SantiagoHEMA
Specialized Hospital for Advanced Medicine: labs, cardiology and the procedure in the same building, fifteen minutes from the airport. The most practical choice if you fly in.
Surgical oncology
This area covers the esophagus, the stomach, the liver and bile ducts, the pancreas, the colon and the rectum. Colon cancer is among the most common and also among the most preventable: it starts as a polyp that can be removed years before it becomes cancer.
What it is
These are the most frequent cases.
Digestive tumors arise in the lining of the digestive tract or in the glands alongside it. Many start as benign polyps that transform over time. Age (most after 55), a diet high in red and processed meat, tobacco, family history and, in the stomach, Helicobacter pylori infection all weigh in.
- Colorectal cancerColon and rectum. It usually starts as a polyp; colonoscopy finds it and removes it before it becomes cancer.
- Stomach cancerIn the gastric lining. It produces few symptoms at first, which is why it is found late unless actively looked for.
- Pancreatic cancerIn the gland behind the stomach. Painless jaundice and weight loss are its signals.
- Liver and bile ductsHepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. More frequent with prior hepatitis or cirrhosis.
- GallbladderUncommon, and often found when operating on a gallbladder for stones.
Signs and diagnosis
What is studied, and how the diagnosis is reached.
Signs that are studied
- Blood in the stool or a change in bowel habit lasting weeks
- Unexplained weight or appetite loss
- Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
- Nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
How it is diagnosed
- Examination and labs: anemia is sometimes the first clue
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy, which sees the tumor and takes the biopsy in the same act
- CT or MRI to see the extent
- Biopsy: the only one that confirms
What the surgical oncologist does
What the surgical oncologist does, and what happens afterwards.
- 01SurgeryIt consists of removing the affected segment together with its lymph nodes. In the colon, it can often be performed laparoscopically, with less pain and earlier discharge.
- 02ChemotherapyBefore or after surgery, depending on stage, coordinated with medical oncology. In the rectum, radiotherapy is added.
- 03AfterwardsIt requires several days in hospital. If the stomach was operated on, small and frequent meals help, and follow-up is carried out with colonoscopy and imaging.
Google reviews
5.046 reviewsSee on GooglePatient reviews.
Thyroid and cancer surgery patients, and patients from abroad, tell how their experience with the doctor was.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the doctor for being my guide and support during one of the most difficult times of my life: my thyroid cancer treatment. From…
Yaskira PerezMay 2026Dr. Jacobo is highly professional, skilled, and incredibly kind. He takes the time to explain every step and every procedure, ensuring his patients have no unanswered…
Rosemil OvalleFebruary 2025Dr. Jacobo is an excellent professional with world-class attention to detail. When treating a close relative with thyroid surgery, at a leading center in the field, he…
Anthony TejadaJanuary 2025Wonderful doctor. I had no idea I'd been suffering from thyroid problems for some time, and you gave me an accurate diagnosis that changed my life. Thank you so much…
Ana AguileraJanuary 2025I had a total thyroidectomy performed by Dr. Jacobo. It was a difficult surgery, but I came out of the operating room feeling excellent. Dr. Jacobo loves what he does…
Sheila Sabrina Calderon cuelloJune 2025I am incredibly grateful for the care I received from Dr. Jacobo. I initially found him through a Google search while looking for alternative treatment options for my…
Kate LockhartMarch 2026My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. Amidst our worry, we chose Dr. Jacobo because I was struck by his genuine and selfless interest in my husband's diagnosis. He…
Nidia AcostaSeptember 2025Dr. Joan is a physician with outstanding professional training and a true calling: compassionate, approachable, and always attentive, not only to his patients but also to…
Andi AlmanzarSeptember 2025I recently underwent surgery by Dr. Joan Jacobo, and there's nothing better than the safety and peace of mind for a patient and family, ensuring their health is in the…
Omar Encarnación UlloaSeptember 2025An excellent doctor, my dear Dr. Jacobo. After seeing many doctors without a clear answer about what was wrong with me, I finally found Dr. Jacobo. With great care and…
Alexandra Fontana ReynosoJanuary 2025I want to express my sincere gratitude to the doctor for his excellent work and dedication. From the very first moment, he instilled confidence, security, and a human…
Josmeiry PaulinoMarch 2026Dr. Joan Jacobo studied and performed a brain scan for my mother, and the experience was much more bearable thanks to his wonderful professional and, above all, humane…
Anibelka MenaApril 2024I want to highlight Dr. Joan's excellent service, experience, and dedication to his patients. Personally, I want to emphasize that few doctors dedicate the time, care…
Massiel LizardoJuly 2025Dr. Jacobo is a specialist who inspires great confidence and security. He knows how to soothe the anxiety that comes with having to see him! He's a doctor at the…
Jenny Guzman De GonzalezApril 2024Dr. Joan Javier Jacobo is an excellent oncology professional. He is highly qualified and recommended by other oncologists in the country. I wholeheartedly recommend him.…
Angelica MejiaAugust 2024Dr. Joan Javier Jacobo is an excellent professional and physician with a genuine and compassionate nature that is highly effective for his patients. I, his patient for…
Mariela Jiminian CamiloApril 2024An excellent doctor, dedicated to his patients, providing exceptional care with love and dedication. You are a doctor who inspires confidence; all patients should have an…
Jisselle PaulinoFebruary 2025An excellent professional, ethical, committed, and approachable. A doctor who, in addition to being highly qualified, provides his patients with peace of mind…
Mercedes RosarioJune 2025My dear Dr. Jacobo, for me you are an excellent doctor, kind, gentle, and a great professional. I had kidney surgery performed by him and I feel very well. I bless you…
Margaret CastrillonJanuary 2025Dr. Joan took the time to listen attentively, answer all my questions, and explain everything clearly and calmly. I felt heard, well cared for, and in good hands…
Lizvanessa JavierApril 2026
Frequently asked questions
The most frequent questions about this surgery.
From age 45 if there is no family history; earlier if a first-degree relative had colon cancer or polyps. It is the test that prevents, not only the one that diagnoses.
It is almost always due to hemorrhoids or a fissure. But if it repeats, lasts weeks or comes with a change in bowel habit or weight loss, it should be studied with a colonoscopy.
In the colon, often yes: small incisions, less pain and faster recovery. It depends on the tumor and the patient; it is decided with the studies.
Before surgery
Before surgery, you can request a second opinion.
If you send us your studies, Dr. Jacobo reviews them and explains whether there is another option, or whether the first opinion was the right one.
If you send us your studies before traveling, we can tell you whether the trip makes sense in your case.
Other areas
The other areas he treats.
- Breast cancerBreast cancer: evaluation, surgery and follow-up.It is the most common cancer in women and the one most often cured when detected early.
- Head and neckHead and neck tumors.This area covers the mouth, the throat, the larynx, the salivary glands, the nose and the sinuses.
- Chest tumorsChest and chest wall tumors.This area covers the lung, the esophagus, the mediastinum and the chest wall: the ribs, the sternum and the tissues that cover them.
- Sarcomas and soft tissueSarcomas and skin and soft-tissue tumors.This area covers lumps under the skin — in the thigh, the arm or the abdomen — moles that change and wounds that do not heal.
Locations
Choose the center closest to you.
Santo DomingoClínica Abreu
In Gazcue, in the center of the capital, about 35 minutes from the airport. The clinic's first radiofrequency ablation session took place here.
San Francisco de MacorísCentro Médico Siglo 21
Office in suite 106, for patients in the northeast who prefer not to travel to Santiago.
You are welcome to bring the studies you already have.
Imaging, biopsies, labs and another doctor's recommendation, if there is one. Most often you leave the visit with a plan, or with the steps to reach one. In person in Santiago or Santo Domingo, or virtual from wherever you are.