Unit 1563: Surgical Oncology

1. Introduction to Surgical Oncology

1.1 Overview of Surgical Oncology

• Definition and scope
• Historical perspective

1.2 Role of Surgery in Cancer Treatment

• Curative vs palliative intent
• Integration with other treatment modalities (chemotherapy, radiation)

1.3 Types of Surgical Procedures

• Diagnostic surgery
• Therapeutic surgery
• Reconstructive surgery

1.4 Multidisciplinary Approach

• Importance of team-based care
• Roles of various specialists

2. Principles of Oncologic Surgery

2.1 Tumor Staging

• TNM classification system
• Impact on surgical decision-making

2.2 Margin Assessment

• Definition of negative, positive, and close margins
• Techniques to assess margins intraoperatively

2.3 Lymph Node Evaluation

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy
• Regional lymphadenectomy indications

2.4 Achieving Negative Surgical Margins

• Surgical planning
• Techniques to optimize margins

3. Surgical Techniques in Oncology

3.1 Traditional Open Surgery

• Indications and limitations

3.2 Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approaches
• Benefits and challenges

3.3 Robotic Surgery

• Technology overview
• Applications and outcomes

3.4 Organ Preservation Techniques

• Principles and examples (e.g., breast-conserving surgery)

3.5 Advancements in Surgical Technology

• Imaging guidance
• Intraoperative navigation

4. Complications in Surgical Oncology

4.1 Common Complications

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Wound healing problems

4.2 Prevention Strategies

• Preoperative optimization
• Sterile techniques

4.3 Management of Complications

• Early recognition
• Therapeutic interventions

5. Palliative Surgery in Oncology

5.1 Role and Objectives

• Symptom relief
• Debulking tumors

5.2 Common Palliative Procedures

• Bypass surgeries
• Tumor decompression

5.3 Ethical Considerations

• Patient autonomy
• Balancing benefits and risks

6. Surgical Oncology and Precision Medicine

6.1 Overview of Precision Medicine

• Genetic profiling
• Biomarkers

6.2 Personalized Surgical Approaches

• Tailoring surgery based on tumor genetics

6.3 Targeted Therapies Integration

• Neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings

6.4 Future Directions

• Emerging technologies and research

7. Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

7.1 Team Composition

• Surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurses

7.2 Communication and Coordination

• Tumor boards
• Care planning

7.3 Benefits to Patient Outcomes

• Improved survival
• Enhanced quality of life

8. Quality of Life in Surgical Oncology

8.1 Impact of Surgery on Quality of Life

• Physical, emotional, social aspects

8.2 Preoperative Counseling

• Setting expectations
• Informed consent

8.3 Survivorship Care

• Follow-up strategies
• Managing long-term effects

8.4 Rehabilitation Services

• Physical therapy
• Psychosocial support