Dr. Sumanta Dutta (Gastrointestinal Surgeon) completed his MBBS from Burdwan Medical College, West Bengal. He then went to the United Kingdom for further education and training. He completed his basic surgical training and MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd). Furthermore, he researched the field of surgical oncology from the University of Glasgow and obtained his research degree (MD). He continued higher surgical training through National Training Number (UK) and completed Intercollegiate FRCS from RCSEd. He obtained a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in surgery. Following this, he completed a one-year post-CCT fellowship (as a part of the Royal College of Surgeons of England Senior clinical Fellowship Programme) in Advanced Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery at St Richard's Hospital, England. He has over 19 years of experience in this field.  

Gastric Intestine Cancer and its treatment  

Gastric Intestine Cancer (Gastric Intestinal Tract Cancer) starts from one’s mouth, the esophagus (food pipe), followed by the stomach, Goodenia, small bowel, large bowel, rectum, and inoculum. In the meantime, it is the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Any cancer in the structure of these organs will be a gastrointestinal cancer. Gastric Intestine Cancer is very common; particularly, in the modern days due to our lifestyle and food habits.  

The surgeries are very complicated. A specialist is necessary to perform this surgery on the cancer patients for optimum or the best kind of outcome.  

Partial Gastric Surgery is only necessary when the cancer is present near the stomach. This surgery involves taking away 70-80% of the stomach and rejoining the left part of the stomach to the bowel. Total Gastric Surgery is when the cancer is present in the upper part (proximal) of the stomach. In this case, the whole stomach is removed, and the food pipe is joined to the bowel. These operations can be performed in a laparoscopic fashion (microsurgery), to make it more convenient for the patients.  

Bariatric surgery 

Bariatric surgery is surgery for the obese. It treats and prevents diseases related to obesity (Diabetics) apart from a heart attack, high blood pressure, high lipid level, high cholesterol level, infertility, or PCOD diseases. Some of the cancers are related to obesity like Colon cancer, Breast cancer, and Endometrial cancer. It helps in reducing weight, benefits the patient’s metabolism and health, and prevents obesity-driven diseases. This surgery does involve the stomach. However, this surgery is completely different from cancer surgery. Most Bariatric Surgeries are done on a Laparoscopic procedure and it can be done in a couple of hours.  

Bariatric Surgery has long-term effects such as deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body. This can be addressed through follow-ups. Supplements are provided. Dr.Dutta also states that different surgeries require different supplements, hence, this depends on the scenarios.  

Palliative Surgery 

Palliative Surgery for cancer patients has become uncommon in this modern era due to the surge in Endoscopic, and Chemotherapy treatment. However, if the patient suffers from bleeding or obstruction, then the patient can be benefitted from Palliative Surgery.  

Palliative surgeries performed on patients do not make them curable because of their nature.  

 Colon Rectal Cancer, its Side Effects and Symptoms  

The colon rectal cancer has undergone thorough research. Colon Rectal Cancer is treatable with direct surgery and by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It depends on the stage and the site of cancer. Colon Rectal Cancer has a massive improvement in its survival rate in this modern-day age because of the improvement in various techniques such as minimal or laparoscopic colon-rectal surgery recessions. Dr.Dutta claims to perform this surgery day in and out. Robotic colorectal surgery is also performed. Multi-modal treatments are also available such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of preoperative or postoperative which increased the survival rate of colorectal cancer patients.  

Impact of COVID on Cancer Patients  

COVID has affected Cancer patient’s lives in multi-dimensional ways. Firstly, cancer patients who get COVID suffer from a poor immune system, which makes it worse. Secondly, due to the fear of COVID, cancer patients present themselves in the later stages of their treatment. Thirdly, lack of access to hospitals also plays a major role. Dr.Dutta also highlights the fact that after COVID gets over, there would be a surge in the diagnosis of cancer patients not only in India but also worldwide.  

He is apprehensive due to the delay of surgeries and diagnosis because of the pandemic. Dr.Dutta urges cancer and COVID patient survivors to consult with the Doctor, as early as possible.  

Post-Surgery  

The follow-up is as important as the surgery. It is to check any differences in the body or the body mechanism that requires attention. Regular investigations and routine check-ups are necessary to check for the relapse of cancer.  

Dr.Dutta also lets the viewers know that the follow-up procedure of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is as important as the surgery to make sure that the treatment is complete. Moreover, the patients needs to stick to the post-protocol to improve the survival rate of the cancer patients.  

Work-Life Balance  

Dr.Dutta claims that it is a challenge to balance his personal and professional life, since his start at his medical school. He emphasizes the fact that it is a busy, and demanding job, as he has to deal with morbid patients; particularly, cancer patients. He also highlights the fact that the cancer patient’s expectations and behavior can be challenging; sometimes, it is their duty to address all of their problems- pros and cons to convey the patients a clear idea about their expectations from the disease.  

He also mentions that the patients are unable to grasp and comprehend the procedure of cancer in one go when they are already anxious with the diagnosis of cancer. Hence, it is the Doctor’s job to explain the procedure in detail and spend time with them to make sure that the patient is comfortable and conservative with the treatment protocol.  

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