Digestive Oncological Surgery

Geneva Surgery manages a broad spectrum of digestive oncological conditions. This includes colorectal cancers, small bowel malignancies, gastric cancer excluding tumours of the oesophagogastric junction, as well as selected neuroendocrine tumours, gastrointestinal stromal tumours and carcinoid tumours. Certain rare abdominal wall tumours, such as desmoid tumours, are also managed within a specialised framework.

Management of digestive cancers is inherently multidisciplinary. Each case is discussed within appropriate tumour boards, bringing together surgical, medical oncology, gastroenterology, radiology, radio-oncology, nuclear medicine and medical genetics expertise when indicated. This ensures that surgery is integrated coherently into the overall oncological strategy.

Surgery represents one cardinal component of a global, coordinated oncological management plan. When surgical treatment is indicated, it is performed as a balanced expression of strict oncological principles and advanced reconstructive expertise, aligned with the broader therapeutic strategy.

Robotic surgery allows precise dissection and controlled reconstruction, particularly in anatomically constrained regions such as the pelvis or upper abdomen and in complex situations beyond the limits of standard laparoscopic approaches. This precision extends the scope of minimally invasive surgery, reduces conversion to open procedures and limits surgical trauma while maintaining oncological rigour.

When surgery is indicated, procedures are planned and performed with strict respect for oncological principles, including appropriate resection margins and comprehensive lymphatic clearance. This level of precision supports consistent oncological execution and durable results.

Beyond oncological rigour, a key objective of surgery is to achieve an uncomplicated postoperative course. This allows patients to return promptly to their oncological treatment plan, preserving continuity and coherence of the overall therapeutic strategy.

Care pathways integrate multimodal prehabilitation, nutritional optimisation and systematic immunonutrition, aligned with ERAS principles. Opioid-free pain management strategies, physiotherapy focused on early and continued mobilisation, pulmonary exercises and close postoperative monitoring are standard components of care. Patients remain hospitalised until predefined recovery criteria are achieved, ensuring a safe and predictable transition to the next phase of treatment.

Yes. In certain situations, surgery may be required urgently to address complications related to cancer. In all cases, surgical intervention is considered within the context of the global oncological strategy and coordinated closely with the multidisciplinary team.

Decisions are made within a structured multidisciplinary framework. Each case is discussed in tumour boards involving surgeons, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, radio-oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists and medical genetics experts when appropriate. This ensures that surgical indications are based on a comprehensive analysis of the disease and integrated into a coherent, patient-specific oncological plan.

Surgery is never isolated from the overall oncological context. It is planned and performed as part of a coordinated treatment strategy discussed in tumour boards. This ensures continuity between surgical care, systemic treatments and long-term follow-up, with each step contributing to the global therapeutic objective.

Pathological analysis is a central element of oncological decision-making. Pathologists contribute to tumour board discussions, ensuring accurate diagnosis, staging and assessment of tumour characteristics. Their input is essential to guide surgical planning and to coordinate subsequent oncological treatments.