Surgery is a common part of the cancer treatment journey. It plays a critical role in diagnosing, staging, and treating cancer, and often involves the removal of tumors or cancerous tissue from the body. Advances in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, have revolutionized cancer treatment, allowing for more precise procedures with fewer risks and quicker recovery times.
Northeast Georgia Health System’s comprehensive cancer program offers chemotherapy, radiation oncology, advanced diagnostics and surgical techniques, as well as wrap-around support through our patient navigation program or cancer rehabilitation.
Surgery by Cancer Type
Northeast Georgia Health System treats many different types of cancer. Below are some of the most common cancers we treat and the surgical options we offer.
Breast cancer surgery often involves the removal of malignant tissue to control the spread of cancer. Common procedures include:
- Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy: Removal of one or both breasts to prevent cancer from spreading.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Removal of the first lymph node to check for cancer spread.
- Breast Reconstruction: Surgery to restore the appearance of the breast following mastectomy.
Colorectal cancer surgery is often recommended to remove growths from the colon, rectum, or anus. Our surgeons perform both minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, which lead to smaller incisions and quicker recovery. Common procedures include:
- Robotic Colectomy: Removal of a section of the colon.
- Robotic Proctocolectomy: Removal of the colon and rectum for more advanced cases.
- Robotic Abdominoperineal Resection (APR): Removal of the anus, rectum, and part of the colon.
Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery
Whenever possible, we perform surgery for gynecological cancer using minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic or robotic surgery. These techniques, which access the body using fewer, smaller incisions, offer many benefits for patients, such as a quicker recovery, reduced risk of complications, and less pain.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery uses energy output from a high-powered light source to vaporize cancerous cells. This is optimal for cosmetics; the technique results in very little scarring.
Open Surgery
While open surgery is a more invasive approach, sometimes it’s required to provide the best outcome for a patient. If we recommend open surgery, it is because it’s the best option available to ensure long-term success.
Surgical options for liver and hepatobiliary cancers include surgical removal of remove tumors from the liver, gallbladder or bile ducts. Additional treatment options include Histotripsy, a non-invasive treatment option that uses focused ultrasound to destroy liver cancer cells.
Lung cancer surgery can remove cancerous tissue or a lobe of the lung. Northeast Georgia Health System offers unique options through robotic lung cancer surgery and robotic ion bronchoscopy.
For prostate cancer, we offer advanced robotic surgeries such as radical prostatectomy to remove cancerous tissue while preserving surrounding organs. Our robotic urological surgeries provide patients with the benefits of smaller incisions, less blood loss, and faster recovery times.
Other urological procedures we offer include nephrectomy (kidney removal) and cystectomy (bladder removal).
Choose NGHS for Surgical Oncology
At Northeast Georgia Health System, our team of expert surgeons and oncologists provides the highest quality care for your cancer diagnosis. We offer a comprehensive range of surgical treatments, supported by the latest technologies and personalized support through every stage of your journey.
Meet Our Surgical Oncologists
Contact us today to learn more about our surgical oncology services.