It is important to highlight the necessity (and, in some cases, the obligation) of multidisciplinary collaboration among physicians. In large public hospitals and well-organized private facilities, specialists from various medical and surgical fields are available and should collaborate to ensure the best treatment outcomes. In oncology, for instance, it is mandatory for surgeons, oncologists, radiotherapists, radiologists, and pathologists to discuss the best and safest treatment approach, which may include neoadjuvant therapies (before and after surgery). Multidisciplinary meetings are therefore held to discuss oncology cases (MOC).
Interventional radiologists and endoscopists may also need to collaborate to resolve pre-operative issues (e.g., jaundice due to stenoses in hepatobiliary-pancreatic diseases) or post-operative complications during hospitalization. In critical intra- and post-operative phases, anesthesiologists and resuscitators play a vital role.
In the operating room, the surgeon may request the assistance of specialists from other surgical fields if necessary (thoracic surgeon, vascular surgeon, urologist, gynecologist), whether as part of a scheduled consultation or in an emergency during surgery. For example, advanced but operable tumors may involve other organs and vascular structures, and the general surgeon may need the collaboration of other specialists. Conversely, for other disciplines, complex procedures (especially those involving the intestines) may require the involvement of a general surgeon. This is also true for benign conditions, such as endometriosis, which can lead to extensive surgeries involving bowel resections.
In the post-operative period, it may also become necessary to consult specialists for diagnostics or specific therapies if unexpected problems arise (e.g., pulmonologist, cardiologist, internist, infectious disease specialist).
