The Minimally Invasive Surgery Department provides surgical diagnosis and treatment through small incisions or natural body openings whenever this is clinically appropriate. These techniques are designed to achieve the required oncological outcome while reducing surgical trauma and supporting a more comfortable recovery.
What the department does
The department performs laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, endoscopic, image-guided, and other minimally invasive procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and related conditions. Procedures may include biopsies, tumour removal, lymph-node assessment, drainage, stent placement, and selected palliative interventions. Surgeons work closely with oncologists, radiologists, anaesthesiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to plan each procedure.
Conditions and clinical questions addressed
Minimally invasive techniques may be used for selected tumours of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, and other anatomical areas. They can help obtain tissue for diagnosis, determine the extent of disease, remove localised tumours, manage treatment-related complications, or relieve symptoms caused by obstruction, fluid collection, or pressure on surrounding structures.
Clinical approach
The choice of procedure depends on the tumour location and stage, the patient's general health, previous treatments, and the intended clinical outcome. Each case is reviewed to determine whether a minimally invasive approach is safe and oncologically appropriate. When necessary, the team may recommend an open operation or convert to one during surgery to protect the patient and complete the procedure safely.
What patients can expect
Before the procedure, patients may undergo blood tests, imaging, anaesthetic assessment, and other investigations. The team will provide instructions about fasting, medicines, hospital admission, and recovery. Many minimally invasive procedures are associated with smaller incisions and may allow an earlier return to normal activities, although recovery varies according to the procedure and the individual patient. Bring an identity document, your referral, previous medical records and imaging, and a current list of medicines. Arrange transport and home support if advised by the care team.
