Localized recurrence
The tumor has recurred locally without evidence of distant disease (metastasis) or with resectable metastases.
Reviewed by Dr. Juan José Torrent — Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialized Surgery
Oncological Salvage Surgery
Specialized surgical treatment for local tumor recurrences. When cancer returns, we offer salvage options with curative intent through highly complex surgery.
CONTACT SPECIALISTWhat is salvage surgery?
Salvage surgery is a surgical procedure performed when a tumor recurs in the same location where it was previously treated. The goal is to offer a second chance at cure through complete removal of the recurrent tumor.
This type of surgery requires a high degree of specialization, as it operates in a previously intervened surgical field, often with anatomical changes from previous surgeries, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Careful planning and team experience are fundamental.
When is salvage surgery indicated?
Salvage surgery may be an option when certain conditions are met:
Technical resectability
It is possible to completely remove the tumor with clear margins, even if extensive or multivisceral resections are required.
Adequate general condition
The patient has a physical condition that allows tolerating complex surgery with good expected functional outcomes.
Prolonged disease-free interval
Sufficient time has elapsed since initial treatment, suggesting less aggressive tumor biology.
Types of salvage surgery
We perform various salvage procedures depending on the location of recurrence:
Pelvic exenteration
Radical surgery for pelvic recurrences of rectal, gynecological, or urological cancer, with en bloc resection of affected organs.
Colorectal recurrence resection
Re-resection of anastomosis or surgical bed in colorectal cancer recurrences, including sacral resections.
Abdominal wall surgery
Resection of tumor implants in the abdominal wall with reconstruction using meshes and component separation techniques.
Multivisceral resections
En bloc removal of recurrence along with adjacent infiltrated organs to achieve adequate oncological margins.
Challenges of salvage surgery
Salvage surgery presents specific challenges requiring experience and specialized resources:
Fibrosis and adhesions
Previous surgeries and treatments generate scar tissue that makes identification of surgical planes and anatomical structures difficult.
Radiotherapy effects
Previous radiotherapy can compromise tissue vascularization and healing, increasing the risk of complications.
Altered anatomy
Previous resections modify normal anatomy, requiring deep knowledge of post-surgical variants.
Complex reconstruction
Sophisticated reconstruction techniques are often required including musculocutaneous flaps and urinary or digestive diversions.
Our experience in salvage surgery
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we have developed extensive experience in oncological salvage surgery. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each case individually to determine surgical viability and plan the optimal strategy.
We have the most advanced technology, including robotic surgery and intraoperative imaging techniques, allowing us to approach complex cases with maximum precision and patient safety.
Pathologies that may require salvage surgery
Salvage surgery is applied in recurrences of various oncological pathologies.
Colorectal tumors
Local recurrences of colon and rectal cancer.
More informationGynecological tumors
Pelvic recurrences of cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
More informationSarcomas
Local recurrences of retroperitoneal and abdominal wall sarcomas.
More information
Real cases
Patient testimonies and surgery explanations
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. Excellent survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseLaura's case
Rare abdominal tumor treated with complex cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC and systemic chemotherapy. Disease-free after almost 2 years.
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 hope and survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
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★★★★★
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
★★★★★
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 human treatment is great and the results are too. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. Sending my diagnosis to every center, practically all agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time since I had very aggressive cell types. 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 — at surgery the harmful cells everyone diagnosed (and used to refuse to operate) were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
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