” Collaborative care in GI Oncology “
GI Oncology is strongly coming up as a sub specialty as technology and knowledge advances. The Author has been a strong proponent and practitioner of GI Oncology since many years now .
GI Oncology primarily focuses on preventive aspects as well as treatment aspects .
It is imperative to know and screen out the Cancer syndrome families and also those with Precancerous conditions so that they not only get aware of the future but also can prepare for it by regular surveillance for early diagnosis and treatment.
Regarding the Treatment aspect , it’s always a Multidisciplinary approach consisting of GI Surgeon , Medical Gastroenterology specialist, Oncologist, Radiation specialist , Enterostoma Therapist , Pathologist , Radiologist , Tained Nurses , Anaesthetist and Critical Care specialists etc .
Many cancer can be upfront operated followed by Adjuvant therapies by oncologists and some may need pre op therapies known as Neo Adjuvant Chemo/Radiotherapy followed by surgery to get adequate clearance to achieve R0 resection ie the microscopy of specimen reveals that entire tumor even at microscopic levels are also removed completely leaving no cells behind on resection margins . This needs a dedicated Histopathology specialist to study specimen completely and adequately.
Radiology plays a very important role of perfect diagnosis and right and adequate staging to give surgeon and other stake holders a clear picture to plan and have road map . Anaesthetist and Critical care and nursing care is equally important to have a perfect peri operative care and recovery .
But most importantly , it’s Mandate that a succes story remains a succes in the long term for which a stringent follow up protocol has to be drawn, explained and executed by Surgeon or Primary Consultant.
