Assoc. Prof. Ömer Yalkın

The aim of cancer surgery is to remove the tumor along with the surrounding safety margin and relevant lymph nodes. Robotic and laparoscopic techniques allow this procedure to be performed with cameras and instruments inserted through several small holes, without making a large incision in the abdominal wall.

The enlarged three-dimensional image helps to select vascular and nerve structures more clearly. Small incisions usually mean less pain and sooner mobilization. Which method is suitable for which patient is evaluated together in the council according to the location and stage of the tumor.

Treatment of colon and rectum cancers is planned according to stage. Surgery is the main step of treatment in most stages. During surgery, the tumorous intestine section is removed along with its feeding vessels and lymph nodes.

In some patients with rectal cancer, it is preferred to first shrink the tumor with oncological treatments and then perform surgery. In appropriate cases, it is aimed to maintain the quality of life with techniques that protect the anus. The order is determined for each patient at the tumor council.

In breast cancer surgery, it is not necessary to remove the entire breast in every patient. In appropriate tumor size and location, approaches in which the tumor is removed within a safety margin and the breast is preserved can be applied. In axillary evaluation, sentinel lymph node sampling is preferred.

Which approach is appropriate is determined by imaging, pathology and oncology evaluations. When necessary, repair (oncoplastic) techniques are planned in the same session.

Most thyroid nodules are benign and only require follow-up. Suspicious or malignant results in needle biopsy, enlargement of the nodule to the point of compression, or excessive hormone production bring surgery to the agenda.

Overactivity of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism) can affect bone and kidney health by increasing blood calcium. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, removal of the responsible gland is the main treatment. In both surgeries, protecting the vocal cord nerve is an important part of the surgery.