Cancer surgeon
At Upper GI West, we ensure patients receive the most up-to-date care from diagnosis through surgery. Our cancer surgeons bring years of experience in managing and performing these complex conditions.
What to expect if you have an upper gastrointestinal cancer?
Upper gastrointestinal cancers affect the upper gastrointestinal tract. These cancers can be difficult to diagnose and are more aggressive than other cancers in the body, unless caught very early (which is rare).
If you have an upper GI cancer, the journey will be tough for you both physically and mentally. Managing patients with Upper GI cancers is also psychologically and physically demanding on your surgeons and their team.
Cancer surgeon
Upper GI cancer diagnosis
Because of the complexity of management and surgery of cancers of the Upper GI tract it is widely recognised that the surgery and management be conducted solely by accredited Upper GI surgeons in accredited institutions with radiological, operative and intensive care back up.
All our surgeons have completed at least an extra 2 years of training over and above a general surgeon's training and have been recognised as specialists in the management and surgery of the organs of the Upper GI tract.
"The team at Upper GI West will treat you with respect and compassion. We will see you and plan your investigations and treatment as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, upper GI cancer management and the surgery itself is complex. The correct operation and associated chemo and radiotherapy treatments are highly dependant on precise tumour location, size, depth and histology as well as the accurate detection of blood vessel patterns and metastasis."
A mere millimetre in depth in tumours of the stomach can mean the difference between local endoscopic treatment (camera via the mouth) or major open surgery where 80% of the stomach is removed.
A difference of 2-3 mm in tumour location at the junction between the oesophagus and stomach can mean the difference between a major operation totally within the abdomen or one that involves the abdomen, chest and neck.
The chemotherapy regimen may also be different in this scenario. Your general health and fitness are also important factors when considering the type of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery hence additional preoperative cardiac and respiratory tests may be required.
The team at Upper GI West have no financial affiliation with any particular pathology or radiology providers. However, after many years in surgical practice and experience in treating upper GI cancers, we do have our preferred and trusted providers to help guide and optimise your treatment.
"Some of your tests and investigations may need repeating if the information we require to plan and perform your surgery is not available or detailed enough. Some of these tests may entail additional out of pocket expenses from other providers. Whilst we endeavour to make this journey as non-stressful as we can for you we do not have direct control over other practices or providers timeframes or billing practices."
Upper GI West is a wholly private practice but the majority of our surgeons do have tertiary hospital public appointments.
Because of their complexity and the possible need for intense perioperative management and additional specialty back up, many of the major operations for the treatment of upper GI cancers may be performed by the Upper GI West team in the public hospital system.
As mentioned above, the diagnosis and treatment of upper GI cancer is complex and difficult. Other specialist professionals need to be involved in your care. Treatment regimens, imaging modalities and technologies change. Results of treatment have to be analysed and recorded against various benchmarks. As such these cancer cases are discussed at regular upper GI cancer multidisciplinary meetings currently held at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
"At Upper GI West, we ensure patients receive the most up-to-date care from diagnosis through surgery. Our cancer surgeons bring years of experience in managing and performing these complex conditions."
Your surgeons at Upper GI West
Upper GI West brings together five of Perth’s most experienced upper gastrointestinal cancer surgeons.
Our team comprises:
Contact our experienced team to find out how our cancer surgeons can help and support you through a difficult health journey.