Colorectal & Stomach Cancer Surgeon in Thane

How we approach gastrointestinal & colorectal cancers in Thane

The digestive system is a long chain of connected organs, and a cancer in one part affects how the rest copes. That is why treatment here begins with a complete picture: where the tumour sits, how deep it has grown, which lymph nodes are involved and how fit you are for surgery. Dr. Yogesh Bansod, a Tata Memorial trained surgical oncologist, reviews every case in person and explains each option in plain language, in English, Hindi or Marathi.

For many colon, rectal and stomach cancers, keyhole (laparoscopic) and robotic-assisted surgery can be used in suitable patients. These approaches use small incisions, which usually means less pain, less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay than open surgery, while following the same cancer-removal principles. Whether a minimally invasive approach is right for you depends on the tumour and your overall health, and we will always tell you honestly when open surgery is the safer choice.

Conditions we assess and treat

Colon cancer
Rectal cancer and low rectal tumours
Anal canal cancer
Stomach (gastric) cancer
Food pipe (oesophageal) cancer
Liver and gallbladder cancers
Pancreatic and periampullary tumours
Small bowel tumours and GIST
Peritoneal surface disease treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC

Warning signs that should not wait

A lasting change in bowel habit, such as new constipation or loose motions
Blood in the stool or black, tarry stool
Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
Persistent indigestion, vomiting or difficulty swallowing
Feeling of incomplete emptying after passing stool
Unexplained tiredness or low haemoglobin (anaemia)
A lump or lasting pain in the abdomen

Having one of these does not mean you have cancer. It means you should have it checked by a specialist.

How the diagnosis is made

Clinical examination and detailed history
Colonoscopy or upper GI endoscopy with biopsy
CT scan, MRI pelvis (important for rectal cancer) or PET-CT where needed
Blood tests including tumour markers such as CEA
Discussion at a multidisciplinary tumour board with medical and radiation oncologists

Surgical procedures for gastrointestinal cancers

The operation depends on where the tumour sits, how far it has spread and how fit you are. Whenever it is safe and does not compromise cancer clearance, keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic-assisted surgery is used. If open surgery is the safer choice for your tumour, we will say so. The main operations are described below.

Colectomy with complete mesocolic excision

The segment of colon carrying the cancer (right, transverse, left or sigmoid) is removed together with its blood supply and the lymph nodes that drain it, and the two ends of bowel are rejoined. Removing this tissue intact, in the correct plane, is aimed at lowering the chance of the cancer returning.

Anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME)

The standard operation for most rectal cancers. The rectum is removed along with the surrounding fatty envelope and lymph nodes, and the bowel is joined back, often very low in the pelvis. A temporary stoma (ileostomy) is sometimes made for a few weeks to protect the join while it heals.

Intersphincteric resection and abdominoperineal resection

For very low rectal tumours near the anal sphincter. In selected patients the sphincter can be preserved so that a permanent stoma is avoided. When the tumour involves the sphincter and it cannot be saved safely, the anus and rectum are removed and a permanent colostomy is made. We discuss this possibility, and stoma care, well before surgery.

Subtotal or total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection

For stomach cancer, part or all of the stomach is removed along with the lymph nodes around it, and the digestive tract is rebuilt so that food passes into the small bowel. Chemotherapy before surgery is often used for locally advanced tumours.

Oesophagectomy (food pipe cancer surgery)

The diseased food pipe is removed and the stomach is brought up to replace it, with the join made in the chest or neck. It is usually planned after chemotherapy or chemoradiation, and a minimally invasive approach is used in selected patients. See the thoracic cancer page for more.

Liver resection and Whipple procedure

Liver cancers and liver spread from colorectal cancer may be treated by removing part of the liver. Tumours of the head of the pancreas and the nearby bile duct or duodenum are treated by pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure). These are major operations, offered to carefully selected patients after multidisciplinary review.

Small bowel resection and GIST surgery

Tumours of the small bowel and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are removed with clear margins. Some GISTs also need targeted tablet treatment before or after surgery.

After surgery, our focus is early recovery: pain control, getting you out of bed on the first day, restarting food as soon as it is safe and nutrition advice. Hospital stay varies with the operation and your general health.

Treatment options with Dr. Yogesh Bansod

Minimally invasive surgery

Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted resections for colon, rectal and stomach cancers in selected patients, aimed at faster recovery.

Sphincter and organ preservation

For rectal cancer, the plan is built around removing the tumour fully while trying to avoid a permanent stoma whenever it is oncologically safe.

Combined treatment planning

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or chemoradiation before or after surgery is coordinated with your medical and radiation oncologists.

Advanced peritoneal surgery

Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC is considered for carefully selected patients with cancer spread within the abdominal lining.

Recovery and follow-up

Early mobilisation, nutrition guidance and a scheduled surveillance plan with scans and scopes to catch any recurrence early.

Cancer care close to home in Thane

Thane families often travel into Mumbai for specialist cancer surgery. A first consultation in Thane lets you review scans, discuss options and plan the next step close to home, while surgery itself is performed at established hospitals in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai where Dr. Bansod operates. If you have a colonoscopy or CT report from a Thane diagnostic centre, bring it along; a second opinion before starting treatment is welcome.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the best doctor for colon cancer treatment in Thane?

Colon and rectal cancer are best treated by a surgical oncologist who works with a tumour board. Dr. Yogesh Bansod is an M.Ch (Surgical Oncology) specialist trained at Tata Memorial Hospital with a focus on laparoscopic and robotic GI cancer surgery. Book a consultation to discuss your reports and options.

Will I need a stoma bag after rectal cancer surgery?

Not always. Many patients with rectal cancer can be treated without a permanent stoma, but it depends on how low the tumour is and how it responds to pre-operative treatment. Some patients need a temporary stoma to protect the join while it heals. This is discussed before surgery.

Is robotic or laparoscopic surgery available for stomach and colon cancer?

Yes, in selected patients. Minimally invasive surgery is considered after scans and endoscopy confirm that it can be done safely and still remove the cancer completely. If open surgery is safer for your situation, we will say so.

What tests should I bring to my first consultation?

Bring your biopsy or endoscopy report, CT/MRI/PET scans (films or CD), blood reports and any earlier treatment records. If you have not had tests yet, we will tell you which ones are needed.

How soon should I see a specialist after a suspicious colonoscopy result?

As soon as possible. A confirmed or suspected cancer should be reviewed by a cancer surgeon within days rather than weeks, because planning scans and any pre-operative treatment can then start without delay.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.

Gastrointestinal & Colorectal Cancer Treatment in Thane