Anaesthesia considerations and implications during oncologic and non-oncologic surgery in cancer patients

Cancer has been the leading cause of mortality in both developed and developing countries. With the advancement in chemotherapeutic agents, the quality and lifespan of patients with advanced malignancies has improved. These patients often come to hospitals for various types of elective and emergency surgeries. The attending anaesthesiologist faces a daunting task while managing these patients as there can be gross physiological derangements in most of the organ systems. A careful and thorough preoperative assessment, optimisation of physiological milieu, vigilant intraoperative monitoring, anticipation of potential complications and postoperative pain control is essential for reducing perioperative mortality and morbidity in these patients. The toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents and potential drug interactions with selected anaesthetic drugs are of prime concern while anaesthetizing such patients. The build-up of nutrition in these patients is essential during preoperative period and should be continued during postoperative period also.