Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers

GI cancers arise from the digestive system and include organs like the food pipe (esophagus), stomach, gall bladder, bile duct, liver, pancreas, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) and large intestines (colon and rectum).

Symptoms of GI Cancers

Signs and symptoms can vary depending on the location of the cancer within the digestive tract. Some common symptoms include:

• Difficulty swallowing food
• Blood in sputum
• Blood in vomit / brown colored vomiting
• Repeated vomiting
• Repeated heartburn / dyspepsia
• Unexplained weight loss
• Generalized weakness / Unexplained low Hb
• Early satiety / fullness after eating
• Jaundice / yellowish discoloration of eyes
• Change in stool habits - frequency or consistency of stools
• Blood in stools / black colored stools
• Swelling / Distension of abdomen
• Unable to pass stools /flatus
• Any lump in abdomen

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a GI cancer expert as soon as possible.

Diagnosis and Treatment of GI Cancers

Diagnosis typically involves discussing your symptoms, a physical examination, and various tests. These tests help determine the type and extent of the cancer. Some common tests include:

• Blood tests
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy
• Imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, or PET scan)
• Tissue biopsy

Treatment options for GI cancers include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Often, a combination of these treatments is used. A team of specialists, including a GI surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiologist, and pathologist, will work together to decide the best treatment plan for you.

Keyhole Surgery for GI Cancers

Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries (keyhole surgeries) are performed with good outcomes for GI cancers when done by a qualified and experienced cancer surgeon. These minimally invasive surgeries offer several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:

• Less pain
• Smaller scars on abdomen
• Earlier return to normal activities
• Improved vision, reach, and instrumentation for pelvic surgeries, leading to potentially better outcomes

Advantages of Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery offers distinct advantages, particularly for pelvic surgeries like rectal cancer. The latest robotic systems provide:

• Improved surgical precision with wristed instruments and 3D visualization
• The possibility of preserving the anal sphincter (avoiding a permanent stoma bag) in select cases
• Potential for better postoperative urinary and sexual function by preserving pelvic nerves