For Patients

Your First Visit & Beyond

What to bring, what to expect, and how Dr. Correa approaches your care from the very first consultation.

First Consultation

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first consultation with Dr. Correa is a comprehensive evaluation — not a rushed appointment. He reviews all available imaging and pathology in advance, so the visit focuses on understanding your situation, answering your questions, and outlining a clear path forward.

You will discuss your diagnosis, the findings on your imaging, the treatment options available to you, what surgery involves (if applicable), and what life looks like after treatment. Family members and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

There is no set time limit. Questions are expected and welcomed. You will leave with a clear understanding of the next steps — whether that is surgery, additional workup, a multidisciplinary tumor board review, or referral to a medical oncologist.

Before Your Visit

Please arrange to have the following records available at least 24–48 hours before your appointment so Dr. Correa can review them in advance:

  • CT and/or MRI imaging (CD or digital transfer)
  • Pathology reports and biopsy slides
  • All prior consultation notes
  • Lab results (CBC, metabolic panel, tumor markers)
  • List of current medications
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Navigating Your Diagnosis

Understanding the Process

A cancer diagnosis in the liver, pancreas, bile ducts, or stomach can feel overwhelming. Here is what the typical care pathway looks like.

01

Diagnosis & Staging

Imaging (CT, MRI), endoscopy, biopsy, and tumor markers confirm the diagnosis and determine extent of disease.

02

Specialist Evaluation

An HPB surgical oncologist reviews your case to determine surgical options and the optimal sequence of treatments.

03

Tumor Board Review

Complex cases are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team: surgery, medical oncology, radiology, pathology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology.

04

Treatment & Follow-Up

Surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination. Ongoing surveillance with imaging and labs after treatment to monitor for recurrence.

Preparing for Surgery

Prehabilitation & Preparation

Major abdominal surgery requires the body to be in the best possible condition. Steps you can take before surgery significantly reduce complications and speed recovery.

  • Nutrition: Maintain adequate protein and calorie intake. A dietitian consultation is available for patients with weight loss or difficulty eating.
  • Physical activity: Even light daily walking improves cardiopulmonary fitness and surgical recovery.
  • Smoking cessation: Smoking significantly increases surgical risk. Cessation even weeks before surgery provides benefit.
  • Medication review: Blood thinners and certain supplements must be stopped before surgery. Bring a complete medication list.
  • Diabetes management: Good blood sugar control lowers infection and wound healing risk.

After Surgery

Recovery & Follow-Up

Recovery timelines vary by procedure. Most patients undergoing major HPB surgery stay in the hospital for 4–7 days. Recovery at home takes 4–8 weeks depending on the operation and individual factors.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS): Dr. Correa uses ERAS protocols for all major HPB procedures. These evidence-based protocols minimize fasting, encourage early ambulation, optimize pain control with non-opioid methods, and reduce hospital stay. Patients receive detailed written instructions for each phase of recovery.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled at 2–4 weeks post-discharge, then at regular intervals based on diagnosis and treatment. Surveillance imaging and lab work are coordinated with your oncology team.

FAQ

Common Patient Questions

How quickly do I need to act after a cancer diagnosis?
Most hepatobiliary cancers do not require emergency surgery, but delays beyond a few weeks can be consequential. For incidental gallbladder cancer, urgent specialist evaluation within days to weeks is important. For pancreatic or biliary cancers, timely workup and staging should be completed promptly so treatment decisions can be made. If you have a new diagnosis, contact our office for a priority appointment.
Can I bring a family member or caregiver to my appointment?
Yes, and we strongly encourage it. Major diagnoses and complex surgical discussions are easier to absorb and process with a trusted person present. Family members can ask questions, take notes, and help ensure you leave with a clear understanding of the plan.
What if I have already seen another surgeon or oncologist?
That is not a problem. Dr. Correa provides second opinion consultations routinely and welcomes patients who have already received opinions elsewhere. Please bring all records, imaging, and pathology. Your prior team's assessment is valuable context, and the goal is to give you the most complete and accurate picture possible.
Does Dr. Correa do robotic or minimally invasive surgery?
Yes. Dr. Correa performs robotic and laparoscopic approaches for pancreatectomy, hepatic resection, and gastric surgery when appropriate. The approach is selected based on tumor characteristics, patient anatomy, and what will achieve the safest, most complete resection — not based on access to a specific platform. Open surgery remains the right choice in many cases.

Ready to Schedule Your Consultation?

Contact our office to request an appointment. We will work to see you promptly and ensure you have everything you need before your visit.

Request an Appointment (212) 523-8887