Do you need a referral for keyhole cancer surgery?

Keyhole cancer surgery, also called laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery, uses small incisions and specialised instruments. Whether it is appropriate depends on the organ involved, the tumour's position and extent, previous operations, imaging findings, and the procedure required to remove or assess the cancer. The surgeon may recommend an open operation if it offers safer access or better supports the planned cancer procedure.

Check the chosen hospital's booking requirements, then ask your oncologist, primary care clinician, or current surgeon to send the referral if one is needed. Provide pathology results, imaging reports and image files, details of previous abdominal or pelvic operations, current medicines, allergies, and relevant medical conditions. At the appointment, confirm the planned operation, possible need to change to an open approach during surgery, recovery arrangements, and how other cancer treatments affect timing.

A referral appointment is not an emergency service. Seek urgent assessment for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, heavy bleeding, sudden breathing difficulty, collapse, or a rigid and swollen abdomen. If surgery has already taken place, follow the discharge instructions for fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, uncontrolled pain, persistent vomiting, or new shortness of breath.

Ask why a keyhole approach is or is not suitable for the planned cancer operation, what tissue or organs may need removal, and what findings could change the approach. Clarify preparation, pain control, movement after surgery, eating and drinking, wound care, and which symptoms should trigger a call to the surgical team.