Cancer Surgery

Cancer treatment often includes surgery, and at Trinity Health Of New England, you are in the hands of experts. Our team includes surgeons who specialize in cancer procedures and treat a high volume of patients. We use sophisticated techniques for precise care that helps more patients recover quickly.

Cancer Surgery: Why Choose Trinity Health Of New England?

Our team includes surgical oncologists — these are surgeons with additional (fellowship) training in cancer care. We are also home to surgeons who are highly skilled in treatments for lung colorectal and breast cancer. Using the best available techniques, we tailor care to your needs. 

Highlights of our program include:

• Coordinated care: You receive coordinated care from start to finish. We perform tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Then surgeons work alongside our other cancer specialists, to plan and deliver care that meets your needs. In addition to surgery, you may receive radiation therapy or chemotherapy. 
  
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• Access to renowned expertise: Cancer teams at Saint Francis Hospital work alongside experts from Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven. Yale is one of the nation’s premier cancer centers and their team includes nationally recognized cancer specialists. This partnership makes it possible for patients with complex cancers to receive leading-edge care without traveling great distances.
• Clinical trials: Our experts are active in cancer research and clinical trials. These efforts give you access to additional therapies if standard treatments are not successful.
  
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Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery

We use minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. This technique enables our experts to remove cancerous growths and nearby tissue through small, slit-like incisions. Smaller incisions often mean less pain and blood loss, so you recover faster.

Types of minimally invasive surgery we offer include:

• Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): We pass surgical instruments and a camera through small incisions between the ribs. The camera allows doctors to see the surgical area on a large screen while removing the cancer using the instruments.
  
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• Robotic surgery: Special technology guides surgical instruments as they move with more precision than a human hand. Our surgeons maintain control of the robotic technology at all times. We use this technique to treat some forms of prostate and colorectal cancer.

Advanced Surgery for Complex Cancers

At Trinity Health Of New England, you have access to advanced surgical procedures that give you more chances for healing. We offer sophisticated procedures that include:

• Reconstructive surgery: When it’s necessary to remove large sections of tissue or entire organs, we repair the area using reconstructive techniques. You may need a reconstructive procedure after head and neck cancer or breast cancer treatment. Surgeons may use bones, soft tissue or flaps of skin from other areas of your body for a more natural look and feel.
  
  Read about breast cancer
   
• Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): This treatment is for people with appendix, colon, stomach or ovarian cancer. HIPEC is for patients who cannot have traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy. We deliver a heated solution of chemotherapy drugs directly to the lining of the abdominal area during a surgical procedure.

Services to Help You Recover from Cancer Surgery

We offer services that help you recover and transition back to everyday life. Your care may include:

• Cancer rehabilitation: You receive care from physical therapists who help cancer survivors live the best possible quality of life. We help you through treatment-related problems, such as muscle weakness, memory issues and severe tiredness (fatigue).
  
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• Supportive therapies: You have access to a broad range of services that relieve discomfort and prevent complications. Our offerings include speech therapy for difficulty swallowing and cancer nutritionists who help you avoid dehydration.
  
  Find out about palliative and supportive care services
   

Contact Us

Services vary by cancer care location.