Surgery
Surgery involves removing tissues or organs from the body. The type of surgery you have depends on your cancer. You may also hear surgery called an operation or a procedure.
Every operation is different. Ask your surgeon about what to expect.
What you need to know
Neuroendocrine tumour surgery
Surgery can be a useful way of treating NETs. However, not every patient with a NET is suitable for surgery.
Surgery for NETs can be complex and requires the care of a specialised multidisciplinary team.
The surgery that is recommended will depend on:
- the location of the NET
- the stage and grade of the NET
- the symptoms you have
- your general health.
The types of NET surgery performed include:
Resection – This is surgery to remove the NET and an area of tissue surrounding it. The type of resection done depends on the location and size of the NET.
NETs that are small and have not spread can sometimes be completely removed, and surgery may be the only treatment needed.
Debulking – This is surgery to remove as much of the NET as possible when it is too large to be completely removed. This can help to reduce symptoms and is often referred to as palliative surgery.
It is important to understand what surgery is planned and how this will affect you.
Where to have surgery
Some small procedures can be done in an outpatient clinic or a doctor’s rooms, e.g. having a biopsy. However, larger operations take place in an operating theatre in a hospital.
People with less common cancers, such as NETs, or cancers that require complex surgery, should be treated at a hospital that specialises in this type of surgery. This may involve some travel.
Your surgeon will discuss with you when and where you can have your operation, and any costs involved. They, or one of their team members, will also give you instructions about what to do before your surgery and what to expect afterwards.
The surgical team
Health professionals who work as part of the surgical team include:
- surgeon
- anaesthetist
- nurse
- allied health professional.
Other resources we recommend
What to ask or talk about
Side effects of surgery
Your surgeon will discuss any risks of the surgery with you before your operation. Most hospitals will also give you written information about the surgery and who to contact if you have any concerns.
Possible surgical side effects and complications include:
- pain
- infection
- bleeding
- lymphoedema
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- blood clots.
The surgical team looking after you during and after your operation will take care to reduce your risk of side effects, and treat any that you get.
Checklists
Next steps
Preparing for surgery
Before surgery, you will need to sign a consent form. It is important you understand what you are consenting to and the possible risks of the surgery.
Some things you should know are:
- whether you need to have tests and a preoperative assessment
- whether you need to change or stop any medications, e.g. blood thinners like aspirin
- when you have to stop eating and drinking
- when you have to be there
- whether you need time off work
- whether you need someone to care for you at home after surgery (if you are having day surgery you will need someone to drive you home).
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NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia1300287363
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Cancer Council Mon-Fri 9am-5pm13 11 20
