Neuroendocrine Tumours [NETs] are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with a highly variable biological behavior and clinical course. Most neuroendocrine tumours have a malignant potential on the basis of their ability to metastasize.
Surgery is one of the therapeutic options with a potential to cure localized disease and enable long-term survival in those with ‘limited metastatic disease’. In the palliative setting, debulking can reduce the tumour burden and minimize the intractable symptoms of functional tumours thereby improving the quality of life and possibly survival.
The presentation will review the role of surgery in the management of these tumours with an emphasis on surgical techniques and principles.