10 Surgical Tips For Cancer Surgery

By Phil Zeltzman, DVM, Dipl. ACVS

1. Make sure your technician is free to clip hair widely.
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2. Ensure that the entire shaved area is scrubbed aseptically.
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3. Spend some time planning your excision before draping the patient.
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4. Have a Plan A and a Plan B (at least) to close the surgical site.
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5. Pretend the tumor is grossly infected to remain aware of protecting healthy tissue.
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6. Avoid entering the tumor itself by accident, with instruments or fingers. 
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7. Excise the biopsy tract when applicable.
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8. Respect all other rules of surgery: Use aseptic technique, preserve blood supply, minimize dead space and reduce tension during closure.
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9. Change gloves, instruments and drapes before closing the surgical site.
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10. "Cancer should not be peeled out, shelled out, enucleated or curetted if a cure is expected.” This is a quote from Stephen Withrow in his oncology book.