Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a serious condition that requires prompt and effective treatment. One of the primary treatment options for stomach cancer is surgery. This article explores the role of surgery in treating stomach cancer. In addition, it highlights technological advancements that are help to make remote robotic stomach cancer surgery a possibility in the future.
Learn More: Stomach Cancer In Singapore >>
Understanding The Role of Surgery In Stomach Cancer Treatment
Surgery is often a critical component in the treatment of stomach cancer, especially when the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. The main goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes and other structures are removed too. There are several types of surgeries used to treat stomach cancer, each tailored to the cancer’s location and stage.
- Subtotal (Partial) Gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing part of the stomach. It is typically recommended when the cancer is located in the lower part of the stomach. The surgeon aims to remove as little of the stomach as possible to allow for normal eating post-surgery.
- Total Gastrectomy: In cases where the cancer is more widespread, a total gastrectomy may be necessary. This involves removing the entire stomach and connecting the oesophagus directly to the small intestine. This procedure is more extensive and requires significant adjustments in the patient’s diet and lifestyle.
- Endoscopic Resection: For very early-stage cancers, endoscopic procedures such as Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) and Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) can be used. These minimally invasive procedures involve removing the cancerous tissue through an endoscope, avoiding the need for large incisions.
Robotic Surgery For Cancer Treatment
One of the most exciting developments in the field of stomach cancer surgery is the advent of robotic surgery. Robotic gastrectomy, performed using systems like the da Vinci Surgical System, offers several advantages over traditional surgical methods.
- Precision and Control: Robotic surgery provides surgeons with enhanced precision and control. The robotic instruments can bend and rotate in ways that human hands cannot, allowing for more precise removal of cancerous tissues.
- Minimally Invasive: Robotic surgery is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery. This results in less pain, reduced risk of infection, and quicker recovery times for patients.
Robotic Surgery Paired With Advances In Communications Networks Opens Future Possibilities
One of the significant benefits of robotic surgery when combined with advances in communications networking is that it can enable surgeons to perform operations remotely. This will allow top surgeons in Singapore to provide their expertise to patients who are not able to travel to Singapore for treatment.
Case Study: Robotic Telesurgery Trial For Stomach Cancer Surgery
One notable example is a cross-border robotic telesurgery trial conducted in Oct 2023. It involved medical teams from NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Hospital (NUH), and Japan’s Fujita Health University. This trial demonstrated the potential of robotic surgery to bridge geographical gaps in medical expertise. Dr Kim Guowei (a General Surgeon now practicing at Crest Surgical Practice) was part of the team that carried out this groundbreaking trial.
During the trial, surgeons in Singapore performed gastrectomy procedures from a cockpit located at NUH. The surgeons’ movements were transmitted to, and replicated by a robotic operation unit in Japan on simulated organs. Haptic feedback was provided in the reverse direction back to the surgeons.
This trial was an exciting significant step forward in the field of telesurgery, opening future possibilities for patients to receive world-class surgical treatment without the need to travel long distances.
Cost Of Stomach Cancer Surgery
The cost of stomach cancer surgery will vary depending on the nature, type, and extent of surgery to be carried out. The MOH recommended benchmark surgeon fee for total surgical resection with removal of lymph nodes (SF710S) is $14,600 to $23,300 (as of 1 Oct 2024).
Learn More: Chemotherapy And Other Costs Of Cancer Treatment In Singapore >>
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.