Surgical Oncology

At Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian we offer ground-breaking surgical procedures, state-of-the-art technology, and high-quality patient care. Our surgeons establish and improve surgical procedures to provide innovative, compassionate care to patients who require surgical services in a wide range of specialties. 

Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology

Within this area of expertise, we have more than a dozen subspecialists, each focused on a single malignancy of the GI tract, including esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, liver, and colon cancer. Our faculty regularly treat rare diseases such as carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors and tumors of the gallbladder. At Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian patients have access to cutting-edge procedures, technological innovations and participation in clinical trials. Our range of surgical abilities guarantees that patients receive first-class care.

Pancreatic Surgical Oncology

Our pancreatic cancer team is one of the most experienced in the country. The group includes surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and pathologists. They are recognized globally for their strengths in diagnosing and treating tumors of the pancreas.

This multidisciplinary team meets regularly to discuss patients’ medical information and provides educational seminars for patients and their families. Team members work together to give patients an accurate diagnosis and develop individual treatment plans. At these sessions, surgeons, oncologists, gastroenterologists, genetic experts, and radiologists contribute their experience and expertise to design the best clinical plan for each of our patients. Having representatives from many different areas involved in your care ensures that you’ll receive the treatment that is best for you.

For more information about our Pancreas Program please click here: https://weillcornell.org/pancreasprogram

General Surgical Oncology

Cancer surgery is generally considered complex, and published data have demonstrated that hospitals and surgeons with the highest volume experience with specific operations have the lowest complication and death rates. Surgical oncologists work closely with a team of physicians, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, plastic/reconstructive surgeons, genetic counselors, oncology nursing staff and social workers to develop individualized cancer treatment plans.

Patients treated by surgical oncologists benefit from both the discussion of their treatment plans by multidisciplinary care teams, as well as through access to innovative treatment protocols.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion, or HIPEC, has been described as one of the most innovative treatments available today. HIPEC combines surgery with chemotherapy for the treatment of cancers involving the abdominal lining such as appendiceal cancers or peritoneal mesothelioma. The surgery involves removing as much of the visible tumor as possible from inside the abdominal cavity. This part of the procedure is called the cytoreductive or “debulking” aspect of the surgery.  This ensures that any gross tumor has been removed.  After the debulking, chemotherapy is instilled directly into the abdominal cavity, where it penetrates any residual microscopic disease. The hyperthermia further increases absorption of the chemotherapy solution into tumor cells, increasing the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.  

Since HIPEC allows the chemotherapy to be delivered directly to the abdominal cavity, the side effects associated with intravenous chemotherapy are eliminated. Additionally, it destroys undetected cancer cells after the tumor has been removed, preventing them from forming of new tumors and causing a recurrence of cancer.

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Patients with pancreatic diseases and disorders can find expert, compassionate care at the Pancreas Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where a team of specialists provide personalized treatments for cancerous and noncancerous conditions, including pancreatitis, pancreatic stones and pancreatic cysts and necrosis and pseudocysts.

In particular, we excel in early diagnosis, minimally invasive interventions, surgical services and palliative treatment that aims to relieve patients’ symptoms and improve their quality of life using cutting edge techniques.

Our approach is collaborative, with a team of physicians — specializing in surgery, advanced endoscopy, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pain management, nutrition, radiology, and pathology — working together alongside nurse practitioners, patient navigators and other medical and support professionals to deliver seamless, comprehensive care.

As part of a large academic medical center, we can also refer patients to experts who can care for other medical issues they may have, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Our multidisciplinary approach extends beyond the exam room and into the laboratory, where our physicians search for new and better ways to treat pancreatic diseases and disorders. Their research also provides patients with opportunities to participate in clinical trials, which allows patients to access therapies that may not be available anywhere else.

Education is also a large part of the Pancreas Program. As part of the Center for Advanced Digestive Care, the program regularly provides educational seminars for patients and their families. We also collaborate with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which funds research and links patients and their families to support and education.

Contact us to learn more about the services we provide at Pancreas Program and to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.