Gerard Abood

About Gerard Abood

Accolades

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  Team Leader

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  Peritoneal Mesothelioma

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  Minimally Invasive Surgery

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  Board Certified in Surgery

Abood is part of the multidisciplinary team that treats patients diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

The Bernardin Cancer Center brings together all aspects of care, allowing Abood to work closely with pathologists, medical oncologists, radiologists and nurses who meet regularly to discuss each patient and individualized treatment options.

“Cancer isn’t a straightforward diagnosis,” Abood said. “It’s not something that generally just goes away. It really needs the specialized care that we can offer here. If I can’t cure you with surgery, then I’ll get you to the right specialist. It takes a team approach to do that.”

Experience with Robotic Surgery and HIPEC

Abood is trained in robotics, interventional endoscopy and other minimally invasive techniques that have become a safe and effective option for many abdominal malignancies.

He treats patients with pancreatic, liver, esophageal, colorectal, stomach and bile duct cancers, along with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Abood can use hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion, otherwise known as HIPEC, for several abdominal cancers in advanced stages.

HIPEC is often used in combination with cytoreductive surgery. It includes a heated chemotherapy solution that is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity to kill any microscopic tumor cells that evade the surgeon.

The procedure is only used at select cancer centers, and it has been responsible for a significant increase in survival for many abdominal cancer patients.

Part of a Multidisciplinary Team at Loyola

Abood joined the Loyola University Medical team in 2012, following a fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

He graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his residency at Loyola, where he focused on robotic and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

The Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center includes a wide variety of clinical specialties, along with research laboratories and an Image Renewal Center, where patients can find complementary medicine, nutritional consultation, support groups and educational classes.

“Loyola has had a long, rich tradition in the treatment of patients with cancer. I’d like to build on that with my advanced skills,” Abood said. “We can give patients hope, letting them know we’re here for them, and as a team, we’re ready to do everything we can to get them through a tough diagnosis.”