Surgical emergencies in oncology. Perforation and bleeding

Gastro-intestinal emergencies in oncology requiring surgical intervention exhibit an enormous variety of manifestations and causations and are likely to evolve into challenging situations Therapeutic strategies should therefore be an interdisciplinary consensus between surgeons, oncologists, gastro-enterologists and intensive care medicine Furthermore, the consideration of the individual patient's condition regarding age, organ function, prognosis and current treatment is of paramount importance In general, the aim of all therapeutic interventions should be guided by treatment of the underlying cause and especially consider the principles of oncologic surgery This review outlines the manifestation of perforation and bleeding in oncology patients depending on the underlying cause and the corresponding organ affected The subsequent diagnostic and therapeutic interventions should therefore allow for a mandatory individualization of therapy