When you hear the word "cancer", your world stops. Early-stage GI cancers are often very treatable, and the right operation, done at the right time, matters enormously.
I work closely with medical and radiation oncologists so that surgery, chemotherapy and radiation fit together into one plan — explained to you and your family in plain language.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
- Difficulty swallowing or food sticking
- Persistent indigestion, vomiting or feeling full early
- Blood in the stool or black stools
- A lasting change in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss or anaemia
Cancers I treat surgically
Stomach & oesophageal cancer
Partial or total gastrectomy and oesophagectomy with lymph node removal, coordinated with chemotherapy and radiation.
Colorectal cancer
Colon and rectal resection, often performed laparoscopically when appropriate.
Small intestine cancer
Rare but treatable with segmental resection and lymph node removal.
Pancreatic cancer
Whipple procedure, distal or total pancreatectomy depending on the tumour’s location and stage.
My approach to cancer surgery
- Complete tumour clearance with adequate margins and the smallest footprint possible
- Organ-preserving techniques whenever medically safe
- Laparoscopic surgery where it suits the case, for a faster recovery
- Close coordination with oncologists for comprehensive treatment
What to expect
01Consultation
We listen, examine you and go through your reports and scans. A first visit usually takes 20–30 minutes, and family members are welcome.
02Tests and a clear plan
If more information is needed, we arrange blood tests or scans. Then we explain your options in plain language — including whether you need surgery at all.
03Surgery, if needed
Most operations are done by keyhole. Before the day you'll know what to expect: the procedure, anaesthesia, hospital stay and insurance paperwork.
04Recovery at home
You go home with clear instructions on food, activity, medicines and warning signs, plus a patient guide for common operations.
05Follow-up
A check-up to review healing and any biopsy results, and to clear you for your normal routine.
Common questions
I've been diagnosed with stomach cancer. What are my options?
First, take a breath. Early-stage GI cancers are often very treatable.
Your treatment plan depends on the stage (how deep the tumour goes, lymph node involvement, any spread), the location in the stomach, and the type of tumour (adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, GIST and others).
Treatment usually combines: surgery (partial or total gastrectomy), chemotherapy (often before and/or after surgery) and, in some cases, radiation.
What surgery involves: removing the cancer with a margin of healthy tissue and the nearby lymph nodes, preserving part of the stomach where possible — increasingly done laparoscopically.
Life after stomach surgery: you can live without a stomach. Smaller, more frequent meals are needed, and most patients adapt well within about six months.
How do you decide if cancer can be operated on?
We weigh three things:
- Resectability — can the tumour be removed completely, with clear margins?
- Fitness — are you well enough to tolerate major surgery?
- Benefit vs. risk — will surgery improve survival and quality of life?
Surgery is most useful for early-stage cancers without distant spread in patients who are otherwise well. It may not help when the cancer has spread widely, is invading critical blood vessels, or there are severe heart or lung problems.
In borderline cases, chemotherapy is often given first to shrink the tumour and make surgery possible. These decisions are made together with your oncologist.
What's the difference between curative and palliative surgery?
Curative surgery aims to remove all of the cancer for long-term survival. It needs complete removal with clear margins and may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation.
Palliative surgery aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life when the cancer is too advanced to remove completely — for example, bypassing a bowel blocked by a tumour.
Both have value. Even when cure isn't possible, surgery can restore the ability to eat, relieve pain and extend meaningful life.
Can I get a second opinion?
Absolutely — and I encourage it for major surgery.
Getting more than one perspective is smart medicine. A good surgeon won't be offended; they'll respect your diligence.
If you're coming to me for a second opinion, bring all your medical records, your imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound reports plus the films or CDs) and your previous doctor's treatment plan. I'll review everything and give you an honest assessment — even if that means agreeing with your first doctor or suggesting a non-surgical approach. More about second opinions.