Common Questions About Cancer Surgery, Consultations, and Second Opinions

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients and families often have questions when facing a pancreatic, liver, or complex gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis. The answers below address common topics related to consultations, treatment planning, surgical care, and recovery.

Additional information about specific cancers and treatment approaches can be found throughout this website.

Consultations and Second Opinions

Some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care physician or specialist, while others allow self-referral. Our team can help determine what your insurance plan requires and guide you through the scheduling process.
Yes. Many patients seek a second opinion when facing a complex diagnosis or treatment decision. Consultation often includes review of outside imaging, pathology reports, and prior treatment recommendations to help clarify surgical options and overall treatment strategy.
To request a second opinion, please visit our Contact Uspage.
Patients with a new or suspected cancer diagnosis are prioritized for timely evaluation. When clinically appropriate, consultations can often be arranged within several days. Our team works closely with referring physicians and patients to avoid unnecessary delays.
Request a Consultation or Second Opinion →

To request a consultation, please visit our Contact Uspage.

Preparing for Your First Visit

Please bring the following if available:
• A list of current medications
• Recent imaging reports or CDs
• Pathology or biopsy reports
• Insurance information and photo identification
If records are not yet available, our team can help obtain them. Evaluation should not be delayed because paperwork is incomplete.

Understanding Cancer Surgery

Determining whether surgery is appropriate depends on several factors, including the location and stage of the tumor, whether nearby blood vessels or organs are involved, and whether the cancer has spread to distant sites.
Treatment planning often involves collaboration among surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists. Some patients benefit from surgery first, while others may receive chemotherapy or other treatments before surgery.
A comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether surgery is appropriate and how it should be sequenced with other therapies.
A surgical oncologist is a surgeon who has completed additional fellowship training focused on the treatment of cancer. After residency in general surgery, surgical oncologists receive specialized training in complex oncologic operations and multidisciplinary cancer care.
This training includes management of tumors involving the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, stomach, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract, along with coordination of care with medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, and pathology specialists.
To request a second opinion, please visit our Contact Uspage.
Many complex cancers benefit from evaluation by physicians and care teams who frequently manage these diseases. Specialists in hepatopancreatobiliary and gastrointestinal cancers often work within multidisciplinary teams that include surgeons, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and other experts.
Seeking consultation with a specialist can help ensure that treatment decisions reflect current evidence, multidisciplinary input, and the full range of available treatment options.

Surgical Treatment and Approach

Not every condition requires surgery. Treatment recommendations depend on the type of disease, its stage, overall health, and individual goals of care.
Some patients benefit most from surgery, while others may be treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of approaches.
Treatment decisions are often made within a multidisciplinary cancer care framework.
Robotic surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery that allows surgeons to operate using specialized instruments controlled from a console. The system provides high-definition three-dimensional visualization and precise instrument movement during complex procedures.
Learn more about robotic surgical oncology →
Not always. While many procedures can be performed using minimally invasive or robotic techniques, the safest and most effective approach depends on the specific disease, anatomy, prior operations, and overall health.
The surgical plan is always individualized for each patient.

Recovery After Surgery

Length of stay varies depending on the type of procedure and individual recovery. Minimally invasive and robotic approaches may shorten hospitalization for some operations.
Some discomfort is expected after surgery, but pain is actively managed using multimodal pain control strategies designed to support comfort and early mobility.
Walking is encouraged soon after surgery. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity are typically limited for several weeks depending on the type of operation performed.
Learn more about recovery after surgery →

Cancer Care and Treatment Planning

Some cancers are treated with surgery alone, while others benefit from chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or combined treatment approaches.
These decisions are made in collaboration with medical and radiation oncologists as part of a coordinated cancer care plan.
Cancer care often involves collaboration among surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and supportive care specialists.
Working together allows the care team to develop a comprehensive, individualized treatment strategy.

Communication and Safety

Final pathology results are typically available within several days. Results are reviewed carefully with patients along with recommendations for any additional treatment or follow-up.
Yes. Patients are encouraged to include family members or caregivers in appointments and treatment discussions if they wish.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.