatment without compromising oncologic outcomes. With reduced pain, quicker recovery, and
improved quality of life, patients can move forward with their cancer treatment pathway sooner
and more comfortably.
At our clinic, laparoscopic cancer surgeries are performed with unmatched expertise,
cutting-edge technology, and deeply compassionate care—true to our ethos of Cure, Precision,
and Compassion.
