Overview

Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of part or the entire stomach due to conditions such as gastric cancer or severe ulcers. Depending on the extent, it can be total (complete removal) or partial (removal of a portion). This surgery alters digestion and may require dietary adjustments for optimal postoperative recovery. A gastrectomy can be of three primary types:

Partial Gastrectomy
Complete Gastrectomy
Sleeve Gastrectomy

Purpose of Gastrectomy

Stomach cancer is most usually treated with a Gastrectomy. A total or partial gastrectomy can be required to treat the cancer, either completely eradicate it or stop it from spreading. When gastrectomy is not a curative option, it may be palliative. This indicates that the procedure improves pain and bleeding associated with malignancy.

Medical professionals occasionally use gastrectomy to treat various ailments. When less intrusive options such as medication and lifestyle modifications haven't produced the desired results, it could be the last choice.

A gastrectomy addresses:

Symptomatic or potentially malignant benign stomach cancer may require excision.
Seldom, severe symptoms unabated by medicine might be brought on by inflammation in your stomach lining. Surgery might be necessary for you.
Stomach sores and ulcers that might harm your stomach lining may require surgery to cure peptic ulcer disease.
Obesity. If your obesity is interfering with your health, your doctor may suggest a partial gastrectomy as a sort of bariatric (weight loss) surgery.

Gastrectomy Procedure

During the procedure, an IV (vein) will be used to administer medication to put the patient to sleep. The person won't be conscious or experience discomfort.

The patient may require a catheter to drain urine from the bladder to collect urine. There might be a need for a nasogastric tube connecting the nose to the stomach to remove fluids and administer nourishment or medication. Surgeons perform open surgery with a single large incision or laparoscopy with multiple small incisions. The laparoscope, equipped with a camera, allows them to observe and conduct procedures. Organ preservation involves connecting the remaining parts, such as joining the small intestine to the stomach sections. If necessary, a feeding tube may be inserted into the small intestine or stomach to aid in eating during recovery, followed by stitching the incisions.

Types of Gastrectomy

Partial gastrectomy. A partial gastrectomy involves the removal of your stomach's bottom half by your surgeon. If you have cancer cells in any of the surrounding lymph nodes, these could also be removed. The surgeon will seal off your duodenum during this procedure. Half-digested food leaves your stomach and goes into your duodenum, the first section of your small intestine, to absorb it. Subsequently, your colon will be joined to the remainder of your stomach.
Complete gastrectomy. This surgery eliminates the stomach and is also known as a total gastrectomy. The surgeon will make direct oesophageal-to-small intestine communication. Normally, your neck and stomach are connected via the oesophagus.

Complete/Total Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy. A sleeve gastrectomy may include removing up to three-quarters of the stomach. To mould your stomach into a tube, your surgeon will cut the side. A shorter, longer stomach results from this.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gastroenterology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

The doctor will only suggest a gastrectomy if the advantages exceed the dangers and difficulties of transitioning to a new digestive system. It takes time and patience to become acclimated to life following this operation. Eating is, after all, one of the easiest and most pleasurable daily actions for most of us. It takes some getting used to choosing meals and beverages more carefully. Nevertheless, a large number of patients who have this procedure go on to lead fulfilling lives.

FAQ

Q. How long does recovery take?
A. A gastrectomy is a significant surgery with a healing period of months rather than weeks. Up to two months may pass before you fully recover from surgery.

Q. When can I start driving again?
A. You might not be able to drive safely for up to a month. Find out from your medical professional what is safe for you.

Q. When can I resume my job?
A. Depending on the nature of your profession, schedule a few weeks or maybe many months off. Before going back into the office, some people work remotely at first.

Q. Is it possible to lead a regular life following a gastrectomy?
A. Without a stomach, it is still possible to have a regular, healthy life. Nevertheless, you'll need to adjust to a new normal regarding the kinds and frequency of your meals.

Q. Is it possible to eat after a complete gastrectomy?
A. Eat often. You must eat six to eight little meals a day at minimum.

Reference

https://www.healthline.com/health/gastrectomy
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-is-gastrectomy