Looking at A Less Invasive Method for Cancer Surgery

Surgical procedures are often done to remove cancerous tumors and growths. As a procedure, only a surgical oncologist can perform the specialized operation. Aside from the removal of the problematic growth, it could also involve the removal of the surrounding tissue. It is also used as a way to diagnose and detect the infected area and determine the extent of the growth and see if there are other organs or tissue affected. 

Traditional Forms of Surgery 

The surgical oncologist could perform conventional surgical procedures as a way to diagnose or treat the patient. A biopsy falls under these types of procedures. It involves removing a portion or the entire suspect area of the organ or tissue. This is done so the sample could be closely examined in a laboratory by a pathologist. 

Another form of conventional surgery involves the actual removal of the tumor or cancerous growth and healthy tissues near the affected area. This type of surgical procedure is sometimes performed with other treatment options. These processes include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Other forms of cancer surgery focus on the prevention and reconstruction aspect. 

There are cases when the growth is too expansive that only a partial removal can be performed by the oncologist. To reduce the remaining growth, the patient often undergoes chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Other types of surgery may be performed after the removal of the growth to address other medical complications, such as bleeding and localized pain. 

Minimally Invasive Treatment 

In most recent years, innovations in oncological surgery ushered in minimally invasive options for certain types of cancer. The options offered to patients include nanoknife cancer surgery as utilized in the irreversible electroporation technique. The procedure involves using thin nanotubes which are precisely calibrated to perform the surgery. 

The nano knife system can be used for solid tumors. It uses electric pulses to weaken the cell membranes of the cancerous growth. Without using heat or radiation, the cells weaken and die. The electric pulses only target the tumor area and does not affect the surrounding healthy tissue and organs. 

The nano knife system, due to its focused treatment process, can be used for difficult to reach cancerous growth. The process involves inserting several thin nanotubes into the affected area. The needle-like tubes are positioned to surround the tumor before generating the electric pulses. After the growth has been destroyed, a cell renewal process is expected to take place. 

Unlike most conventional cancer surgery procedures, the nanoknife system can be performed on an outpatient basis. It means the procedure does not normally require an overnight stay in the hospital. The duration of the entire procedure varies. It can also be recommended for patients with other health conditions. 

Cancer research ushered in new technologies for the benefit of cancer patients. As a result, those who are going through certain types of cancer now have other treatment options. These minimally invasive procedures provide a certain degree of comfort to those who are afflicted with the condition.