Dr. Reshma R Balachandran
Surgical Oncology
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology), DNB, MRCS (Edinburgh)
Request appointmentSurgical Oncology · Thodupuzha
Cancer surgery in Kerala, under the oncology legacy of Dr. Suresh H. Advani.
Breast, gastrointestinal, head-and-neck and uro-oncology surgery — planned with the medical oncology team on the same campus. Co-founded by Padma Bhushan Prof. (Dr.) Suresh H. Advani.
- NABH-accredited
- 24×7 Emergency
- 300-bed single-room hospital
Why Smita Memorial
Why Smita for cancer surgery
Surgical oncology at Smita Memorial Hospital is not a stand-alone service. Our surgical oncologist works alongside medical oncology, radiology, pathology and anaesthesia so that staging, surgery, systemic therapy and recovery are planned together. The hospital was co-founded by Padma Bhushan Dr. Suresh H. Advani, who continues to shape its oncology mission.
- Surgical + medical oncology togetherOne team plans your surgery, chemotherapy and recovery as a single pathway.
- Co-founded by Dr. Suresh H. AdvaniA legacy of cancer care from India's bone marrow transplant pioneer.
- NABH-accredited surgical setup6 operating theatres and 8-bed Surgical ICU on the same campus.
- Single-room inpatient careNo general wards; every patient recovers in a private room.
Meet the team
Doctors leading your care
Treating consultants shown below. Clinic availability varies — the appointments team confirms the right doctor and slot.
Dr. Joe Jose
Medical Oncologist (coordinated care)
MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology), DM (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP (SCE)
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Padma Bhushan · Padma Shri
Our oncology legacy
Treated by the oncologist who performed India's first bone marrow transplant.
Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri — Prof. (Dr.) Suresh H. Advani, Co-Founder of Smita Memorial Hospital & Research Centre.
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), FICP, MNAMS, FNAMS · Trained at Royal Marsden, London & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 1stSuccessful bone marrow transplant in India
- 50+Years in oncology practice
- 30Years as Chief of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital
- 500+Research publications
- Padma Bhushan (2012) and Padma Shri (2002) — Government of India civilian honours for his contribution to medicine.
- Performed India's first successful bone marrow transplant, on a nine-year-old girl with myeloid leukaemia, after training with Dr. E. Donnall Thomas (1990 Nobel laureate) in Seattle.
- Led the oncology service at Tata Memorial Hospital as Chief for three decades and set up oncology at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.
- Clinical trials in 1,200 paediatric leukaemia patients raised treatment success from 20% to 70%.
- Has treated thousands of patients from across India and abroad — including industry leaders, actors, politicians and sportspeople — and continues to see patients today.
- Co-founded Smita Memorial Hospital so that patients across Kerala do not have to leave the state for world-class cancer care.
Procedures
Cancer surgery services
- Breast cancer surgery — lumpectomy and mastectomy
- Breast reconstruction options (as evaluated)
- Gastrointestinal cancer surgery (stomach, colon, rectum, hepatobiliary)
- Head, neck and thyroid cancer surgery
- Uro-oncology procedures
- Diagnostic biopsy and surgical staging
- Oncoplastic approaches, where appropriate
- Coordinated chemotherapy / radiation planning with medical oncology
Procedures listed reflect the surgical oncology scope published on the hospital's department pages. Highly specialised procedures (e.g. HIPEC, extensive peritoneal surgery) are considered on a case-by-case basis after multidisciplinary review.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure for cancer surgery
- 6 modular operating theatres
- 8-bed Surgical ICU
- In-house pathology and imaging
- Blood centre
- Pneumatic transport for labs & pharmacy
“The surgery and chemotherapy were planned together, so I always knew the next step.”— Oncology patient, Thodupuzha region
Testimonial reflects general patient experience; names withheld for privacy.
Questions
Before your visit
Answers are general and do not replace clinical evaluation.
Do I need surgery, chemotherapy, or both?
Treatment depends on cancer type, stage and individual factors. The team meets together before advising a plan — so your surgery and chemotherapy are coordinated, not sequential afterthoughts.
What should I bring for a surgical oncology consultation?
Bring your pathology (biopsy) report, imaging (scans, CDs), prior treatment summaries, current medication list and any referral note.
Is reconstruction available after breast cancer surgery?
Oncoplastic and reconstructive options are discussed as part of surgical planning, when clinically appropriate.
Are insurance / cashless claims supported?
Yes, through empanelled insurers. Share your insurer details at booking so eligibility can be checked.
Service with Smile
Talk to the appointments team
Appointments confirmed by hospital team, subject to doctor availability. For emergencies, call 0486 235 0700.