Surgical Oncology Center
Our highly skilled surgeons harness the most advanced robotic technology to create better outcomes for procedures for pancreatic, esophageal, stomach and colorectal cancers.
Cancers We Treat
Esophageal Cancer
We specialize in esophagectomies, the surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus. They are most often performed in patients with esophageal cancer. In the past, esophagectomies meant a hard recovery for patients, with at least a 10-day stay in the hospital, but the advancement of robotic-assisted surgeries has drastically improved recovery time and outcomes for patients.
Pancreatic Cancer
Baton Rouge General is the only hospital in Louisiana, and one of very few in the country, to perform the most advanced treatment for pancreatic cancer called the robotic Whipple procedure.
A much simpler name for a pancreaticoduodenectomy, the Whipple procedure is a complex operation to remove the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the bile duct. The often life-saving procedure is used to treat pancreatic cancer that’s confined to the head of the pancreas.
After performing the Whipple procedure, the surgeon reconnects the remaining organs to allow you to digest food normally after surgery. Doing the Whipple procedure robotically means the surgeon can get into tight spaces with the most minimally invasive approach.
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is not common but because stomach cancer symptoms can be mistaken for less serious problems like indigestion or heartburn, it’s often not diagnosed until an advanced stage. Surgery for stomach cancer can be challenging, but the advancements of robotic-assisted surgery has improved recovery time and outcomes for patients.
Become a Patient
Call (225) 333-3800 or click below to connect with our team at Advanced Robotics of Louisiana to learn if robotic surgery is the right approach for you.
FAQs
What type of cancer treatments do you offer?
Some of the major ways we treat cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Sometimes you might need a combination of these. No matter what your treatment plan, you will have access to the highest-quality treatments right here in Baton Rouge.
How can surgery treat cancer?
Surgery is the oldest type of cancer therapy and still an effective treatment for many types of cancer. Surgical oncologists perform procedures to diagnose cancer; to remove all or some of cancer or tumor; to find out where the cancer is located; to find out if cancer has spread or is affecting the functions of other organs in the body; to restore the body's appearance or function; and/or to relieve side effects.
What are the different types of surgery for cancer?
Surgery is effective in many areas of cancer treatment, which fall into common categories.
- Debulking surgery
- Diagnostic surgery
- Primary or curative surgery
- Palliative surgery
- Preventive surgery
- Reconstructive or plastic surgery
- Staging surgery
- Tumor removal
Which type of doctors will care for me?
Our surgical oncologists are leaders in their field. They are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team that will be taking care of you. This team includes specialized nurses, social workers, navigators, dietitians, physical therapists and pharmacists. With a multidisciplinary team, we are able to provide the most accurate, fast and effective treatments for a diagnosis of cancer.
How is surgery for cancer performed?
Depending on the type of procedure you need, surgery can either be performed traditionally or with a minimally invasive technique, using robotics. Surgeries are performed in BRG’s operating rooms, and depending on the type of procedure, patients may recover in the hospital or at home.
Is robotic surgery for cancer an option for me?
Every cancer patient is unique. As a team, we’ll decide which patients would benefit most from robotic surgery. At the Advanced Robotics Institute, we use robotic surgery to treat a variety of types of cancer, including cancers of the:
- Pancreas
- Stomach
- Esophagus
- Colon and rectum
Is robotic surgery an option for esophagus or stomach cancer?
The Advanced Robotics Institute can surgically treat any disease of the “foregut,” which is the esophagus and stomach. Our team specializes in esophagectomies, the surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus, most often in patients with esophageal cancer. In the past, esophagectomies meant a hard recovery for patients, with at least a 10-day stay in the hospital. The advancement of robotics has drastically improved this surgery and the outcomes for patients. Surgery for stomach cancer can also be challenging, but the advance of robotic-assisted surgery has improved outcomes.
If I need surgery, where will I have it?
If you require surgery as a treatment, the surgery will be performed at our Bluebonnet campus. Then, depending on what other treatment you need, from radiation and infusions to diagnostics -- you may receive care at one of three locations – Bluebonnet, Mid City or Zachary.