Overview

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, starts with abnormal cell growth in the stomach. The stomach is the organ in the body responsible for digesting food. Stomach cancer can occur anywhere in the stomach, but mainly, it is concentrated in the main part, otherwise known as the stomach body.

Treatment decisions for stomach cancer are affected by factors such as the cancer's location, stage, and cell type. The available treatment for stomach cancer includes surgery or gastronomy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, endoscopic mucosal resection, gastrojejunostomy, and some clinical trials.

In this blog, we'll explore the procedure, recovery process, and potential side effects associated with stomach cancer surgery.

Stomach Cancer Surgery Procedure

Before surgery begins, patients undergo a series of preoperative evaluations, including imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans. It helps determine the extent of the cancer and its possibility of spreading to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.

There are different techniques of surgery available to treat stomach cancer, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. The main types of surgery include -

Partial Gastrectomy: This involves removing the part of the stomach affected by cancer while preserving the remaining portion.
Total Gastrectomy: Total gastrectomy is preferred when the cancer has spread extensively or is located in the upper part of the stomach. Under total gastrectomy, the entire stomach is removed.
Anaesthesia : Partial or total gastrectomy is performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring the procedure is pain-free for the patients.
Incision: Next, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the stomach. Depending on whether it is partial gastrectomy or total gastrectomy, the surgeon removes the portion affected by cancer or the entire stomach. To reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, lymph nodes near the stomach may also be needed.n
Digestive Tract Reconstruction : The surgeon reconstructs the digestive tract to restore continuity and function after removing a part or all of the stomach. The surgeon reconnects the remaining portion of the stomach to the intestines or creates a new passage for food to bypass the stomach entirely.
Closing Incisions : The final step of the surgery procedure is to close the incision with sutures or staples and apply the dressing to promote healing.

Stomach Cancer Surgery Recovery

Stomach cancer surgery is a critical procedure. The recovery post-surgery depends on how much of the stomach a surgeon removes.

Hospital stay: Patients spend about three to eight days in the hospital after surgery, depending upon the procedure performed - three to five days for partial gastrectomy and five to eight days for total gastrectomy.
Dietary changes: To recover from stomach surgery, patients need to make significant changes in their diet to adapt to their new digestive system. A liquid or soft diet might be recommended for the initial few days, then gradually progressing to solid foods. The transition from liquid to solid foods depends on the patient's tolerance level and the procedure performed.
Physical Activity: Surgery takes a toll on the patient's physical health. Gentle exercise and walking help the patient improve circulation and prevent blood clotting. Patients gradually increase their physical activity as they recover from surgery.

Side Effects of Stomach Cancer Surgery

Stomach cancer surgery, like any major surgical procedure, can have potential side effects and complications. Here are some common side effects associated with stomach cancer surgery:

Weight loss: Patients experience significant weight loss due to diet, digestion, and nutrient absorption changes. Patients who have undergone partial gastrectomy may experience weight for one month to six weeks, and total gastrectomy may experience weight loss for at least two months.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Post-surgery, because a part or all of the stomach is removed, the nutrient absorption is affected. It may lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
Digestive Issues: Stomach surgery affects the process of digestion, resulting in digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhoea. These symptoms usually improve over time as the body adjusts to changes in digestion.
Dumping syndrome: It is a common side effect of stomach surgery, especially after total gastrectomy. In a short period after eating food, patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sweating, and diarrhoea. It happens because the food moves too quickly to the intestine.
Long-Term Complications: Long-term effects of stomach cancer surgery include narrowing of the digestive tract, also known as strictures and bowel obstruction.
Fatigue: Low energy and physical & emotional exhaustion post-surgery leads to feelings of fatigue and weakness. Proper rest and a gradual increase in physical activity help to overcome it.
Surgical Complications: Like any surgical procedure, stomach cancer surgery carries risks of complications such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia.

Conclusion

Stomach cancer surgery, though critical, is a complex procedure with potential side effects and challenges. It requires meticulous planning, skilled surgical techniques, and comprehensive evaluations to ensure the best possible outcome.

Information about the recovery process guides the patients to adjust their diet, lifestyle, and physical activity. Weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues, fatigue, etc., are a few potential side effects of stomach cancer surgery. Patients can successfully manage and overcome these challenges with the proper care and support from healthcare providers.

While stomach cancer surgery may pose challenges and side effects, it also represents a vital opportunity for patients to fight against this disease and move towards recovery. With ongoing advancements in surgical techniques and supportive care, the outlook for patients undergoing stomach cancer surgery continues to improve, offering hope for a brighter future.

FAQs for Stomach Cancer Surgery

Q1. What Should I Expect After Stomach Cancer Surgery?
A1. After stomach cancer surgery, you can expect:

A hospital stay ranges between 3-8 days depending upon the type of surgical procedure performed
A few dietary changes,
Digestive issues
Fatigue
Long-term complications such as strictures, bowel obstruction

Q2. How will stomach cancer surgery affect my daily life?
A2. Stomach cancer surgery changes your daily life experiences. It might be tough for you to eat certain foods or feel tired a lot. You might experience digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhoea.

Q3. Do Certain Foods Fight Stomach Cancer?
A3. While no specific foods can directly fight stomach cancer, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may help reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Q4. What is the difference between partial gastrectomy and total gastrectomy?
A4. Partial gastrectomy involves removing only a part of the stomach affected by cancer, while total gastrectomy involves removing the entire stomach.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3930964/
https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/treatment
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352443
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stomach-gastric-cancer/what-to-know-about-stomach-cancer-surgery