Our hospital was designated as a base hospital for cancer treatment by Osaka Prefecture on April 1, 2011. In our surgical department, we primarily focus on gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, but we are committed to further enhancing our specialized cancer care. We aim to perform surgeries with minimal complications and, when dealing with malignant conditions, we strive to balance curative outcomes with minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopic surgery. Our emergency surgical team is ready to assess and perform necessary operations 24/7.

We handle a large number of both scheduled and emergency surgeries, and recently, there has been an increase in surgeries for patients with cardiovascular diseases. We collaborate closely with the cardiology department to ensure these operations are conducted safely. In cancer treatment, we prioritize early surgical intervention and clearly explain the treatment plans to our patients, supported by specific data such as case numbers and survival rates. We also focus on providing comprehensive care that includes not only surgical resection but also chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care.

For gastrointestinal cancers, we treat all areas, including esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers, as well as liver, biliary, and pancreatic tumors. We use advanced diagnostic tools such as endoscopy, 320-slice multi-detector CT, and PET-CT to accurately assess the stage of the disease before surgery, ensuring precise and appropriate resections. For early-stage esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is often performed in our gastroenterology department, with surgery as an option if additional treatment is needed. The majority of our surgeries are performed laparoscopically or with robotic assistance, minimizing the burden on our patients. In fact, around 70% of colorectal surgeries and 65% of gastric surgeries at our hospital are done laparoscopically, and we also perform thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

In the field of respiratory diseases, we perform thoracoscopic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax, standard surgeries for lung cancer (most of which are thoracoscopic-assisted), and thoracoscopic surgeries for mediastinal tumors. Additionally, we offer specialized outpatient clinics for conditions such as anal disorders, varicose veins, and inguinal hernias. We also provide same-day surgeries, particularly for pediatric and adult inguinal hernias, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids.

We performed nearly 1,100 surgeries in 2022, primarily focusing on gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. Our team is equipped to handle a wide range of conditions, from benign to malignant diseases, including cancer. Given that many of our patients are elderly or have comorbid cardiovascular conditions, we prioritize not only curative outcomes but also treatments that consider the patient’s overall health.

For malignant conditions, we often employ multidisciplinary treatment approaches that include not just surgery, but also chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In complex cases, we collaborate closely with internal medicine and radiology departments to determine the best treatment plan. After surgery, we review the pathological findings of the removed organs and compare them with preoperative diagnoses to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

In 2022, our surgical volume in the gastrointestinal domain included 61 cases of gastric cancer, 131 cases of colorectal cancer, and 5 cases of esophageal cancer, among others. For early-stage cancers, our gastroenterology department actively performs minimally invasive endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), while our surgical team focuses on laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries that aim to be both curative and minimally invasive.

In the hepatobiliary and pancreatic domain, we performed around 150 surgeries for gallstone disease, with the majority being laparoscopic procedures. For liver cancer, we assess liver function and, when appropriate, perform liver resections. Depending on the tumor’s size and number, we may also combine treatments such as radiofrequency ablation and transarterial embolization (TAE) to improve patient outcomes. We also actively pursue surgical resection for pancreatic cancer when indicated.

For respiratory conditions, we perform surgeries for spontaneous pneumothorax, lung cancer, and mediastinal tumors. Most pneumothorax surgeries and select lung cancer surgeries are conducted thoracoscopically to minimize patient burden.

We also offer same-day surgeries for conditions such as inguinal hernias, femoral hernias, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids, enabling patients to quickly return to their daily lives. We have a dedicated outpatient clinic for inguinal hernias, performing around 150 surgeries annually. Anesthesia is carefully selected based on the patient’s overall health, ranging from local and spinal anesthesia to epidural and general anesthesia, ensuring the least amount of stress on the patient.

In emergency cases, we use imaging diagnostics like ultrasound and CT scans to make swift surgical decisions, ensuring that we can perform surgeries at any time, 24/7.

• Gastric Cancer: A malignant tumor that develops in the stomach.
• Esophageal Cancer: A malignant tumor that develops in the esophagus.
• Colorectal Cancer: A malignant tumor that develops in the colon or rectum.
• Biliary Tract Cancer (Gallbladder Cancer, Bile Duct Cancer): Malignant tumors that develop in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
• Lung Cancer: A malignant tumor that develops in the lungs.
• Pancreatic Cancer: A malignant tumor that develops in the pancreas.
• Liver Cancer: A malignant tumor that develops in the liver.
• Gallstones: Stones that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
• Intestinal Obstruction: A condition where the passage of intestinal contents is blocked.
• Acute Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix due to bacterial infection.
• Perforated Gastric or Duodenal Ulcer: A peptic ulcer that has created a hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum.
• Inguinal Hernia: A condition where part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the groin.
• Varicose Veins: Swollen, twisted veins, usually in the legs, that appear as bulging, blue veins under the skin.
• Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A condition where a hole in the lung’s surface causes air to leak into the space around the lung, leading to lung collapse.

The 5-Yama Ward is dedicated to managing the perioperative care of patients scheduled for surgery in the fields of general surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, and plastic surgery. This ward specializes in providing acute care before and after surgery.

Approximately 60% of our patients are from the gastrointestinal surgery department, where we focus on stoma care and wound care nursing. Before surgery, we help patients prepare and feel at ease for their upcoming procedure. During the postoperative acute phase, we prioritize the early detection of any complications. Before discharge, we provide thorough stoma care education, ensuring patients are well-informed about their ongoing care. We also offer continued stoma care through our outpatient department after discharge.

We care for patients from admission to discharge, supporting them through challenging times and celebrating their recovery milestones. With a high number of stoma procedures, typically caring for an average of 5 to 6 stoma patients at a time, our team has ample opportunities to enhance their skills and expertise.