Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Surgery

A gastrointestinal (GI) cancer diagnosis can leave you bracing for the worst. But expert care at Adventist Health can help you reclaim wellness.

Our compassionate team delivers the best treatments and the heartfelt support you deserve. All of our experts work together to help you achieve exceptional results and peace of mind.

What is gastrointestinal (GI) cancer?

This group of conditions occurs when abnormal cells in your digestive system grow out of control.

This includes your:

  • Colon
  • Rectum
  • Stomach
  • Pancreas
  • Esophagus
  • Liver

Expertise in gastrointestinal cancer surgery

When you come to Adventist Health, you benefit from the expertise of highly trained surgeons who regularly treat patients with GI cancer. We offer options for rare and complex cancers you wouldn’t expect to find in a community hospital.

Our whole-person approach gives you the support you need right from the start. Nurse navigators guide your care and answer questions. And additional support is available through our spiritual care services.

Advanced surgery for GI cancer

We use techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery whenever possible. Surgeons carry out your procedure using small incisions for less discomfort during recovery.

Our surgeons also excel in removing cancer while preserving healthy tissue. If you need colorectal cancer surgery, care may include organ-sparing methods that preserve your ability to have a normal bowel movement.

Comprehensive cancer care

Surgery is likely one part of your cancer treatment plan. We provide a full range of cancer care treatments. You receive timely therapies and support tailored to your needs.

Our multidisciplinary approach includes working closely with cancer specialists, like medical and radiation oncologists, to plan every step of your treatment. We also coordinate additional services that ease the burden of living with cancer. Whether it’s praying with you or finding additional therapies that provide comfort, we are here.

What to expect from gastrointestinal cancer surgery

We provide all the information you need to feel prepared for your procedure. Learn more by reading our general surgery patient resources.

Our team provides thoughtful information and support for every step of your care journey. Surgeons review your diagnosis and the type of procedure that can help you. We also explain how to prepare and what to expect during recovery.

GI cancer surgery procedures we perform

GI cancer surgery at Adventist Health may include:

  • Resection: Surgeons remove cancerous tissue and arim of surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Lymph node dissection: Surgeons take a sample of nearby glands (lymph nodes). We perform this procedure during a resection.
  • Removing part of an organ: It’s often necessary to remove large sections of an organ, such as the colon. We perform reconstructive procedures that make the most of the remaining healthy tissue.
  • Revision surgery: On rare occasions when complications occur, people turn to our team for help. Even if the original surgery was not in one of our hospitals, we can repair the problem. Our experts treat intestinal leaks and other issues.

Let us be your partner in health

Learn more about our general surgery services, find a location near you or find a local doctor specializing in general surgery.