Survival Oncology

Comprehensive, team-based cancer surgery—integrated with whole-person care.

At Oasis of Hope, surgical oncology is led by Dr. Francisco Contreras, surgical oncologist, together with a team of board-certified surgical oncologists who operate on our patients. We combine modern surgical techniques with personalized, integrative support—nutrition, metabolic therapies, and enhanced recovery pathways—so your operation and your overall treatment plan work in harmony.

What Surgical Oncology Means Here

Surgery can diagnose, stage, and—when appropriate—remove cancer. Our surgeons work closely with medical and integrative clinicians to determine if, when, and what kind of surgery best fits your case. Not every patient needs an operation; for those who do, we align timing with the rest of your care (immunotherapy, metabolic and/or conventional therapies) to maximize benefit and minimize disruption.

Common surgical goals include:

• Curative resection: removing the primary tumor with clear margins
• Debulking/cytoreduction: reducing tumor burden to improve response to other treatments
• Staging procedures: sentinel lymph node mapping, biopsy, diagnostic laparoscopy
• Palliation: relieving symptoms (e.g., obstruction, bleeding) to improve quality of life

When appropriate, we use minimally invasive approaches (laparoscopic or robotic) to reduce incision size and support a faster recovery. Complex open procedures are performed when they offer the best oncologic outcome.

Your Multidisciplinary Plan

Every case is reviewed in a multidisciplinary conference (surgical, medical, and integrative teams). Together, we tailor:

• Operative strategy: extent of resection, margin assessment, lymph node evaluation
• Sequencing: neoadjuvant (before surgery) or adjuvant (after surgery) therapy
• Reconstruction: coordination with plastic/reconstructive surgery when needed
• Integrative supports: nutrition, hydration/electrolytes, and gentle metabolic therapies scheduled around the operative window

Preparing You for Surgery

We emphasize prehabilitation—building strength and resilience before the operation:

• Nutritional therapy: protein-forward, anti-inflammatory meals; targeted micronutrients
• Mineral replenishment (IV when appropriate): magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium to support energy, hydration, and tissue repair
• Detox supports: hydration, fiber, clinician-supervised routines (e.g., infrared/sauna; coffee enemas when appropriate) to keep elimination on track
• Activity & breathing: light movement and breathing exercises to support lung function and circulation

These steps help prime your body for anesthesia, wound healing, and early mobilization.

What to Expect: Day of Surgery

1. Check-in & review: you’ll meet anesthesia and the surgical team; your plan and questions are reviewed.
2. The operation: performed by Dr. Francisco Contreras and/or our board-certified surgical oncologists in accredited operating rooms.
3. Recovery (PACU): focused pain control, nausea prevention, and early hydration.
4. Inpatient stay or same-day discharge: depends on procedure type and your recovery milestones.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

We follow evidence-based ERAS pathways to help you recover sooner:

• Multimodal pain control to reduce reliance on opioids
• Nausea prevention and early oral nutrition as tolerated
• Early mobilization (gentle walking, breathing exercises)
• Wound care & infection prevention protocols

As you progress, integrative supports are reintroduced when safe (nutrition, hydration, light infrared, and other gentle therapies) with your surgeon’s clearance.

After Surgery: Pathology & Next Steps

When the pathology report returns, your team meets with you to discuss:

• Margin status & lymph nodes
• Stage and risk features
• Adjuvant plan (if recommended): systemic therapy, radiation, or clinical trials
• Personalized support: nutrition updates, mineral therapy, and metabolic strategies to help you regain strength

Safety & Quality

• Board-certified surgical oncologists and experienced anesthesia teams
• Accredited ORs with sterile protocols and perioperative monitoring
• 24/7 clinical coverage and rapid escalation pathways if needed
• Clear, compassionate communication with you and your family

Is Surgery Right for Me?

The decision is individualized. We consider tumor type and stage, overall health, goals, and how surgery fits with your broader plan. Our promise: clear guidance, skilled hands, and whole-person support—from your first consult through full recovery.

Ready to Talk with a Surgeon?

Contact Oasis of Hope to schedule a surgical oncology consultation with Dr. Francisco Contreras and our team of board-certified surgical oncologists. We’ll review your options and design a plan that aligns with your needs and goals.