Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer

Our surgeons use various techniques to physically remove the tumor or visible cancer cells. At Stony Brook, our goal is to use the least invasive method possible. Surgical options include traditional open and minimally invasive approaches, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted.

Surgeons work very closely with the medical oncologists and radiation oncologists on their teams. If needed, surgical collaborations occur between teams. The team plans the best course of treatment and discusses their recommendations with the patient and family members.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

The Whipple Procedure 
For some individuals with pancreatic cancer, the Whipple procedure may be an option to extend life or offer a potential cure. Dr. Aaron Sasson has performed this complex surgery more than 500 times. Robotic-assisted surgery is also available now. For information on the first fully robotic Whipple procedure performed on Long Island, click here

VIEW VIDEO: Dr. Aaron Sasson explains the Whipple procedure.  
VIEW VIDEO: Meet Our Doctor, Dr. Aaron Sasson 

CRS-HIPEC
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

For individuals who have advanced cancer contained within the abdomen, HIPEC may be an option. HIPEC is a procedure that combines surgery and chemotherapy. 

Ask the Expert: Georgios V. Georgakis, MD, PhD, FAQs About Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC
VIEW VIDEO: Meet Our Doctor, Dr. Georgios V. Georgakis

IRE
FAQs about Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) for Pancreatic Cancer

Learn more about this surgical treatment for pancreatic cancer, from the Department of Surgery blog.