Surgical Oncology
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Surgical Oncology at ICTRC Onco-Life Cancer Centre, Wagholi
Advanced Cancer Surgeries. Safe, Skilled, and Supportive.
At ICTRC Onco-Life Cancer Centre, Wagholi, we understand that for many cancer patients, surgery is the first and most important step toward healing. Whether it’s to remove a tumour, reduce symptoms, or improve the chances of recovery, our Surgical Oncology Department plays a central role in saving lives and restoring hope.
What is Surgical Oncology?
Surgical Oncology is a branch of cancer treatment that focuses on removing cancerous tissues and tumours from the body. Surgery may be used:
- To completely remove the cancer
- To decrease tumour size before chemotherapy or radiation
- To control pain or symptoms in advanced cancers
- To prevent the spread or recurrence of cancer
Many cancer surgeries are now supported by modern technology and multi-specialist planning, which ensures better results and quicker recovery.
Our Expert Surgical Team
Our Surgical Oncology team includes specialists trained at India’s top cancer centres like:
- Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai
- Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (RGCIRC), Delhi
- And other reputed institutions across Pune and Kerala
They are supported by:
- Anaesthesiologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Plastic & reconstructive surgeons
- Rehabilitation therapists
- Nutritionists and counsellors
Together, they form a comprehensive care team that works with one goal: to give patients the best possible outcome — medically and emotionally.
World-Class Operation Theatres
Our Wagholi centre is equipped with:
- 2 Major Modular Operation Theatres
- 1 Minor OT for short procedures
- HEPA-Filtered ventilation systems for sterile air and reduced infection risk
- Advanced surgical tools and monitoring systems
We follow international safety protocols to ensure infection control, precision, and patient safety.
Why Surgery is Often the Best Option in Cancer Treatment
- Quickly removes cancer cells from the body
- Helps determine the stage and spread of cancer
- Can reduce tumour size so that other treatments are more effective
- Offers relief from symptoms like pain or bleeding
- In many cases, it can fully cure early-stage cancers
Surgery + Other Treatments = Best Results
In most cases, surgery is combined with other treatments to achieve the best possible outcome. These include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Hormone Therapy
- Immunotherapy
These may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumour or after surgery (adjuvant) to prevent recurrence.
Organ Preservation Surgeries
We aim to treat cancer without compromising the patient’s quality of life.
Where possible, we perform organ-preserving surgeries — this means:
- Removing the tumour but saving the organ
- Helping patients retain normal function (like speech, swallowing, or limb movement)
- Maintaining appearance and emotional well-being
For example:
- In breast cancer, we often remove only the lump, not the entire breast
- In head and neck cancers, we try to preserve nerves, muscles, and facial function
Reconstructive Surgery Support
Sometimes, cancer surgery changes how a part of the body looks or works. That’s where reconstructive surgery comes in. Our expert plastic surgeons help with:
- Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- Facial reconstruction in head and neck cancers
- Tissue and nerve repair
These surgeries not only restore physical appearance but also help patients regain confidence and functionality.
Holistic Post-Surgery Recovery
Healing doesn’t end with surgery. At ICTRC Onco-Life Cancer Centre, patients receive:
- Nutrition counselling to build strength
- Physical therapy for faster movement and flexibility
- Emotional counselling to manage anxiety or fear
- Social support services for families
Our approach is not just to cure, but to care.
Surgery Timings and Coordination
Location: ICTRC Onco-Life Cancer Centre, Wagholi
Timings: Surgeries scheduled Monday to Saturday
Contact: Speak to our surgical coordinator or OPD desk for consultations
A Message from Our Surgical Oncology Team
“We treat cancer with skill and science — but we treat people with heart. Whether it’s your first step in treatment or the final piece of your recovery, we are here to ensure your surgery is safe, effective, and centered around you.”
Most Popular Questions
Satara – Surgical Oncology: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Surgical Oncologist?
A surgical oncologist is a cancer specialist who uses surgery to diagnose, treat, or manage cancer. Their main role is to remove tumors and nearby tissues that may have cancer cells. They also perform biopsies to find out if a lump is cancerous and how advanced it is.
2. When do you need cancer surgery?
Surgery may be needed:
- To prevent cancer (if you’re at high risk).
- To diagnose cancer (by removing a piece for testing).
- To know how far cancer has spread.
- To treat cancer by removing tumors.
- To relieve symptoms (like pain or blockage).
- To reconstruct body parts after surgery (like breast reconstruction).
3. What are the types of cancer surgeries?
- Curative Surgery: Removes all cancer if it's in one place.
- Debulking Surgery: Removes part of a large tumor to make other treatments more effective.
- Palliative Surgery: Helps relieve pain or symptoms when cancer cannot be cured.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Restores appearance or function after tumor removal.
4. How does surgery help with cancer treatment?
Surgery can:
- Completely remove cancer if detected early.
- Help doctors see how far cancer has spread.
- Be combined with chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments.
- Improve quality of life by relieving pain or pressure from tumors.
5. Is surgery always done alone or with other treatments?
Cancer surgery is often used along with other treatments like:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Sometimes, surgery comes before other treatments (adjuvant) or after them (neoadjuvant) based on your case.
6. Is surgery effective for cancer?
Yes, especially if the cancer is caught early. Removing the tumor early increases the chance of cure. For advanced cancer, surgery may still help reduce symptoms or improve the outcome with other treatments.
7. Is surgery safe? Are there any risks?
Like any surgery, there can be risks such as:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling
- Slow wound healing
But our surgical teams are highly trained to manage these risks safely.
8. Will I need anesthesia for cancer surgery?
Yes. Most cancer surgeries require anesthesia:
- General anesthesia puts you to sleep.
- Local anesthesia numbs a small area with sedation.
Your doctor and anesthetist will choose the safest option based on your surgery and health.
9. What is the difference between a Surgical Oncologist and a General Surgeon?
Both are qualified surgeons, but a Surgical Oncologist has undergone specialized training in cancer surgeries. They handle complex cancer cases and work as part of a larger oncology team.
10. Should I get surgery right after my cancer diagnosis?
It depends. Your doctor will decide the best time for surgery after evaluating:
- Cancer type and stage
- Your age and health
- Whether other treatments are needed first
But early treatment is always better to stop cancer from growing.
11. Will surgery cause the cancer to spread?
No. This is a common myth. Surgery does not cause cancer to spread. In fact, removing the tumour helps stop it from spreading.
12. Will I need to stay in the hospital after surgery?
Yes, for a few days depending on your procedure and recovery speed. Some smaller surgeries are done as daycare procedures, while major surgeries need 3–7 days or more in the hospital.
13. Can surgery be done for all cancers?
Not always. Surgery is best for solid tumors like breast, colon, lung, or oral cancers. Blood cancers (like leukemia) are usually treated without surgery.
14. How long does it take to recover from cancer surgery?
Recovery depends on the type of surgery and your health. Minor surgeries take a few days, major ones take 2–6 weeks. Your care team will guide you on wound care, diet, and activities.
15. Will I have scars after surgery?
Yes, most surgeries leave scars, but we try to keep them as small and neat as possible. Reconstructive surgery may also help restore appearance after certain procedures.
16. Can I eat normally after surgery?
Yes, but it depends on the surgery area. For example, if surgery is near your mouth or stomach, a special diet may be needed. Your dietitian will guide you.
17. Will I need physiotherapy after surgery?
Sometimes, yes. Especially if the surgery affects movement, swallowing, or breathing. A physiotherapist will help you regain strength and improve your recovery.
18. What if I’m too old or weak for surgery?
Age is not the only factor. We assess your overall health. If you're not fit for surgery, other treatments may be suggested. Your safety is always the top priority.
19. How will I manage pain after surgery?
Pain is managed using medications and supportive care. You’ll receive pain relief during and after surgery to keep you comfortable.
20. Can cancer come back after surgery?
Yes, sometimes. That’s why follow-up care is important. You may need other treatments (like chemo or radiation) to reduce the risk of recurrence.
21. What is reconstructive surgery after cancer?
This surgery helps restore appearance or function after tumor removal — like breast reconstruction after mastectomy or jaw repair after oral cancer surgery.
22. Will I be able to work after cancer surgery?
Yes, most people return to work after recovery. It depends on your job and how major the surgery was. We can help you plan your return.
23. Is cancer surgery covered by insurance?
Yes, most government and private insurance plans cover surgical cancer treatment. Our TPA desk will help you with paperwork and approvals.
24. What if I don’t want surgery? Are there other options?
Yes. Depending on your condition, you may be offered chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy instead. But always talk to your oncologist about risks and benefits.
