The digestive system relies on the smooth functioning of many vital organs to process the food we eat. Like in other parts of the body, cancers can develop in our gastrointestinal (GI) system. The most common GI cancers are found in the colon, esophagus, liver, pancreas and stomach.
NorthShore features experienced surgeons skilled in performing minimally invasive endoscopic, laparoscopic and robotic techniques for the treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. Achieving exceptional outcomes, these advanced surgical options utilize the least invasive options that result in less pain, faster recovery and minimal scarring for patients.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers. Early detection and recommended colon cancer screening allows for the successful removal of pre-cancerous polyps (abnormal growths) and early-stage colon cancer. Performing the majority of colon cancer cases with minimally invasive surgical techniques, NorthShore surgeons have achieved superior outcomes for patients.
For early-stage colon cancer, surgery is often the only treatment needed to achieve the best results. In some cases, your surgeon may need to remove a small section of the colon (colectomy). NorthShore’s GI specialists possess advanced training in laparoscopic and open techniques for partial and full removal of the colon. For the treatment of low rectal cancers, our surgical experts have extensive experience in performing sphincter preservation operations to maximize functional outcomes and quality of life.
Esophageal/Stomach Cancer
Esophageal and stomach cancers often develop silently, with few detectable symptoms early on in the progression of the disease. At NorthShore, our surgeons have pioneered minimally invasive surgical options for all stages of cancer affecting the esophagus and stomach.
We have long set ourselves apart in the leading-edge treatment of these common GI cancers. NorthShore is among a handful of centers in the nation offering advanced endoscopic procedures that spare the esophagus and stomach. Our specially-trained GI surgeons routinely employ sophisticated endoscopic (resection and ablation) strategies for the treatment of precancerous lesions and early cancer in these essential organs.
For the esophagus, removal of a portion of it (esophagectomy/esophageal resection) may be required for more advanced disease. NorthShore was one of the first in the Chicago area to offer minimally invasive approaches to esophagectomy, including robotic as well as laparoscopic techniques. The depth and breadth of our experience has made us one of the busiest centers in the region. Additionally, our multidisciplinary cancer care team uniquely features GI surgeons skilled in abdominal surgery and thoracic surgeons, expert in chest surgery. Uniquely working in tandem during esophagectomy procedures, this partnership brings together an unparalleled level of surgical expertise.
Liver/Pancreatic Cancer
Cancers of the liver and pancreas are often complex and demand highly specialized surgical expertise to maximize outcomes. NorthShore features skilled hepato-pancreaticobiliary surgeons (HPB) who specialize in gastrointestinal surgical oncology.
Our team of experts has extensive experience performing advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques to treat both benign and malignant tumors in the liver and GI tract. We have distinguished ourselves by offering minimally invasive strategies for liver and pancreatic resections not available at all centers.
Part of a multidisciplinary team, our HPB surgeons work closely with NorthShore’s interventional radiology oncology experts, who use image guided, minimally invasive therapies to stage and treat liver cancer. All members of the NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center, these specialists develop personalized treatment plans to best meet your needs.
For More Information
For more information about gastrointestinal surgery, please call 847.570.1700.