+91 954 002 5025 (24/7)
Palliative Surgery in Delhi, India
To Book an Appointment
Call Us+91 954 002 5025To Book an Appointment
Call Us+91 954 002 5025Overview
Palliative surgery is a surgical intervention that focuses on improving a patient’s quality of life or treating the symptoms of an advanced cancer. Additionally, doctors perform palliative surgery to evaluate the extent of a disease and control pain, haemorrhage, or tumour.
Alternate Name of Palliative Surgery
Surgical palliation
Body Location
Any part of the body
Palliative Procedure Type
Surgical type
Preparation Before Palliative Surgery
The doctor decides to perform palliative surgery if non-surgical interventions such as medications have not improved the pain and symptoms of the disease. Before opting for palliative surgery, consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of performing the surgery.
Your doctor may ask you to refrain from smoking and taking medications a week before the surgery. Your doctor will also give proper instructions on what to eat or what not to eat. The doctor may ask you to avoid eating any food except water before the surgery on the day of the procedure.
How is Palliative Surgery Performed?
Palliative surgery aims to reduce pain and other symptoms caused by an advanced disease such as cancer. There are several types of surgeries that fall under palliative surgery. We discuss one of the most common palliative surgeries performed called tumour debulking. This is a surgical procedure where most of the malignant tumour is safely removed to allow chemotherapy or radiotherapy to be more effective, therefore improving the quality of a patient’s life.
During the procedure, the patient is under general anaesthesia. According to the size and location of the cancer/tumour, the surgeon either uses laparoscopy to make a small incision or takes out as much of the tumour as possible. If the tumour has spread too much, the surgeon may opt for open surgery to gain more access to the tumour. Since the tumour would have progressed to an advanced stage, this procedure aims to leave behind no visible signs of cancer or less than 1 cm lesions.
Follow Up After Palliative Surgery
Your stay in the hospital might be for 4 to 7 days after surgery to start recovery and receive chemotherapy or any other medicinal treatment. Once you are released from the hospital, you will have to go to your doctor for checkups every week after surgery.
During these follow-ups, your doctor will inspect your surgical site for any signs of infection or bleeding and may ask about your health. Avoid any strenuous physical activity or exercise to avoid putting pressure on stitches and the body for at least 8 to 12 weeks until the doctor permits you.
Risks Associated with Palliative Surgery
Like any other surgery, an individual might be at risk of developing the following side effects after palliative surgery.
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling
- Postoperative pain
- Blood clots
- Possible nerve damage
- Slow recovery of the other bodily functions
- Damage to other organs
- Damage to nearby tissues
- Drug reactions
- Incontinence
Recovery After Palliative Surgery
It will take 6 to 8 weeks to recover from palliative surgery and get back to your regular routine. It may take longer depending on the surgery and the healing process. You cannot drive or go back to work for a few weeks after surgery. Once the doctor deems you fit and allows you to resume your daily routine, you may do so.
The follow-ups will continue but will reduce to visits every 2 to 3 months or as per the doctor’s instructions. You may experience side effects, such as bleeding, infection, or incontinence after the surgery. Consult your doctor immediately if they persist. For more information on palliative surgery, visit BLK-Max Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does palliative surgery cost in India?
The cost of palliative surgery in India varies depending on various factors, such as the type of surgery, the hospital, and the patient's medical needs. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider or hospital for specific cost information.
2. Which is the best place for palliative surgery?
The best place for palliative surgery is determined by a range of factors, such as the specific medical condition, the expertise of the healthcare providers, and the availability of specialised facilities.
3. What type of surgery is palliative?
Palliative surgery refers to surgical procedures to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, or manage complications in patients with advanced or incurable diseases. The specific type of surgery depends on the individual's medical condition.
4. What is the purpose of palliative surgery?
Palliative surgery enhances the quality of life for individuals suffering from severe or advanced medical conditions. It alleviates symptoms, manages complications, and relieves pain or discomfort.
5. How long can palliative surgery treatment last?
The duration of palliative surgery treatment varies depending on the specific medical condition and the individual's response to treatment. It may be a one-time procedure or involve ongoing management and follow-up care.
6. Is palliative curable?
Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses rather than concentrating on curing the underlying condition. It provides comfort, symptom management, and support to enhance the patient's well-being.
7. What is the final stage of palliative care?
The final stage of palliative care is focused on end-of-life care and providing comfort to patients in their last days. It involves managing pain and other symptoms.
8. Which foods are in palliative care?
In palliative care, there is no specific list of foods, as the selection varies depending on individual preferences and medical conditions. The goal is to provide foods that are easy to swallow and digest.
9. Is palliative care different from end-of-life care?
Yes, palliative care and end-of-life care are different but interconnected. Palliative care aims to relieve symptoms, manage pain, and improve the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses. End-of-life care, on the other hand, specifically addresses the needs and support during the final stages of life.
10. What is the risk of palliative care?
The risk of palliative care is generally low, as it primarily aims to improve quality of life and provide comfort. Potential risks may be associated with specific interventions or medications used in palliative care, which should be discussed with the healthcare team.
