You have been told "inoperable"
...without being assessed by a multidisciplinary team expert in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Reviewed by Dr. François Quenet and Dr. Juan José Torrent. Updated: 26 May 2026
Second medical opinion
Get a second opinion for your cancer from an expert team
Greater experience in high-complexity oncological surgery can change your prognosis. We review cases of colon, rectal, stomach, liver, pancreatic and gynaecological cancer, sarcoma or peritoneal carcinomatosis, especially if you have been told "inoperable" or "palliative chemotherapy only".
International team · Montpellier · MSKCC
Principal Investigator PRODIGE-7 (The Lancet)
3,000+ complex oncological surgeries
Up to 30% of "inoperable" cases are actually operable
Your medical data is protected. The documents you provide are reviewed by the multidisciplinary committee with expertise in your type of tumour.
4.5/5
based on 20 verified Google reviews
Read reviews
Your right to a second opinion
A second medical opinion is a patient right recognised by the Spanish National Health System (Law 41/2002 on Patient Autonomy, art. 4.2) and by European Directive 2011/24/EU on cross-border healthcare. We review your case in writing within 3-5 business days and tell you whether the proposed treatment is the most appropriate for your current situation.
In the words of our specialists
Why ask for a second opinion from the start
The first treatment is the one that most affects the prognosis. That is why we recommend asking for a second opinion before starting.
“We recommend that patients diagnosed with cancer ask for a second opinion from specialists in the cancer they have been diagnosed with. This is very important because these specialists will be able to apply the best treatments from the start, the most advanced ones, the ones that will give patients the best results in terms of survival and quality of life.
It is important for the patient to get this second opinion because otherwise, when they come to us after a first treatment, they have often already developed resistance to chemotherapy, the tumour biology may have changed and the patient's general condition is worse.
There are different factors that really make the first treatment the one that determines the prognosis, and that is why we recommend that patients get this second opinion from our specialists.”
Cancers we treat
Is your cancer one of the ones we review?
We are sub-specialised in high-complexity oncological surgery. These are the cancers for which we offer a second opinion:
Colon and rectal cancer
Includes liver metastases, pelvic recurrence and robotic surgery.
Second opinionStomach and oesophageal cancer
Gastric adenocarcinoma, GIST and carcinomatosis of gastric origin.
Second opinionLiver cancer and liver metastases
Hepatocellular carcinoma, ALPPS technique and two-stage hepatectomy.
Second opinionPancreatic and bile-duct cancer
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
Second opinionGynaecological cancer
Ovarian and uterine cancer and carcinomatosis of ovarian origin.
Second opinionPeritoneal carcinomatosis
HIPEC and PIPAC. PRODIGE-7 team. More than 3,000 procedures.
Second opinionPseudomyxoma and peritoneal mesothelioma
PSOGI-GECOP reference centre in rare peritoneal disease.
Second opinionRetroperitoneal sarcoma
Multivisceral resection and management at a centre with sarcoma expertise.
Second opinionIs your case a different one? Write to us and we will tell you if we can help.
When to ask
When to seek a second opinion in surgical oncology
If you find any of these scenarios in your medical report, a second opinion can change decisions.
Palliative chemotherapy upfront
You are offered palliative chemotherapy without first being assessed for a surgical option with curative intent.
Multivisceral resection or pelvic exenteration
Your surgery requires a complex technique and you are referred to a centre that performs fewer than 50 operations a year with that technique.
Multiple liver metastases
You are told they are "unresectable" without a recent contrast-enhanced CT, liver MRI and an updated PET-CT.
Retroperitoneal sarcoma
You are offered systemic treatment only, without a surgical assessment by a team specialised in sarcomas.
Pseudomyxoma or peritoneal mesothelioma
You are diagnosed at a centre that is not a PSOGI - GECOP reference centre and the team treating you is not an expert in the disease.
It is not about disagreeing with your doctor. It is about getting more information so you can make better decisions.
How it works
The process, in 4 steps
From uploading your reports to the final written report with a clear recommendation.
1
Upload your reports
Encrypted uploader · ~5 minutes
Exact list of documents we need:
- Recent contrast-enhanced CT scan (ideally <3 months).
- MRI if applicable (liver, full abdomen, pelvis).
- PET-CT if available.
- Complete pathology of previous biopsies.
- Latest report from your treating medical oncologist.
- Recent labs with tumour markers (CEA, CA-125, CA 19-9, etc.).
We accept PDF and DICOM. TLS-encrypted connection. Data is kept under the GDPR and professional secrecy.
2
A multidisciplinary committee reviews your case
3-5 business days
Professionals who review each case:
- Oncological surgeons specialised in your tumour type.
- Medical oncologist.
- Radiologist specialised in oncology.
- Radiation oncologist.
- Pathologist.
3
In-person or video consultation with the surgeon
If you are satisfied with the information we give you and want to go ahead, we schedule an in-person visit or video consultation with the surgeon who would operate on your case. It is a chance to understand your disease better and have your questions answered.
4
Receive your written report
After your visit you will receive a report that includes:
- Resectability assessed via the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), where applicable.
- Recommended technique: type of surgery and clinical rationale.
- Expected morbidity and mortality according to the literature for your tumour origin.
- Realistic prognosis in ranges, citing a specific scientific reference.
- Clear recommendation: surgery / alternative technique / non-surgical.
Multidisciplinary committee
Who reviews your case
Your case is assessed by a committee sub-specialised by tumour type. The surgeon who signs the report is the same one who would operate on you.
Dr. François Quenet
Medical Director · Peritoneal surgical oncology
Assesses: peritoneal carcinomatosis, HIPEC, pseudomyxoma. Principal Investigator of the PRODIGE-7 trial (The Lancet Oncology). 3,000+ HIPEC.
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Dr. Juan José Torrent
Co-Medical Director · HIPEC, PIPAC and robotics
Assesses: gastric and colorectal carcinomatosis, PIPAC for unresectable cases, robotic cytoreductive surgery. 20+ years of experience. ISSPP-certified PIPAC trainer.
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Prof. Luis González Bayón
Complex peritoneal and pelvic surgery
Assesses: pelvic exenteration, retroperitoneal sarcomas, pelvic recurrence, carcinomatosis. Head of the Peritoneum Unit at Gregorio Marañón. Professor at UCM.
View profile
Prof. Fabrizio Panaro
Hepatobiliopancreatic surgery
Assesses: liver metastases, ALPPS technique, two-stage hepatectomy, liver transplantation and robotic liver surgery. 200+ publications. University of Montpellier.
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Dr. Clara Montagut
Medical oncology · Precision medicine
Assesses: colorectal cancer, liquid biopsy, targeted therapies and anti-EGFR resistance. Head of Gastrointestinal Cancer at Hospital del Mar. Top 25 oncologists in Spain.
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Dr. Pablo Lozano Lominchar
Surgical oncology · Peritoneum and sarcomas
Assesses: peritoneal carcinomatosis, retroperitoneal sarcomas, GIST tumours, pseudomyxoma. Trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (NY).
View profile
Dr. Patricia Tejedor
Colorectal and robotic surgery
Assesses: rectal and colon cancer, robotic colorectal surgery, complex diverticular disease. 90+ publications. Editorial board of the British Journal of Surgery.
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Dr. Carlos Rodríguez-Otero Luppi
General and digestive surgery (MIS)
Assesses: minimally invasive digestive cancer surgery. PhD UAB Cum Laude. Fellow of the European Board of Surgery (MIS). Co-author of Schwartz's Principles of Surgery.
View profileThe committee also includes a specialised oncology radiologist, radiation oncologist and pathologist. · See the full team
Where do we operate?
If surgery is recommended after the second opinion, we operate at two high-complexity private hospitals. The same surgeon who reviews your case performs the operation.
Video consultation also available: you can start with a secure video call with the surgeon who would assess your case, without travelling.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology.
View Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Private hospital in Barcelona where the team performs high-complexity surgical oncology.
View Centro Médico Teknon
Verified reviews
See on Google
4.5/5
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
5/5
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The personal care is excellent and so are the results. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
5/5
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
5/5
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
5/5
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
5/5
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
5/5
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. When I sent my diagnosis to every center, practically all of them agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time, since I had a very aggressive type of cell. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, because during the operation the harmful cells that everyone had diagnosed, and that were the reason nobody would operate on me, were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
M
6 years ago
5/5
The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.
E
7 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very approachable and warm doctor, whose manner reveals all the qualities that make him a great person and professional: perseverance, innate curiosity and a desire to learn, humility, sincerity and empathy. Going through an operation is undoubtedly an intense experience, physically and emotionally, in which anxieties arise and you feel very vulnerable. All of that is normal, and as his former patient I can say that his care and professionalism throughout the process were absolutely exceptional. I felt very supported by him, with the confidence of knowing I was in the best hands. I will always be grateful to him. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!
Real cases
Patients treated by the Quenet Torrent team
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology, with good survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseFelipe's case
A mistaken diagnosis of terminal colon cancer that a second opinion revealed to be pseudomyxoma peritonei, treatable with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of survival.
Read the full case
Clinical honesty
What we do not do
These are the limits of what we offer.
We do not operate on cases where surgery offers no real benefit
If we cannot control your disease (after assessing your functional status or the extent of the tumour), we will tell you that surgery is not the right option and refer you to the most reasonable alternative (PIPAC, systemic therapy, supportive care).
We do not promise cure
Oncology works with probabilities. We will give you realistic ranges based on published literature, not invented figures.
We do not replace your treating oncologist
Our report is for you to share with your usual doctor. We stay in contact with him or her during treatment if you authorise it.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about the second opinion
Answers to the most common questions.
How long does it take to schedule a second-opinion visit?
We contact you within 24-48 h to schedule the visit. It can usually take place, in person or remotely, between 3 and 5 business days after we receive all the necessary documentation. If a test is missing, you can provide it later if the team considers it relevant.
How long does the written report take?
Between 3 and 5 business days from when we receive all necessary documentation.
What documents do I need to send?
Our team will ask you for the tests needed for your case. The usual ones: recent contrast-enhanced CT (ideally <3 months), MRI if applicable, PET-CT if available, complete pathology, latest oncologist report and labs with tumour markers. We accept PDF and DICOM.
Can I request a second opinion if I am already on chemotherapy?
Yes. It is one of the moments when a second opinion changes decisions the most. We make it easy to coordinate with your oncologist or treating doctor so that ongoing treatment is not interrupted.
Will my original doctor know I have asked for a second opinion?
Only if you want them to. By default we keep it confidential. If the surgery is finally carried out with us and you authorise it, we do inform your original doctor to coordinate follow-up, always with your prior consent.
Is there a cost for the video consultation?
Yes. You will be told the cost before the visit is scheduled. It lasts 45-50 minutes. For international patients it is done by secure video conference.
Can relatives of a patient request a second opinion?
Yes, with the authorisation of the patient or, in case of incapacity, of the legal representative.
Do you operate on children?
Not routinely. Paediatric cases are referred to paediatric oncology reference centres.
Easy Contact
Need to speak with a specialist?
Complete the form and schedule your appointment to speak directly with the surgeon.
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