Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove all or part of the stomach. This procedure is often recommended to treat various stomach conditions, including stomach cancer, peptic ulcers, or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our Surgical Gastroenterology Department provides comprehensive care for patients undergoing gastrectomy, offering advanced surgical techniques and personalized treatment plans to optimize patient outcomes.

Procedure:

Gastrectomy may involve partial or total removal of the stomach, depending on the underlying condition and extent of disease. The surgical approach and technique used may vary, including:

• Open Surgery: Traditional open surgery involves making a large incision in the abdomen to access the stomach and surrounding organs.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is performed using small incisions and specialized instruments, allowing for quicker recovery and less postoperative pain.
• Robot-Assisted Surgery: Robot-assisted surgery utilizes robotic arms controlled by the surgeon to perform precise movements and enhance surgical accuracy.

During the procedure, the surgeon carefully removes the diseased portion of the stomach while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed to prevent the spread of cancer or other diseases.

Symptoms:

Symptoms that may indicate the need for gastrectomy include:

• Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the stool or vomit
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue or weakness

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing conditions requiring gastrectomy typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Endoscopy: A procedure to visualize the inside of the stomach using a flexible tube equipped with a camera.
• Biopsy: Sampling of stomach tissue for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of cancer or other abnormalities.
• Imaging scans: CT scans, MRI, or PET scans may be performed to evaluate the extent of disease and assess for spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes.

Treatment:

Treatment options following gastrectomy may include:

• Chemotherapy: Administration of anti-cancer medications to destroy remaining cancer cells or prevent recurrence.
• Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation to the abdominal area to further eliminate cancer cells.
• Nutritional support: Dietary counseling and supplementation to help patients maintain adequate nutrition after surgery.
• Symptom management: Medications to alleviate pain, nausea, or other symptoms associated with the underlying condition or surgery.

Postoperative Care:

Following gastrectomy, patients require close monitoring and specialized care to support their recovery. Postoperative care may include:

• Pain management: Administration of pain medications to alleviate discomfort and promote mobility.
• Wound care: Monitoring surgical incisions for signs of infection or complications.
• Diet progression: Gradual reintroduction of fluids and soft foods to promote healing and prevent complications such as dumping syndrome.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy or occupational therapy to help patients regain strength and mobility after surgery.

 

What conditions may require gastrectomy?

Gastrectomy may be recommended for conditions such as stomach cancer, peptic ulcers, or severe gastrointestinal bleeding that do not respond to conservative treatments.

 

How is gastrectomy performed?

Gastrectomy may be performed using open surgery, laparoscopic techniques, or robot-assisted surgery, depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s preference.

 

What are the potential risks of gastrectomy?

Risks of gastrectomy may include bleeding, infection, leakage from surgical incisions, blood clots, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Patients should discuss potential risks with their surgeon before surgery.

 

What is the recovery process like after gastrectomy?

Recovery after gastrectomy varies depending on the extent of surgery performed and the patient’s overall health. Close monitoring and adherence to postoperative instructions are essential for a successful recovery.

 

Can patients eat normally after gastrectomy?

Following gastrectomy, patients may need to adjust their diet and eating habits to accommodate changes in stomach function. A registered dietitian can provide guidance on dietary modifications and nutritional supplementation.

 

Is gastrectomy a curative treatment for stomach cancer?

Gastrectomy may be curative for early-stage stomach cancer, particularly when combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, the prognosis depends on the stage of cancer and other individual factors.

 

Are there alternatives to gastrectomy for treating stomach conditions?

Depending on the specific condition, alternatives to gastrectomy may include medications, endoscopic procedures, or other surgical interventions. The best treatment approach will be determined based on the patient’s diagnosis and overall health.