GI cancer surgery removes the cancer-bearing part of the digestive tract together with its lymph nodes, restoring continuity where possible. Dr. Babu Elangovan operates on stomach, colon, rectal and oesophageal cancer, using minimally invasive techniques where suitable, within a multidisciplinary plan.
Receiving a diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer can feel overwhelming, but understanding your surgical options is the first step toward recovery. Surgical removal of the tumour remains the cornerstone of treatment for cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, and oesophagus.
Dr. Babu Elangovan provides compassionate, highly precise surgical care tailored to your specific diagnosis. By focusing on oncologically sound techniques, the goal is to completely remove the cancer while preserving as much normal organ function and quality of life as possible.
How Gastrointestinal Cancer Operations Are Performed
A gastrointestinal cancer operation is customized based on the location and stage of the disease. Dr. Babu Elangovan utilizes open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery techniques to achieve optimal surgical outcomes.
Gastrectomy: The partial or complete removal of the stomach, combined with the clearing of surrounding lymph nodes, to treat stomach cancer.
Colectomy: The removal of the affected segment of the colon along with its blood supply and lymph nodes for colon cancer.
Sphincter-Preserving Rectal Resection: Advanced surgical techniques to remove rectal cancer while preserving natural bowel function and avoiding a permanent stoma whenever possible.
Oesophagectomy: The removal of part of the oesophagus, followed by reconstruction using another organ, typically the stomach, to restore swallowing function.
Recovery and Diet After Gastrectomy and Colorectal Surgery
Recovery from a major gastrointestinal cancer operation is a gradual process that requires careful medical monitoring and nutritional support. The length of your hospital stay depends on the complexity of the procedure and the surgical approach used.
Hospital Stay: Most patients remain in the hospital for several days to a week to monitor healing, manage pain, and ensure bowel function returns safely.
Dietary Progression: You will start with clear liquids and slowly progress to soft foods and then solid meals as your digestive system recovers.
Activity and Work: Light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery to prevent complications, while a return to desk work is typically possible within a few weeks.
Why Choose Dr. Babu Elangovan for Your Surgery?
Choosing the right surgeon for a complex gastrointestinal cancer operation is vital for your long-term health and peace of mind. Dr. Babu Elangovan offers a highly personalized approach, managing your care from the first consultation through surgery and long-term follow-up.
With over 20 years of clinical experience and advanced training in robotic and minimal-access surgery, Dr. Babu Elangovan ensures that every procedure is performed with high precision. His deep expertise in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) and GI surgery allows him to handle complex cases with confidence.
Long-Term Surveillance and Support After Cancer Surgery
Successful cancer care extends far beyond the operating room. Following your surgery, a structured follow-up plan is essential to monitor your recovery, manage nutrition, and watch for any signs of recurrence.
Dr. Babu Elangovan works closely with medical and radiation oncologists to ensure your treatment aligns with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary plan. Regular scans, blood tests, and clinical examinations will be scheduled at specific intervals to protect your health.
While based in Chennai, Dr. Babu Elangovan regularly welcomes patients who travel from across Tamil Nadu and wider South India for specialized surgical care. The practice provides remote second opinions and virtual consultations to support outstation patients throughout their treatment journey.
What to expect
1Endoscopy, biopsy & staging
2Multidisciplinary planning with oncology
3Resection with lymph-node clearance
4Reconstruction / restoring continuity
5Recovery & follow-up
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What is the difference between a gastrectomy and a colectomy?
A gastrectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, typically performed for stomach cancer. A colectomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the colon, performed to treat colon cancer. Both procedures aim to remove the tumour along with surrounding lymph nodes.
How is stomach cancer surgery Chennai performed?
Stomach cancer surgery Chennai is performed by Dr. Babu Elangovan using either traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. The choice depends on the tumour size, location, and stage. The procedure involves removing the affected part of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes.
What is the recovery timeline after colorectal cancer surgery?
Most patients spend five to seven days in the hospital after colorectal cancer surgery. You can expect to return to light, daily activities within two to three weeks, while complete abdominal healing and a return to strenuous activities may take six to eight weeks.
How much does gastrectomy and colorectal cancer surgery cost in Chennai?
The cost depends on the specific procedure, surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or robotic), hospital stay duration, and any underlying medical conditions. Dr. Babu Elangovan's team works closely with major insurance providers and third-party administrators to help patients maximize their coverage and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Can rectal cancer surgery be performed without a permanent stoma?
Yes, in many cases. Dr. Babu Elangovan utilizes advanced sphincter-preserving rectal resection techniques. If the cancer is located sufficiently above the anal sphincter, the bowel can be reconnected, avoiding the need for a permanent colostomy bag, though a temporary stoma may sometimes be required during healing.
What is the role of a multidisciplinary team in GI cancer care?
A multidisciplinary team ensures that your surgical plan is integrated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radiology, and pathology. Dr. Babu Elangovan collaborates with leading oncologists to design a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific cancer stage and overall health.
How soon can I get an appointment or second opinion?
You can schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Babu Elangovan at his Chennai clinics quickly, often within a few days. For outstation or international patients, remote video consultations and second opinions can be arranged promptly to review your medical reports and discuss surgical options.
GI cancer surgery in Chennai
Dr. Babu Elangovan provides advanced gastrointestinal cancer operations across Chennai, consulting at Mira Health Care in Adyar, Kauvery Hospital in Alwarpet, Capstone Clinics in Nungambakkam, and Kumaran Hospital and THANC Hospital in Kilpauk.
Discuss gi cancer surgery
Request a consultation and choose your preferred hospital. Enquiries reach Dr. Babu’s team and you are directed to the most suitable consulting location.
