Surgical Oncology focuses on treating cancer using advanced precision surgery—incorporating robotic and minimally invasive techniques—to achieve optimal tumor removal while preserving form and function.
Comprehensive Cancer Care. Providing ethical and accessible treatment since 1954.
“The Surgical Oncology Department at the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai, is guided by a clear and compassionate vision: to deliver world-class, ethical surgical care that gives every patient the best possible chance at cure, control of their disease, and a life of quality and dignity—regardless of background or resources. Building on our institute's legacy since 1954 as pioneers in comprehensive cancer care, we envision a future where advanced precision surgery, including minimally invasive and robotic techniques, combined with organ preservation and reconstructive approaches, helps eliminate unnecessary suffering from cancer. Our goal is to ensure that no one endures avoidable hardship from treatable or manageable disease, aligning with the institute's overarching vision that every individual deserves freedom from cancer's burden through prevention, early intervention, or effective treatment. Our unwavering commitment to patient care means putting you—the patient—at the heart of everything we do. We provide personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plans ensuring surgery is timed and tailored to your unique needs for the best outcomes. With a team of highly experienced, fellowship-trained surgeons, high-volume expertise in complex procedures, and a focus on compassionate, accessible services, we strive to minimize complications, preserve form and function, support faster recovery, and offer hope through every stage of your journey. Whether through curative resection, staging, or palliative relief, we are dedicated to treating you with respect, empathy, and excellence—because at the Cancer Institute (WIA), every life matters, and every battle against cancer is fought with unwavering dedication.”
Surgical Oncology focuses on treating cancer using advanced precision surgery—incorporating robotic and minimally invasive techniques—to achieve optimal tumor removal while preserving form and function.
Surgical Oncology focuses on treating cancer using advanced precision surgery—incorporating robotic and minimally invasive techniques—to achieve optimal tumor removal while preserving form and function.
The Surgical Oncology department at the Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, is a cornerstone of the institute's comprehensive cancer care. Established as part of India's pioneering comprehensive cancer center since 1954, surgical oncology here specializes in the surgical management of solid tumours including breast, thoracic, gastrointestinal tract, head and neck, gynecological sites, urological systems, musculo-skeletal and Neuro-oncology. It incorporates advanced minimally invasive and robotic approaches where appropriate, while emphasizing preservation of form and function to optimize patient quality of life.
At the Cancer Institute (WIA), the department supports holistic patient care through seamless multidisciplinary collaboration with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and palliative care teams. This integrated, patient-centered model ensures personalized treatment plans, reduced complications, faster recovery, and enhanced outcomes.
The department's unique strengths lie in its status as a national leader in training and innovation: it introduced one of India's first MCh programs in Surgical Oncology in 1984 and continues as a premier training hub, with a large faculty mentoring 9 residents every year.
High-Volume Digestive System Cancer Care
Curative operative management with advanced technical precision.
The Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic (GI–HPB) Surgical Oncology unit at Cancer Institute (WIA) is a high-volume service focused on the operative management of cancers of the digestive system. The unit performs curative procedures for malignancies of the stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, as well as neuroendocrine tumours.
The surgical program encompasses a wide spectrum of procedures, including pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, major and extended hepatectomy, cytoreductive and multivisceral resections for locally advanced disease. Emphasis is placed on achieving oncologically sound resections with appropriate lymphadenectomy and meticulous vascular control.
Minimally invasive surgery is a key component of the service. Advanced laparoscopic and robotic approaches are employed in selected patients, offering enhanced precision, improved visualization and faster recovery without compromising oncologic outcomes. Complex resections are undertaken within a structured perioperative pathway supported by dedicated anaesthesia and critical care teams.
Surgical care is integrated within a multidisciplinary framework, with all cases discussed in tumour boards to optimise sequencing with systemic and radiation therapies. The unit combines technical expertise with protocol-driven care to deliver safe, effective and outcomes-focused surgical oncology.
Please consult our specialized department if you experience any of these distress indicators:
Advanced precision techniques incorporating robotic and minimally invasive methodologies
High-precision laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, and advanced robotic procedures
Advanced surgeries combined with isolated limb perfusion to preserve form and function
Specialized breast-conserving procedures with sentinel node biopsies and reconstruction
Intricate neuro-oncological and ENT surgeries to treat skull base tumors
Innovative regional tissue transfers and microvascular plastic reconstructions
Parenchyma-preserving lung resections and complex tracheal reconstructions
Standard and complex procedures including Whipple operations and distal pancreatic resections
Advanced liver lobe and segment removals for primary or metastatic hepatic tumors
Target-focused liver surgeries preserving healthy tissue for optimal recovery
Advanced rectal surgery prioritizing natural bowel-preservation strategies
Complex combined resections for advanced or multi-organ abdominal malignancies
Avoid all forms of tobacco (smoking, chewing paan/gutkha, or betel quid), as it is a major cause of head and neck, oral, and lung-related cancers.
Limit alcohol consumption, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes most days).
Get vaccinated against HPV (for prevention of cervical and many other cancers), use protection during sexual activity, and protect your skin from excessive sun exposure.
For women, breastfeeding (if applicable) can help lower breast cancer risk.
start monthly breast self-examination from age 20; clinical breast exams every 1–3 years from age 30–39, and annually thereafter.
Regular cervical cancer screening with Pap smear/HPV testing.
MBBS MS MCh DNB
MBBS MS DrNB
MBBS MS MCh
MBBS MS
MBBS MS DNB MCh
MBBS MS
MBBS DNB MCh
MBBS MS MCh
MBBS MS MCh
MBBS DNB MCh
MBBS MS Fellowship
Inception of the department
Jasudben Chamanlal Kothari Surgical Oncology Complex opened
Live relay operative surgical workshop 'Frontiers in Surgical Oncology'
First centre in India to perform Endoscopic and open laser surgery with ND-YAG Surgical Laser
First successful Limb Salvage Surgery for Bony Sarcomas in India, pioneered by Prof. Mayilvahanan N
Intra-operative Electron Therapy first practiced; D2 Gastrectomy introduced
A testament to our pioneering contributions in medical care and research, establishing a legacy of clinical excellence.
Leading center in training international and national postgraduate fellows.
2020: Diamond Jubilee Block OT Complex opened
2021: Start of Robotic Surgeries using the da Vinci Robotic Platform
Expert oncology care is just an appointment away. Our multidisciplinary team is here to provide you with the most advanced care in a supportive environment.
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