I arrived at the bustling lanes of Bandra West in Mumbai one humid morning, notebook in hand and recorder switched on, determined to explore why so many patients searching for an Onco surgeon Mumbai ended up here. My destination was the Cancer Surgery Clinic — a centre that, according to its patients and referring physicians, has become synonymous with complex cancer care in India’s most populous city. There, I met Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan, whose reputation as a surgeon and clinical leader precedes him, to understand both the human and clinical elements of cancer surgery.
Meeting Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan: Qualifications and Clinical Experience
Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan entrance into the consultation room carried the calm precision that his colleagues and patients often describe. He is the Director & Senior Consultant Surgeon specializing in hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal oncology at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care, and leads the Clinic’s surgical efforts.
His formal medical training began with an MBBS from Bombay University, followed by an MS in General Surgery and a rigorous four-year residency in surgical oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai — one of the most respected cancer centres in India. Subsequently, he completed a fellowship in Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation at Hospital Beaujon, Paris, adding an international dimension to his surgical education.
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Nagarajan has personally been involved in thousands of cancer surgeries — from complex liver resections and pancreatic procedures to intricate reconstructions demanding highest levels of surgical precision. His work extends beyond the operating theatre to multidisciplinary care planning and contributions to international oncology research.
The Clinic Environment: Expertise and Setup
Cancer Surgery Clinic is housed in a well-appointed outpatient suite in Bandra, integrated closely with advanced imaging and surgical facilities at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital. During my visit, I observed a calm but purposeful space where consultations transition seamlessly to diagnostic work-ups and surgical planning.
The Clinic’s ethos, as Dr. Nagarajan explained, focuses on a multidisciplinary approach — where radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, and supportive care teams collaborate to ensure precision-driven decisions tailored to each patient’s cancer type and overall health profile.
While the clinic itself handles detailed consultations and evaluation, surgeries are typically conducted in state-of-the-art operating theatres equipped for open, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures. Patients are guided through these options based on evidence-based protocols designed to reduce trauma, speed recovery, and maintain oncologic safety.
Benefits and Risks of Cancer Surgery
During the interview, Dr. Nagarajan stressed that cancer surgery — especially for gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems — offers the best chance for long-term survival when complete tumor removal is feasible. For many solid tumors, definitive surgical resection remains the cornerstone of curative treatment, often complemented by chemotherapy or radiation.
Key benefits include:
- Potential for curative removal of localized cancers.
- Minimally invasive options (laparoscopic or robotic) that reduce pain, shorten hospital stays, and hasten return to daily life.
- Improved staging accuracy and tailored postoperative care planning.
However, he also outlined inherent risks, such as postoperative complications (bleeding, infection), organ dysfunction, and surgical margins that may not be clear in advanced disease. Certain complex procedures — like pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple surgery) — carry higher operative risk profiles and require careful patient selection and seasoned surgical judgment.
Approximate Cost Range
Dr. Nagarajan was careful to frame cost discussions in broad terms, acknowledging variability based on individual treatment plans, hospital stay duration, and ancillary care needs. As a general guideline:
- Consultation and diagnostic work-ups in the clinic typically fall into a moderate range consistent with tertiary care facilities in Mumbai.
- Major surgical interventions, which include theatre charges, anaesthesia, and postoperative care, may vary significantly — influenced by whether procedures are open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted.
The surgeon emphasized that precise cost estimates should be discussed during personalized evaluation, as they depend on the extent of disease, complexity of surgery, and choice of facility.
Precautions and Aftercare: What the Doctor Shared
Patient safety was a recurring theme. Dr. Nagarajan outlined several precautions and aftercare measures crucial for optimal outcomes:
- Preoperative Preparation: Comprehensive assessments including blood tests, imaging (MRI, PET-CT), and nutritional evaluations to ensure patients are fit for surgery.
- Infection Prevention: Strict adherence to sterile techniques and postoperative wound care instructions.
- Rehabilitation: Early mobilization, dietary guidance, and pain management to facilitate recovery.
- Follow-Up: Regular check-ups to monitor healing, manage complications, and coordinate adjuvant therapies if needed.
These insights underscored the importance of a continuum of care — beyond the operating room — in influencing long-term outcomes.
Closing Reflection: A Thoughtful Call to Action
As I left the Clinic that afternoon, the words of the patients and the deliberate calm of Dr. Nagarajan’s clinical team lingered with me. Cancer surgery, with all its complexities and uncertainties, demands both technical excellence and a deeply human touch. For those navigating this difficult journey, having a surgeon and care team that listens, explains, and plans with precision can make a profound difference.
If you are considering your options or seeking clarity about surgical approaches, a thoughtful conversation with a qualified specialist can be an important first step.
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Address / Contact Us
Mail: hello@cancersurgeryclinic.com
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