Surgical Oncology

We offer advanced surgical options for patients facing cancer. Our board-certified surgical oncologists are part of a comprehensive care team, working together to provide personalized, coordinated treatment—right here in Southern Illinois.

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or are exploring treatment options, SIH offers the experience, technology, and support you need close to home.

What Is Surgical Oncology?

Surgical oncology is the branch of cancer care focused on the surgical removal of tumors and surrounding tissue. It can be used to:

• Diagnose cancer
• Treat or remove tumors
• Prevent cancer from spreading
• Alleviate symptoms or side effects
• Support other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation

At SIH, our surgeons are specially trained in both traditional and minimally invasive cancer procedures, including robotic-assisted techniques.

Our Surgical Oncology Services

Our team treats a wide range of cancers with specialized surgical techniques. Services include:

Gastrointestinal Cancers

• Esophageal, stomach, and small bowel tumors (benign and malignant)
• Colon cancer surgery
• Neuroendocrine tumors of the GI tract

Liver, Pancreas & Biliary Cancers (HPB Surgery)

• Pancreatic tumors and cystic neoplasms
• Liver tumors
• Bile duct and gallbladder cancer

Peritoneal Surface Cancers

• Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for:
  • Appendix tumors
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Primary peritoneal malignancies

Soft Tissue and Skin Tumors

• Sarcomas of the extremities and retroperitoneum
• Skin cancers:
  • Melanoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Merkel cell carcinoma

Endocrine Surgery

• Thyroid and parathyroid tumors
• Adrenal gland tumors

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

• Minimally invasive robotic surgery for GI and other cancers

Supportive Surgical Procedures

• PEG tube (feeding tube) placement
• Jejunostomy (J-tube) placement Port-A-Cath placement for chemotherapy

Your Cancer Care Team 

Surgical care is just one part of your treatment journey. At SIH, our surgical oncologists work closely with:

• Medical and radiation oncologists
• Nurse navigators and oncology-certified nurses
• Dietitians and rehabilitation specialists
• Behavioral health and support service teams

You’ll have a full team focused on your health, comfort, and recovery.

Why Choose SIH for Surgical Oncology?

• Advanced Technology – Robotic and minimally invasive options
• Expert Surgeons – Specialized in cancer and complex tumor removal
• Coordinated Care – Seamless connection to other oncology services
• Close to Home – High-quality care in your community
• Patient-Centered – Compassionate, personalized support

What to Expect

From consultation to recovery, our team will walk you through what to expect:

• Pre-surgical evaluations and imaging
• Information on your specific procedure
• Post-surgery recovery timelines
• Connection to follow-up care and other treatments

We’re here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and support you every step of the way.