Cancer surgery

Cancer surgery includes a wide range of techniques to take out all or part of a tumor. Surgery may also remove some healthy tissue as a precaution, as well as lymph nodes.

Surgery is a common part of cancer care, and it may be the only cancer treatment some people need. Other people may need additional therapy, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The goals of cancer surgery can include:

• Diagnosing cancer by taking a tissue sample (biopsy)
• Determining the size of a tumor and whether cancer has spread (staging)
• Treating cancer by removing the whole tumor or as much as possible
• Repairing body areas after tumor removal
• Relieving cancer symptoms
• Preventing cancer by removing suspicious spots that could turn into cancer or taking out organs for people at high risk

Learn more about genetic testing and counseling for cancer.

We specialize in the following cancer surgeries:

• Gastrointestinal
• Esophagogastric
• Pancreatic
• Breast
• Hepatobiliary (liver and gallbladder)
• Melanoma and other skin cancers
• Cancerous sarcoma
• Head and neck
• Lung

Top surgeons, latest cancer treatments & specialized cancer surgeries

With surgery such an important part of many cancer treatment plans, you want a program you can trust. Aurora Health Care is a well-recognized, #1 system for cancer surgery and care in the state of Wisconsin treating more than 8,000 newly diagnosed cancers annually.

We actively participate in numerous clinical trials which offer leading-edge treatment or therapy options for many types of cancer. We also participate in a prestigious cancer research network, National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) and have received the Outstanding Achievement Award from The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

St. Luke’s Medical Center, our largest hospital in the Milwaukee area, is recognized as a National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence and a Sarcoma Alliance Center of Excellence. We are also recognized by the Society of Thoracic Surgery with a 3-star rating for lobectomy procedures, and many of our Breast Centers are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers through the American College of Surgeons.

At Aurora Health Care, you’ll find:

• Top expertise: You work with a surgical oncologist who has completed specialized training (fellowship) and passed a test of skill and knowledge (board certification). Many of our surgical oncologists focus on a particular cancer or group of cancers. If needed, other top surgeons may help with your cancer surgery, including plastic surgeons.
• Multidisciplinary approach: Our approach goes beyond just a surgical procedure. Our team of specialists will develop an individualized treatment plan for you that includes follow-up care.
• Specialized surgeries: You’ll be treated by board-certified surgical oncologists who are experienced in a range of the latest surgical options, including many minimally invasive approaches. Examples include:
  • Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): A combination of surgery and chemo. The surgery starts by removing all visible tumors. Then a heated chemotherapy solution is placed in the open cavity to treat any remaining cancer cells. Then the chemo medication is drained and the incision is closed.
  • Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): Surgery method for lung cancer.
  • Robotic-assisted cancer surgery: Used for many kinds of cancers
  • Some of the world’s most sophisticated techniques for brain tumors.
    • Brain mapping: A technology used before and during your cancer surgery to differentiate healthy brain matter from diseased tissue.
    • Endoscopic endonasal surgery: A minimally invasive approach for brain tumor removal using high-definition optics and an endoscope.
  • Nipple-sparing mastectomy for breast cancer: Removal of the breast tissue while leaving the nipple, areola and breast skin intact.
  • Transoral laser surgery: For laryngeal cancer in the throat using a carbon dioxide laser to remove the tumor.
  • Laparoscopy or robotic surgery: Treatment for gynecologic cancer.
  • Plastic surgery: Reconstructive surgery and microsurgery to repair or rebuild tissues removed due to cancer.
• Other leading cancer treatments: Your surgeon may recommend alternatives to surgery such as:
  • NanoKnife cancer ablation: An approach that uses electrical pulses to damage tumor cells (causing them to die) while sparing blood vessels and ducts. Aurora houses the only Nanoknife in the state of Wisconsin.
  • CyberKnife radiation therapy: An innovative treatment that uses highly focused beams of radiation to target cancer cells with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): A special procedure in which radiation is delivered into an open incision during surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery & robotic surgery

While traditional open cancer surgery remains a good choice for many people, you may also be treated with innovative procedures using smaller incisions. During laparoscopic, thoracoscopic and endoscopic cancer surgeries, surgeons reach the tumor through small tubes, then use a camera and tiny tools to complete the procedure.

Robotic-assisted surgery takes a similar approach, except that your surgeon controls highly precise mechanical arms. Aurora Health was the state’s first cancer program to use the da Vinci Surgical System, one of the leading tools for cancer surgery.

Aurora surgeons have extensive experience with these minimally invasive techniques.

Benefits of minimally invasive cancer surgeries

Smaller incisions can mean:

• Less blood loss and damage to healthy tissue during surgery
• Less pain and scarring after treatment
• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay with lower risk of infection
• Potential to go home the same day and return to work more quickly

Support services

Support during the cancer journey is a top priority. Aurora Health Care participates in specific initiatives and has a number of specialized team members who provide support along the way.

Aurora Health Care participates in the perioperative surgical home model to enhance recovery after cancer surgery. This patient-centered model focuses on collaborative care, high-level communication, and shared decision making among surgeons, pharmacists, rehabilitation professionals, anesthesiologists, nursing, and other team members to ensure proper care pre-, intra-, and post-operatively. Research has shown that participation in this model of care leads to better patient satisfaction and a higher quality of perioperative care.

Aurora Health Care also participates in the State Action on Avoidable Rehospitalizations (STAAR) initiative. This means our care teams remain up to date on best practices for improving transitions in care and reducing avoidable hospital readmissions after cancer surgery.

In addition to the care needed before, during and after cancer surgery, you’ll receive the following kinds of care.

Cancer rehabilitation: Dedicated rehabilitation therapists help with recovery after your cancer surgery.

Cancer nurse navigators: A dedicated nurse navigator will help guide your care and address any needs or concerns

Social workers: Board-certified oncology social workers will provide emotional support, connect you to community resources, and answer questions about work, finances, and insurance

Find your clinic

With 19 Aurora cancer clinics, you can find top care near you.

Follow cancer news

Get the latest updates on cancer care when you read the Aurora Connection newsletter.

Furthering clinical expertise through fellowship

For medical residency graduates, our complex general surgical oncology fellowship program offers advanced training in preparing current and future physicians to help all people live well.