Division of Surgical Oncology
The Division of Surgical
Oncology provides opportunities for resident participation in the
diagnosis, evaluation, staging and multimodal treatment planning
for a broad spectrum of malignant diseases. The division consists
of two full-time, fellowship-trained surgical oncologists and is
supported by an accredited Tumor Registry and the full support of
the University of Tennessee Cancer Institute and Department of Surgery.
Through specialized surgery for cancer, cutting edge adjuvant biological
and chemotherapeutic protocols, and innovative technology in radiation
therapy, the residents are exposed to the same educational cancer
opportunities offered at major oncology centers. Residents and faculty
participate in weekly multidisciplinary oncology conferences (All-Site,
Breast, GI, Pulmonary, and Head & Neck) to obtain multiple "expert"
opinions, and then tailor an evidence-based treatment algorithm
for each patient.
Procedures
In 2007, there were over
750 surgical cancer inpatient admissions and approximately 1,500
operative procedures. Operative experience for residents includes
all "standard" surgical oncology procedures as well as
an opportunity to participate in evolving technologies. Residents
participate in all major operative procedures for breast cancer,
melanoma, upper gastrointestinal cancers, hepatic and biliary cancers,
colon and rectal cancers, soft tissue sarcoma, pancreatic cancer,
as well as thyroid and adrenal cancers.
Educational Opportunities
The two fellowship-trained
surgical oncologists offer residents opportunities to gain expertise
in advanced surgical management of complex surgical techniques such
as: sentinel lymph node mapping for breast cancer and melanoma,
liver surgery for primary and metastatic cancers, radio-frequency
ablation for un-resectable liver cancers, pylorus-preserving pancreas
surgery, total meso-rectal excision for rectal cancers, sphincter-sparing
surgery for low-lying rectal cancer, and advanced laparoscopy for
colectomy, adrenalectomy, cholecystectomy, splenectomy, and feeding
access. Residents participate in clinical work (initial consultation
and education of the patient, assistance with appropriate diagnostic
and therapeutic decisions), didactic multidisciplinary conferences,
and research projects (clinical, prospective and retrospective)
within division.
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