Oncology
Director – Surgical Oncology25 years
Fortis Hospitals
Mumbai
Dr. Avanish Saklani is the Director of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai. He is an experienced Colorectal and Peritoneal Oncology Surgeon with extensive expertise in the management of colorectal cancer, complex pelvic malignancies and peritoneal surface tumours. His clinical interests include minimally invasive, robotic and organ-preserving cancer surgery.
Dr. Saklani completed his MBBS and MS in General Surgery in Mumbai, followed by advanced surgical training in the United Kingdom and South Korea. His professional qualifications include FRCS, CCST (UK) and fellowship recognition from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. He has also received specialised training in robotic and advanced colorectal surgery.
Before joining Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Dr. Avanish Saklani headed the Colorectal and Peritoneal Surface Oncology Division at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. During this period, he contributed to the development of a dedicated colorectal oncology programme and participated in the management of complex and recurrent pelvic malignancies.
His surgical expertise includes robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgery, total mesorectal excision, sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery and intersphincteric resection. These procedures aim to achieve appropriate cancer clearance while considering bowel function, organ preservation and the patient's overall quality of life.
Dr. Saklani is also experienced in the management of peritoneal surface malignancies through selected advanced procedures, including cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and pressurised intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). Treatment suitability depends on cancer type, disease extent, performance status and multidisciplinary oncology assessment.
In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Avanish Saklani is actively involved in cancer research, academic teaching and robotic surgery training. His official professional profiles document extensive peer-reviewed publications, invited lectures and editorial contributions. Patients seeking a colorectal cancer surgeon in Mumbai for colon cancer, rectal cancer or complex pelvic oncology conditions can consult him through his listed Fortis hospital affiliations.
Colorectal cancer surgery involves removing malignant tissue from the colon or rectum, often along with nearby lymph nodes. The surgical approach depends on tumour location, stage and patient health. Treatment may involve open, laparoscopic or robotic techniques as part of a multidisciplinary cancer care plan.
Colon cancer surgery generally involves removing the affected section of the large intestine and associated lymph nodes. The remaining bowel may be reconnected when appropriate. Surgical planning considers tumour stage, location, medical fitness and whether additional cancer treatments are required.
Rectal cancer surgery aims to remove malignant tissue while considering the preservation of bowel and pelvic organ function. Depending on tumour characteristics and stage, treatment may involve total mesorectal excision and other specialised techniques. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may also be part of the treatment plan.
Robotic colorectal surgery uses a surgeon-controlled robotic platform to assist with selected colon and rectal operations. The system provides magnified visualisation and specialised instrument movement. Its suitability depends on the patient's condition, cancer location, surgical complexity and available technology.
Laparoscopic colectomy involves removing part of the colon through a minimally invasive surgical approach. A camera and specialised instruments are introduced through small abdominal incisions. The procedure may be used for selected colorectal diseases, with the exact technique determined by the diagnosis and anatomy.
Sphincter-preserving surgery aims to remove selected rectal cancers while retaining the anal sphincter when oncologically safe and technically feasible. Whether preservation is possible depends on tumour position, disease extent and functional considerations. Some patients may still require temporary or permanent stoma formation.
Intersphincteric resection is a specialised procedure used in carefully selected low rectal cancers. It involves removing affected rectal tissue and part of the internal anal sphincter while attempting to preserve natural bowel continuity. Suitability depends on tumour involvement, expected cancer clearance and functional outcomes.
Total mesorectal excision is a surgical technique used in rectal cancer treatment to remove the rectum together with surrounding mesorectal tissue within the appropriate anatomical plane. It is an important component of selected rectal cancer operations and aims to support adequate cancer clearance.
Complex pelvic cancer surgery may be required when malignancies involve multiple structures or recur after previous treatment. Planning requires detailed imaging, assessment of organ involvement and multidisciplinary discussion. Surgery is considered only when potential oncological benefits justify the associated operative risks.
Pelvic exenteration is an extensive operation used for selected advanced or recurrent pelvic cancers involving multiple organs. It may require removal of several affected pelvic structures. The procedure carries substantial risks and requires highly specialised surgical teams, careful patient selection and comprehensive postoperative care.
Peritoneal surface malignancies involve cancers affecting the lining of the abdominal cavity. Treatment depends on the underlying cancer type, disease distribution and patient condition. Selected patients may be evaluated for cytoreductive surgery or specialised intraperitoneal treatment as part of multidisciplinary oncology care.
Cytoreductive surgery aims to remove visible tumour deposits within the abdomen. In selected cases, it may be combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), in which heated anticancer medication is circulated within the abdominal cavity. Eligibility depends on tumour biology, disease extent and medical fitness.
PIPAC is a specialised technique that delivers chemotherapy as a pressurised aerosol into the abdominal cavity during laparoscopy. It is used in selected centres for certain peritoneal malignancies, often within defined clinical pathways. Treatment selection depends on diagnosis, disease characteristics and available evidence.
Recurrent pelvic tumours can be difficult to treat because of prior surgery, radiation or involvement of nearby organs. Assessment requires imaging, review of previous treatment and multidisciplinary planning. Selected patients may be considered for complex surgery when the expected benefits and risks are acceptable.
Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare condition involving the accumulation of mucinous tumour material within the abdominal cavity, often originating from the appendix. Selected patients may benefit from specialist evaluation for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. Treatment depends on disease distribution, pathology and general health.
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), FRCS, FRCS (General Surgery), CCST (UK), FASCRS
Colorectal Cancer Surgery, Colon Cancer Surgery, Rectal Cancer Surgery, Robotic Colorectal Surgery, Laparoscopic Colectomy, Sphincter-Preserving Rectal Cancer Surgery, Intersphincteric Resection, Total Mesorectal Excision, Complex Pelvic Cancer Surgery, Pelvic Exenteration, Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Management, Cytoreductive Surgery, Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), Pressurised Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC), Recurrent Pelvic Tumour Surgery, Anal Cancer Surgery, Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Management.
Genuine patient experiences and treatment feedback.
Quick answers to common questions about Dr. Avanish Saklani
Dr. Avanish Saklani specialises in Surgical Oncology, particularly colorectal cancer, complex pelvic cancer and peritoneal surface malignancies.
His qualifications include MBBS, MS (General Surgery), FRCS, CCST (UK) and additional fellowship recognition in colorectal surgery.
Fortis Healthcare lists 25 years of experience. His professional website describes more than two decades of specialist surgical practice.
Yes. Robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgery are among his documented principal areas of surgical expertise.
Yes. His clinical expertise includes sphincter-preserving rectal cancer operations and intersphincteric resection. Suitability depends on the cancer's location and extent.
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