Cancer surgery has witnessed numerous advances over the centuries, each one marking a significant milestone in the fight against cancer. As we know, surgery is the cornerstone of cancer treatment. Therefore, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, we would like to highlight some of the most important milestones in the history of this discipline:
19th century
In 1809, Ephraim McDowell performed the first successful oophorectomy, removing a 10 kg ovarian tumor. This pioneering procedure demonstrated that it was possible to perform complex surgeries on the abdomen. It was also carried out without modern anesthesia (it did not exist at the time) or advanced sterilization techniques.
Continuing along the timeline, in 1882, Alexander von Winiwarter carried out the first palliative operation for obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic adenocarcinoma, by performing an anastomosis between the gallbladder and the colon, offering new hope for patients with biliary obstructions.
William Halsted established the anatomical principles for the treatment of breast cancer in 1894 with the development of the radical mastectomy. He designed a teardrop-shaped incision that extended along the deltopectoral groove. It also included excision of the pectoralis major muscle and incision of the pectoralis minor to allow dissection of the axillary nodes and their removal (lymphadenectomy).
20th century
In 1935, Allen Whipple described an innovative surgical procedure for treating pancreatic cancer, known as the Whipple procedure. This complex technique allowed for the resection of pancreatic tumors and improved survival rates.
In the 1940s, the introduction of radical surgery for colon and rectal cancer, developed by William Ernest Miles, marked a significant advance in the treatment of these types of cancer. Miles, a British surgeon, perfected the abdominoperineal resection technique, which involved the removal of the rectum and sigmoid colon through abdominal and perineal incisions. This approach allowed for greater removal of cancerous tissue and reduced recurrence rates.
During the 1950s, breast-conserving surgery and axillary lymphadenectomy were developed, offering less invasive and more conservative options for breast cancer patients.
The advent of laparoscopic surgery revolutionized the field of surgery in the 1970s, allowing for less invasive procedures with shorter recovery times and fewer postoperative complications.
In 1979, Dr. John Spratt performed the first hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure, treating a patient with peritoneal pseudomyxoma and opening up new possibilities in the treatment of abdominal cancer.
Advances in reconstructive surgery, especially in breast cancer, during the 1980s allowed patients to regain their appearance and self-esteem after cancer surgery.
Also, in 1985, a robotic platform was used for the first time on a human patient to perform neurosurgical biopsies, marking the beginning of the era of robot-assisted surgery.
21st century
In the 2000s, the introduction of robotic surgery improved the precision of surgical procedures and significantly reduced patient recovery time.
In the 2010s, advances were made in minimally invasive surgery and organ preservation techniques, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
In 2011, Professor Marc-André Reymond performed the first pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) procedure in Germany, offering a new treatment option for patients with peritoneal cancer.
Along the same lines, in 2016, the first electrostatically precipitated pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (ePIPAC) procedure was carried out in Germany, further improving the effectiveness of the treatment.
In 2022, IVOQA performed the first procedure of ePIPAC in Spain, marking a milestone in the adoption of this innovative technique in the country.
In general, over the last decade, artificial intelligence and augmented reality have begun to be used to plan and guide cancer surgeries, taking the precision and personalization of treatment to new levels.
These milestones reflect the continuous progress and innovation in cancer surgery, significantly improving treatment options and the quality of life of patients.
From IVOQA, we want to continue contributing to these advances by joining the continuous incorporation of innovation in the treatment of cancer.
