Brain cancer surgery options depend on the tumor's type, location and size. The main goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving brain function. Neurosurgeons who specialize in brain and spinal surgery complete these procedures.
Neurosurgery Options
- Crainiotomy – The most common procedure, where a section of the skull is removed to access and remove the tumor
- Minimally Invasive Surgery – Uses smaller incisions and advanced tools like endoscopes to access deep-seated tumors with less disruption, most likely to biopsy the tumor
- Awake Brain Surgery – Performed while the patient is conscious to monitor critical brain functions in real time
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery – Uses focused radiation beams to treat tumors and other problems in the brain
Advanced Technology
- Intraoperative MRI & CT Scans – Provide real-time imaging to enhance precision during surgery
- Neuro Navigation – Like GPS for the brain, helps surgeons precisely locate and remove tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue and critical areas of the brain.
- Fluorescence-Guided Surgery – Patients take a special dye that makes tumor cells glow under specific lighting
- GammaTile Therapy – A surgically implanted radiotherapy treatment that delivers targeted radiation directly to the tumor site (for recurrent glioblastoma)
Mastectomy
The removal of all of the breast tissue.
Lumpectomy
This is also known as breast-conserving surgery. It involves the removal of only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
Lymph Node Removal
This is also known as axillary lymph node dissection. This involves the removal of your lymph nodes, and can take place during lumpectomy and mastectomy if the biopsy shows that breast cancer has spread outside the milk duct. Some people qualify for this less-invasive surgery.
Work with a breast surgical oncologist
Breast Reconstruction
The rebuilding of your breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, done by a plastic surgeon. Reconstruction can take place at the same time as cancer-removing surgery, or months to years later. Some women decide not to have reconstruction or opt for a prosthesis.
Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for all stages of colorectal cancer.
Rectal Cancer Surgery
- Transanal Resection – A minimally invasive surgery to cut out a small rectal tumor and some of the surrounding tissue. This surgery is done without making an opening in the abdomen. A colonoscope may be used if the tumor is located farther up the anal canal.
- Low Anterior Resection – This is a common treatment for rectal cancer that is located well above the anus. The part of the rectum containing the tumor is removed without affecting the anus. The colon is then attached to the remaining part of the rectum so that after the surgery, you continue to use the restroom in your usual manner.
- Proctectomy with Colo-Anal Anastomosis – Some rectal cancers in the middle and lower part of the rectum require removing the entire rectum. The colon is then connected to the anus. Abdominoperineal resection (APR)Some rectal tumors nearest to the anus require removal of the anus and tissue around it. A permanent colostomy is necessary.
If the cancer is found at a very early stage, your doctor may remove it using a minimally invasive procedure called a local excision. If the cancer is found in a polyp (a growth in the intestine), this procedure is called a polypectomy.
If the mass is larger, the surgeon will remove a part of the colon with the cancer and nearby healthy tissue. Lymph nodes near the colon are also removed and examined under a microscope to see whether they contain cancer. Sometimes, a colostomy, an opening on the outside of the abdomen for stool to pass through is necessary after surgery. It may be temporary or permanent.
The surgery may be done through a large incision in the abdomen or the colon cancer may be removed using a laparoscope, which is a thin lighted tube with a small video camera on the end.
Surgery is a key treatment for gynecological cancers, including ovarian, uterine, cervical and vulvar cancers. The goal is to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy function as possible.
Surgical Options
- Hysterectomy – Removal of the uterus, sometimes including the ovaries and fallopian tubes (total or radical hysterectomy)
- Oophorectomy – Removal of one or both ovaries, often for ovarian cancer
- Lymphadenectomy – Removal of lymph nodes to check for cancer spread
- Debulking Surgery – Used in advanced ovarian cancer to remove as much tumor tissue as possible
- Vulvectomy – Removal of all or part of the vulva, the external female genitalia
Advanced Technology
- Robot-Assisted Surgery (Da Vinci System) – Provides precision through small incisions, reducing recovery time and complications
- Minimally Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopy) – Uses small incisions and a camera for targeted tumor removal
- Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping – A dye-based technique to identify and remove only the affected lymph nodes, reducing side effects
These innovations improve surgical precision, minimize complications and speed up recovery.
Surgery is the primary treatment for kidney cancer, especially in early-stage cases. The goal is to remove the tumor while preserving as much kidney function as possible.
Surgical Options
- Partial Nephrectomy (Nephron-Sparing Surgery) – Removes only the tumor, preserving healthy kidney tissue. Ideal for small or localized tumors
- Radical Nephrectomy – Removes the entire kidney, often including nearby lymph nodes and adrenal gland if the cancer has spread
Advanced Technology
- Robot-Assisted Surgery (Da Vinci System) – Enhances precision and allows for minimally invasive nephrectomies, reducing recovery time
- Laparoscopic Surgery – Uses small incisions and a camera for tumor removal with minimal disruption
- Cryoablation & Radiofrequency Ablation – Non-surgical options that destroy tumors using extreme cold or heat, often for patients unable to undergo surgery
These advancements improve outcomes, reduce complications and preserve kidney function.
You'll receive highly skilled care and the most advanced surgical procedures from Bryan Heart cardiothoracic surgeons, who are at the forefront of lung cancer care introducing proven treatment advances to our region and our patients.
With a focus on you, our cardiothoracic surgeons will visit with you to discuss all your surgical options and the approach that will provide the best outcome for you.
Our Bryan Heart team of cardiothoracic surgeons, advanced nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and Bryan Medical Center nurses and staff are highly skilled in providing the expert care you need to diagnose, and if needed, surgically treat your lung cancer.
Lung Surgery Options
- Lobectomy – Removal of an entire lobe of the lung (most common for non-small cell lunch cancer (NSCLC)
- Segmentectomy/Wedge Resection – Remove of a small part of the lung to preserve critical lung function
- Pneumonectomy – Complete removal of one lung, used for large or centrally located tumors
Advanced Technology
- Robot-Assisted Surgery (DaVinci System) – Provides enhanced precision and control, using small incisions for minimally invasive surgery
- Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) – A minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera for better visualization
- Radiotracer Guided Lung Biopsy – Uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to precisely locate lung nodules, improving accuracy and helping doctors safely remove tissue for diagnosis
- Intraoperative Imaging & Navigation – Improves accuracy in tumor removal while preserving healthy lung tissue
Minimally invasive techniques help reduce complications, pain and recovery time.
Find a Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Surgery is a key treatment for pancreatic cancer, mainly when the tumor is confined to the pancreas. The goal is to remove the cancer while preserving as much digestive and endocrine function as possible.
Surgical Options
- Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy) – Removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, gallbladder and bile duct
- Distal Pancreatectomy – Removes the tail and sometimes part of the body of the pancreas, often along with the spleen
- Total Pancreatectomy – Removes the entire pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, spleen, and parts of the stomach and intestine, used in extensive cases
Advanced Technology
- Robot-Assisted Surgery – Enhances precision in complex pancreatic procedures, reducing recovery time and complications
- Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery – Uses small incisions and a camera for certain pancreatic tumor removals
- Intraoperative Imaging & Navigation – Improves accuracy and ensures complete tumor removal while preserving healthy tissue
Surgery is a common treatment for localized prostate cancer, aiming to remove the cancer while preserving urinary and sexual function.
Surgical Options
- Radical Prostatectomy – Complete removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues, sometimes including lymph nodes
- Open Approach – Traditional approach with a single larger incision
- Robot-Assisted Approach – Uses small incisions for less pain and faster recovery
Advanced Technology
- Robot-Assisted Surgery (Da Vinci System) – Enhances precision, reduces complications, and shortens recovery time
- Nerve-Sparing Techniques – Help preserve erectile function by avoiding damage to nearby nerves
- Real-Time Imaging & Navigation – Improves accuracy in removing cancerous tissue while minimizing side effects
Minimally invasive techniques are becoming the standard, improving outcomes and reducing recovery time.
