Gastrectomy Surgery

Gastrectomy also known as Stomach Cancer Surgery, is a major operation that is used to treat stomach cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancer, as well as any nearby lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells. In some cases, surgery may also involve removing part or all of the esophagus, small intestine, or pancreas. The specific type of surgery and extent of the procedure depends on various factors, including the size and location of the tumor, its stage, and the patient's overall health.

Other conditions that may require a gastrectomy include:

• Benign stomach ulcers that do not respond to other treatments

• Severe bleeding from the stomach

• Perforation of the stomach

• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition that causes the stomach to produce too much acid.

There are three main types of gastrectomy:

1. Total gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing the entire stomach. It is typically used for more advanced stomach cancer or other conditions that affect the entire stomach.

2. Partial gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing part of the stomach. It is typically used for early-stage stomach cancer or other conditions that affect a limited area of the stomach. 

There are three main types of partial gastrectomy:

• Subtotal gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing the lower two-thirds of the stomach.

• Billroth I: This procedure involves removing the lower two-thirds of the stomach and connecting the remaining part of the stomach directly to the esophagus.

• Billroth II: This procedure involves removing the lower two-thirds of the stomach and connecting the remaining part of the stomach to the small intestine.

  3. Sleeve gastrectomy: This procedure is a newer type of partial gastrectomy that is typically used for weight loss surgery. It involves removing the left side of the stomach to create a narrow tube-shaped stomach.

  

Gastrectomy Surgery Techniques

Gastrectomy can be performed using either an open surgical technique or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical technique.

• Open gastrectomy: This procedure involves making a large incision in the abdomen. It is the traditional surgical technique for gastrectomy, but it is now less commonly used due to its associated risks and pain.

• Laparoscopic gastrectomy: This procedure involves making several small incisions in the abdomen. It is a minimally invasive technique that is associated with less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.

Before Surgery

In the weeks leading up to gastrectomy surgery, you will need to make several preparations. These may include:

• Undergoing a physical examination and diagnostic tests

• Quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

• Adjusting medications

• Following a special diet

• Arranging for transportation and aftercare

During Surgery

Gastrectomy surgery typically involves general anesthesia, which means you will be unconscious and pain-free during the procedure. The specific steps involved in the surgery will depend on the extent of the stomach removal and the underlying condition being treated. 

However, the general steps are as follows:

• Incision: One or more incisions are made in the abdomen to access the stomach. These incisions may be traditional open incisions or smaller incisions for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

• Stomach removal: The surgeon carefully separates the stomach from surrounding tissues and blood vessels and then removes all or part of the stomach.

• Reconstruction: The remaining portion of the stomach is reconnected to either the esophagus or the small intestine, depending on the extent of the stomach removal.

• Closure: The incisions are closed using sutures or staples.

After Surgery

After gastrectomy surgery, you will typically spend a few days in the hospital to recover. During this time, you will receive pain medication, intravenous fluids, and nutritional support through a nasogastric tube or feeding tube. You will also be monitored for any potential complications.

Once you are stable enough to go home, you will continue to recover at home for several weeks. During this time, you must follow a strict diet and take medications as prescribed by your doctor. You may also experience some side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.

Here are some specific instructions to follow after gastrectomy surgery:

• Maintain a liquid diet for the first few weeks

• Take small, frequent meals

• Choose low-fat, high-fiber foods

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Avoid strenuous activities

• Monitor for signs of complications

Gastrectomy surgery can be a life-changing procedure for individuals with stomach cancer or other severe stomach conditions. While the recovery process may be challenging, following your doctor's instructions diligently and making lifestyle adjustments can lead to a successful outcome and improved quality of life.

Side Effects of Gastrectomy Surgery

Some of the most common short-term side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Afferent and efferent loop (limb) syndrome

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Anastomotic leak

• Bile reflux

• Internal hernia

Some of the most common long-term side effects of gastrectomy include:

• Dumping syndrome

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Weight loss

• Anemia

• Infection

• Narrowing at the attachment site

• Post-surgery gastroparesis

Benefits of Gastrectomy Surgery

Gastrectomy surgery can have several benefits, including 

• Weight loss

• Treating obesity-related conditions

• Reducing cancer risk

• Treating advanced stomach cancer

• Improve symptoms of ulcers

• Resolve bleeding disorders

• Remove benign tumors

The recovery time for gastrectomy surgery can vary depending on the individual's overall health, the extent of the surgery, and the presence of any complications. However, most patients can generally expect to spend a few days in the hospital after surgery and then several weeks recovering at home.

Here is a general guideline for recovery time after gastrectomy surgery, week by week:

Week 1:

• You will be in the hospital for 3-7 days.

• You will be closely monitored for any potential complications, such as infection or bleeding.

• You will receive pain medication and nutritional support through a nasogastric tube or feeding tube.

Week 2:

• You will likely be discharged from the hospital.

• You will need to rest at home for 4-6 weeks.

• You will need to follow a strict diet.

• You will need to take medications as prescribed by your doctor.

• You may experience some side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.

Week 3-4:

• You may start to feel more energetic and be able to resume some light activities.

• You may still experience some side effects, but they should be less severe than in the first few weeks.

Week 5-6:

• You should be able to resume most of your normal activities.

• You may still need to take some medications, but your doctor may start to taper your dosage.

Week 7-8:

• You should fully recover from the surgery.

• You may still experience some occasional side effects, but they should be mild.

It is important to note that this is a general guideline, and your individual recovery may vary. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your specific recovery plan.

Here are some additional tips for promoting a healthy recovery after gastrectomy surgery:

• Get plenty of rest.

• Eat a healthy diet.

• Take your medications as prescribed.

• Avoid strenuous activities.

• Do not smoke or drink alcohol.

• Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have.

Note: The cost of gastrectomy surgery in Delhi can vary depending on the individual's overall health, the extent of the surgery, and the presence of any complications. It is important to talk to your doctor about the specific costs of your surgery.