Oncological Surgery
Surgical oncology is a branch of surgery focusing on the surgical management of tumours. It is a term encompassing a number of disciplines across several specialties, a sub-specialty in the surgical treatment of orthopedic cancers or gynaecologic cancers.
Conditions that can be treated surgically include:
Bone Cancer
GVM’s Oncological Orthopaedics Department treats patients affected by tumours of the musculoskeletal system, both in the bone and in the soft tissues. In the majority of cases, these are primary tumours, which necessitate complex reconstructive techniques: resection prostheses, custom-made pelvic prostheses (using 3D printing technology), expandable prostheses, osteoplastic bone grafts, and vascularized fibular grafts, often involving other surgical disciplines such as plastic surgery, navigated pelvic and sacral surgery in patients with primary or secondary tumours.
Breast cancer
The GVM Breast Centers are highly specialized in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of breast diseases. In the case of a suspected tumor, thanks to the presence of a multidisciplinary team, it is possible to carry out a specialist surgical visit, instrumental diagnostic tests (mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging) and, if necessary, a biopsy for histological study with delivery of the results.
Colorectal cancer
The medical team of the GVM Proctology Operating Unit deals with the treatment of anorectal pathologies that require a surgical approach, including rectal and colon cancer. The operations are carried out using the robotic system.
Digestive system cancers
The GVM Departments of General Surgery and Gastroenterology treat some of the most common carcinomas of the digestive system, such as cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, stomach and peritoneal cancer.
In particular, highly advanced procedures, such as Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosolized Chemotherapy (PIPAC) are performed. These novel methods allow for the direct treatment of cancers within the peritoneum, an area where systemic chemotherapy has little effect due to the low number of blood vessels in this region, which are unable to effectively transport conventional chemotherapy. Peritoneal metastases from colorectal, gastric, or ovarian cancer are also treated. The centers are engaged in clinical and biological studies conducted and in progress which have allowed and allow to optimize the knowledge on peritoneal neoplasms and the results obtained in the treatment of patients.
Head and neck cancer
A multidisciplinary team of ENT and maxillofacial surgeons and endocrinologists specializes in the treatment of morphological oncological pathologies affecting the head and neck area, namely the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, larynx (vocal cords), pharynx, salivary glands and thyroid. Surgery for head and neck cancer may involve the removal of structures associated with speech, swallowing, and appearance. The surgical treatment is preceded by an accurate diagnostic process, that is briefly achievable thanks to the presence of latest generation MRI and CT scans. In some selected cases that also involve the neurocranium, there is the possibility of combined procedures between the Maxillofacial Surgery team and the Neurosurgery team.
Radiotherapy
In conjunction with surgery and medical oncology, radiotherapy plays an indispensable role in achieving radical cure by destroying tumor cells, serving as adjuvant therapy post-surgery, and providing palliative care to alleviate painful symptoms.
The radiotherapy service at GVM facilities utilizes the latest-generation linear accelerator, known as LINAC (Linear Accelerator), specifically the VERSA HD model by Elekta. This equipment is outfitted with advanced beam collimation systems, on-board imaging, and real-time patient repositioning capabilities. The radiation beam is precisely targeted at cancerous cells, impairing their ability to proliferate and reducing tumor mass over time.
While applicable to various conditions, certain pathologies benefit particularly from this technology, including gynecological, prostate, head and neck cancers, as well as those affecting the lungs, bones, and soft tissues. The linear accelerator enhances treatment efficacy for these conditions while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissues.