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Surgery is the most common treatment for small intestine cancer. If your physician has recommended surgery, you likely have a lot of questions on your mind. Some of these questions, such as what to expect during and after the procedure, are best answered by your physician, who can provide personalized advice based on your unique condition. However, it can still be beneficial to gather some information on your own to help you understand and prepare for surgery.

Some helpful information about small intestine cancer surgery

Here are three things you should know as you prepare for surgery:

  1. There are three main types of surgery for this type of cancer – The type of procedure you will receive depends on many factors, including the location, stage and size of the tumor. Either a resection or a Whipple procedure may be used to remove portions of the intestine that are affected by cancer. If a tumor cannot be removed, bypass surgery may be used to create an alternative pathway.
  2. Surgery may be a standalone treatment or combined with other treatment methods – In many cases, surgery may be just one part of the overall treatment plan. Other treatment methods, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may be provided before or after surgery.
  3. Like any surgery, there is a risk of complications – If surgery has been recommended to you, it’s because your physician believes the benefits outweigh any risks associated with the procedure. You can further reduce the risk of complications by choosing a surgeon who has a high level of experience in the type of surgery you will be receiving.

Small intestine cancer treatment at Moffitt

Moffitt Cancer Center is a high-volume cancer center, so our surgeons possess a unique level of experience in performing different surgical procedures to treat small intestine cancer. Additionally, they collaborate with the multispecialty team within our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program, ensuring our patients receive individualized treatment plans that will lead to the best possible outcome and an improved quality of life.

If you’d like to learn more about receiving small intestine cancer surgery at Moffitt, fill out a new patient registration form or call 1-888-663-3488. We welcome patients to schedule an appointment with or without a referral.