Cancer is not only a major public health issue in Thailand but also a global public health problem because each year the number of cancer patients increases significantly. Most people only realize they have cancer when it has already reached a difficult-to-treat stage, making cancer a deadly disease that easily claims patients’ lives.
Currently, some types of cancer can be prevented to reduce risk and cured with improved medical innovations, from diagnosis, treatment, to post-treatment rehabilitation.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a condition where cells in the body grow abnormally, forming malignant tumors. Sometimes, it may not show symptoms in the early stages. By the time it is detected, these tumors have rapidly spread and become uncontrollable. Cancer can occur in many locations such as the lungs, breasts, intestines, cervix, liver, stomach, prostate, etc. Cancer arises from various factors including chemicals, smoking, viruses, unhealthy eating behaviors, and genetics.
Cancer treatment
There are several methods for cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and medication. Most cancers, if detected before spreading, can be completely cured with chemotherapy or laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumor entirely.
What is laparoscopic cancer surgery?
For cancer patients, laparoscopic surgery is another standard treatment option with fewer complications compared to open abdominal surgery. In Thailand, laparoscopic surgery can treat cancers in various systems such as colorectal cancer, early to moderate stage stomach cancer, kidney tumors, prostate, uterine tumors, ovarian tumors, and other gynecological cancers.
Laparoscopic surgery involves small incisions through the abdominal wall and was first introduced 30 years ago, starting with gallbladder surgery, which gained worldwide acceptance and became a standard treatment. Today, laparoscopic surgery has continuously advanced with high-definition (4K) video cameras, tissue dissection instruments, organ cutting devices, and even robotic assistance, making laparoscopic surgery a standard for various organ surgeries.
Although laparoscopic surgery is a high-tech method that makes treatment easier and more convenient, surgeons must have strong open abdominal surgery skills combined with advanced skills in using cameras and surgical instruments to perform safe surgeries.
What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery?
Cancer surgery using this endoscopic innovation is popular because it has a high success rate, patients recover quickly, wounds are very small, easy to care for, and have a low risk of infection. Postoperative pain is minimal, and once healed, only small scars remain on the abdomen. Hospital stays are only 1-2 days, after which patients can return to normal life. This contrasts with open abdominal surgery, which is more painful, requires longer hospital stays, and about one month of home recovery before resuming normal activities.
Limitations of laparoscopic cancer surgery
However, there are some limitations to laparoscopic surgery in difficult or complex cases, such as tumors larger than 8 centimeters or patients who have had multiple previous surgeries resulting in extensive adhesions. These limitations may prevent laparoscopic surgery, whether single or multiple incisions. Such cases are rare, and if encountered, doctors may consider open abdominal surgery or other appropriate treatments.
Using the best innovations to achieve successful cancer surgery outcomes
We understand that every second is valuable for cancer patients and their loved ones. Therefore, we prepare better cancer treatment innovations through laparoscopic surgery and coordinate personalized care with a team of specialists who will collaboratively diagnose and plan appropriate treatment quickly to ensure the most effective treatment outcomes.
