Commando Surgery

Commando surgery is a complex surgical procedure typically used to treat advanced or aggressive cancers, particularly in the head and neck region. The term "commando" refers to the extensive nature of the surgery, which involves removing a significant amount of tissue, including bone, muscle, and nerve structures, in addition to the primary tumour.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in the affected area and carefully removes the tumour and surrounding tissue to remove all cancerous cells. The surgery aims to achieve negative margins, meaning no cancerous tissue is visible at the edges of the removed tissue. In certain cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore form and function to the area after removing the tumour.

While commando surgery is a highly effective treatment option for certain cancers, it is also a complex and invasive procedure with significant risks, including bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and loss of function. Patients who undergo commando surgery require a prolonged hospital stay and a long period of recovery and rehabilitation.

Overall, commando surgery is an essential tool in the fight against advanced or aggressive cancers. Still, it is typically reserved for cases where other treatments have not been successful, and the benefits and risks for each patient should be considered carefully.