Surgery for support and palliation in patients with malignant disease

Surgery is the major curative treatment modality for patients with malignant disease. However, surgery also plays an important role in supportive and palliative care of cancer patients. In settings in which maintaining quality of life rather than prolongation of survival is the major goal of treatment, the potential morbidity of more extensive surgical procedures must be carefully weighed against their possible benefits, and alternative options (if available and appropriate) should be carefully considered.