Can surgeon say no to bowel cancer op?

Hi.  Dad is 79.  He had a heart valve replacement operation 25yrs ago.  Heart consultant is more than happy with his heart. Just diagnosed with stage 2 tumour in bowel.  Surgeon  insisting on him completing a fitness test before consultation.  Has indicated that she will not do surgery if it's a risk to Dads health as she knows about his heart.  I am terrified that she may refuse the surgery. What happens then? 

Parents
  • Hi Doodlelove. Welcome to the forum.

    To the best of my knowledge, everyone who is going to have a planned operation is assessed for their fitness. This is usually called a pre-operative assessment, and it's common practice. I've had two general anaesthetic procedures in the last 10 years, and each time I was given a thorough medical a week or so before. 

  • Thank you for your reply.  He has consultation with surgeon in diary.  Prior to that he has to go in to be assessed on a bike and a treadmill and the results of that will be given to the surgeon and used in her decision making.  

Reply Children
  • I can understand your worry but it makes sense that the surgeon has to be sure that your dad is fit enough to stand the stresses of the operation to be carried out.  Try to have faith that they want to do the best for your dad and not make things worse by carrying out a procedure that his body could not stand.  Best wishes to you and your dad.  Annie