At the heart of all surgical efforts at Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care is our commitment to seamless, outstanding patient care throughout the course of treatment. Our patients receive the highest caliber of care from the most capable and experienced practitioners.
As an institution staffed by exceptional oncology surgeons and equipped to undertake many surgical procedures, Montefiore has built a reputation for managing many complex cancer surgeries, with excellent outcomes. In cooperation with the Montefiore Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIMIS), our experienced team of cancer surgeons is able to successfully perform many procedures unavailable at other hospitals. Our physicians treat lung, head/neck, urological, stomach/gastroenterological and gynecological cancers using minimally invasive techniques.
Minimally invasive surgery, also called laparoscopic surgery, is the preferred surgical approach for many types of cancer. Through minimally invasive procedures involving one or more dime-sized incisions, our physicians significantly minimize trauma to a patient's body. Unlike open surgery, which requires a long incision, minimally invasive procedures are performed through one or more short incisions.
Although minimally invasive surgical techniques vary widely, our surgeons generally insert a long, thin tube or endoscope with a lighted camera at its tip through a small incision. The camera sends a two-dimensional image of the surgical site to a high-definition monitor that the surgeon watches throughout the operation. Specially designed surgical instruments are placed through the original cut or other small incisions.
The number of incisions depends on the type of surgery and, to some extent, on the surgeon, but the preference is to use fewer and shorter incisions.
Surgeons at Montefiore understand that not all patients who might benefit from minimally invasive surgery will feel comfortable with new, advanced surgical techniques. If patients remain wary of minimally invasive surgery after face-to-face discussions with surgeons, their Montefiore team will discuss other options for traditional open surgery.
Our internationally recognized surgical staff works as a team from diagnosis and evaluation through treatment and rehabilitation. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, medical experts from various specialties collaborate to provide patients with the most effective, individualized treatment plan possible, while nurturing them throughout their treatment experience.
Our surgical staff combines expertise from many important specialties, including:
Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care and its research partner, the National Cancer Institute–designated Albert Einstein Cancer Center, are recognized for their creative and innovative approach to research. Studies in laparoscopic surgery are performed in Albert Einstein College of Medicine's laboratories.
Our research staff consists of physicians and research scientists from many different backgrounds who bring their own individual expertise to the research.
The Division of Translational Research in the Department of Oncology focuses on translating laboratory findings into practical applications that will help our patients to fight cancer.
Montefiore believes very strongly in using the power of research and clinical trials to improve technologies and therapies that increase our patients' chance for a quick recovery and better health—so they may live longer, healthier lives.