When I first stepped into the Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital corridors, my primary focus was to understand modern complex cancer care from those who shape it. As a medical journalist, I had heard references to one eminent Colorectal surgeon Mumbai often in professional circles—but the opportunity to interview him in person offered deeper insight. Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan, a seasoned clinician and surgical oncologist, agreed to speak with me about his work, clinical philosophy, and the multidisciplinary care offered at Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai. What unfolded was an informative conversation about both the art and science of cancer surgery.
Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan’s qualifications speak to decades of rigorous training and surgical discipline. He earned his M.B.B.S. from Bombay University in 2000 and completed his M.S. in General Surgery in 2004 from the same university, along with postgraduate instruction at LTM Medical College & Hospital in Mumbai. Following his core surgical training, he underwent a four-year residency in Surgical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, one of India’s premier cancer centers. During 2008–09, he pursued a fellowship in Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation at Hospital Beaujon in Paris, further sharpening his skills in advanced surgical oncology techniques.
Today, he serves as the Director of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic, and Gastrointestinal Oncology at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care, and is frequently recognised among the Top Surgical Oncologist in Mumbai for cancers of the digestive tract and related organs. His areas of expertise span gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and colorectal malignancies, applying both open and minimally invasive surgical strategies including laparoscopy and robotic assistance.
At the Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai, which functions as an affiliated outpatient and consultation centre for patients, I observed a blend of clinical efficiency and empathetic care. The setup prioritises thorough diagnostic assessments, multidisciplinary discussions, and treatment planning tailored to each patient’s condition and goals. Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan emphasised that colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancer surgeries require careful coordination between radiology, pathology, anaesthesia, and post-surgery rehabilitation teams to ensure optimal outcomes.
The environment, he noted, is designed not merely for technical care but also to support patients emotionally during a challenging journey.
When discussing the benefits and risks of surgical treatments for colorectal and related cancers, Colorectal Surgeon Mumbai Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan underscored that surgery often represents the most definitive chance for long-term disease control or cure, especially at early stages. Surgical interventions such as colectomy, segmental resections, and rectal cancer procedures aim to remove tumours with clear margins and address lymphatic spread when present, balancing oncological effectiveness with preservation of function.
Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan candidly noted that no surgical intervention is without risk, and part of his role is to thoroughly educate patients and families so they make informed decisions that align with their preferences, health status, and expectations.