The general surgeon in inter-disciplinary gynaecological cancer care

Abstract

Gynaecological cancers pose a significant cancer burden globally. In 2008 cancers of the cervix, uterus and ovaries accounted for 529000 (4.2%), 287000 (2.3%) and 225000 (1.8%) cancers, respectively, and together were responsible for 486400 deaths. Inter-disciplinary gynaecological care is an emerging concept aimed at providing more effective care by integrating different disciplines into a team working together to perform the various aspects of management at one time. This model has both advantages and potential shortcomings. In advanced healthcare systems there appears to be little role for the general surgeon. However in developing world, the general surgeon has a valuable, but complementary role in inter-disciplinary gynaecological cancer care. This role depends on the available workforce and includes, but is not limited to, the establishment of a diagnosis and treatment, including the management of complications. There is however little evidence-based research to provide guidance on the general surgeon’s role in inter-disciplinary gynecologic cancer care and more research is needed.

Keywords: General surgeon; Inter disciplinary; Diagnosis; Treatment; Gynaecological; Cancer

Core tip: Gynaecologic cancers constitute a major cancer burden. The general surgeon’s role in inter-disciplinary gynaecological cancer differs between developed and developing countries. The increased sub-specialization in surgery in developed countries has obviated the need for the general surgeon in gynaecologic cancer care. In developing countries the general surgeon plays an essential but variable role, depending on the medical infrastructure and available manpower, which is usually limited in this setting. Interdisciplinary care is an emerging concept aimed at improving outcomes in cancer management and may be useful irrespective of the setting.