A mother and cancer survivor is sitting, with one arm around her daughter.

Advanced and Timely
Treatment Options for Digestive Cancers

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, there is no time to lose. That is why the surgeons of the AdventHealth Digestive Institute offer fast-tracked appointments for patients who need a consultation or want a second opinion about a digestive cancer diagnosis. This is important because cancer treatment often begins with a surgery to remove the tumor.

Surgeons Experienced in Removing Digestive Cancer

Our surgeons are trained in complex surgical oncology—a fancy term that means using surgery to remove cancers of the liver, pancreas, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum and others. They have performed hundreds, and in many cases thousands, of procedures that involved removing cancer tumors from parts of the digestive system.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Options for Cancer

All of the Digestive Institute surgeons are highly trained in techniques that allow surgery to be performed as less invasively as possible. Our surgeons use minimally invasive laparoscopic and robot-assisted approaches that leave patients with only a few small scars. Because of this, recovery is much faster than it would be with a large, open incision. For a cancer patient, a fast recovery means that other cancer treatments can be started sooner.

Coordinated, Multi-Disciplinary Cancer Care

While treatment for most tumors begins with surgery, it may be necessary for some patients to have chemotherapy or radiation therapy before their operations. Our surgeons work with patients’ other physicians to make sure each patient has an ideal treatment plan.


Surgical Cancer Care

Conditions and Treatments

9 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow
  • Esophageal Cancer

    Typically esophageal cancer requires surgery in addition to radiation and chemotherapy. Learn more about the surgical treatments our specialists can provide.

  • Gastric/Stomach Cancer

    We help diagnose and treat stomach cancer. We even have minimally invasive options. Learn more about how our gastroenterologists can help you.

  • Duodenal/Small Bowel Cancer

    Our gastroenterologists diagnose and treat small bowel and duodenal cancer. We offer three minimally invasive treatment options.

  • Pancreatic Cancer

    Our surgeons are among the region’s most experienced in pancreatic surgery. We can help treat your cancer with minimally invasive options. Learn more today.

  • Liver Cancer

    The AdventHealth Digestive Institute surgeons offer surgical and non-surgical liver cancer treatments, depending on your specific case. Schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists.

  • Gallbladder Cancer

    Removing the gallbladder with cancer is a very complex surgery that requires highly experienced surgeons like those at AdventHealth Digestive Institute.

  • Colon and Rectal Cancer

    Our experienced gastroenterologists can diagnose and treat colon and rectal cancer. Learn more about treatment and surgery options.

  • Anal Cancer

    Our colon and rectal surgeons can help diagnose and treat anal cancer. We offer anal cancer surgery when necessary.

  • Public Reporting of Outcomes

    Our compassionate medical staff is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services in Hillsborough County.

A person's hands holding equipment

Recover Faster With Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery

All the surgeons at the Digestive Health Institute (DHI) have a large depth of experience in offering minimally invasive surgery.

Meet The Experts

2 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
Dr. Sharona Ross.

Sharona Ross

MD, FACS

Advanced Foregut and HPB Surgeon

Dr. Iswanto Sucandy

Iswanto Sucandy

MD, FACS

Advanced HPB Surgeon

A cancer survivor hugs her grandchild.

Surgical Consultations For Digestive Cancer Without The Wait

Appointments Within 5 Days for Patients with Cancer

At DHI, we know that after being diagnosed with cancer, patients want and often need to begin treatment quickly. So we make it a priority to offer appointments for cancer surgery consultations within 5 business days, and often earlier. Our surgeons will make themselves available to see you right away, even for a second opinion.

Patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer, or have just found out they have cancer recurrence, qualify for this priority access. Our surgeons will make themselves available to see you right away, even for a second opinion. We want to help you start your treatment as soon as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with a cancer of the digestive system, don’t wait.
Call the Digestive Health Institute at Call813-615-7030.

News and Info

3 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
Two ladies talking while wearing masks
Blog

How to Respond When a Loved One is Hesitant About the COVID-19 Vaccine

Expert answers to some commonly asked questions and concerns about getting a coronavirus vaccine.

Dr. Sucandy in a team meeting
Blog

Digestive Institute Surgeon Gives Invited Talk, Multiple Presentations at International Laparoscopic Liver Society’s 3rd World Congress

To help promote minimally invasive surgery – which has many benefits for patients – and share their expertise, AdventHealth Digestive Institute (DI) surgeons such as Iswanto Sucandy, MD, FACS, advanced HPB (liver, pancreas and bile duct) surgeon, and Sharona Ross, MD, FACS, advanced HPB and foregut...

A pregnant woman looking at lab results in her doctor's office
Blog

Pregnancy and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Considering starting a family soon? Read more about the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy from our experts.