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What Is A Gastrectomy?
What Is A Gastrectomy?
What Is A Gastrectomy?
A gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that is done to remove all or part of the stomach. The
stomach is a J-shaped organ that processes nutrients and digestion. After you eat, the food that is
partially digested by the stomach is then passed into the intestines. There, it continues to be
processed. Having a gastrectomy will change the way your body digests food since either part or
all of your stomach will be removed.
Stomach cancer.
Esophageal cancer.
Noncancerous tumors.
Bleeding ulcers.
Inflammation.
Stomach wall perforation (hole in the stomach wall).
Polyps and/or severe peptic or duodenal ulcers.
Severe and life-threatening obesity.
Partial gastrectomy (Subtotal gastrectomy): Part of the stomach is removed (often the
lower part). In some cases, lymph nodes and other organs and tissues may be removed.
Total gastrectomy: Removal of the entire stomach. Lymph nodes and other organs may
be removed. This procedure requires the small intestine to be connected to the remaining
part of the esophagus.
Sleeve gastrectomy: The left part of the stomach is removed, typically during weight
loss surgery.
Esophagogastrectomy: The upper part of the stomach and a portion of the esophagus is
removed.
Other types of surgery may be needed along with a gastrectomy. Your healthcare provider will
talk to you about your specific plan of care.
Equipments
Laparoscopic tray with full set of instruments, including graspers, dissectors, endoscopic
gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) staplers, and silk and polyglactin sutures.
Energy source.
Trocars, 5 mm and 10-12 mm.
Orogastric tube.
Nathanson liver retractor.
How is a gastrectomy performed?
There are different ways that a gastrectomy can be done. These include:
Open procedure: A large incision (cut) will be made through the abdominal (belly) wall.
The incision will be closed with staples or sutures.
Laparoscopic procedure: Several small incisions (cuts) are made and laparoscopic
surgical tools are inserted into these small openings.
There are risks and side effects related to having a gastrectomy. Risks and side effects may be:
Recovery from a gastrectomy will depend on the extent of the procedure you have had.
Typically, a 6-12 day hospital stay is needed. You may have a nasogastric tube (NG tube) from
your nose down into your stomach/intestine to drain stomach contents. You may need nutrients
given through an intravenous (IV) line or a feeding tube. You may need a bladder catheter to
drain your urine for a short period of time. Your healthcare team will remove the tubes and
change your diet as you recover.
You will be told how to care for your surgical incisions and will be given any other instructions
before leaving the hospital.
Your medical team will discuss with you the medications you will be taking, such as those for
pain, blood clot, infection, reflux and constipation prevention, vitamin supplementation and/or
other conditions.
Your provider will talk to you about activity restrictions and changes to your diet based on your
surgery and particular situation.
Be sure to take your prescribed medications as directed to prevent pain, infection and/or
constipation. Call your team with any new or worsening symptoms.
There are ways to manage constipation after your surgery. You can change your diet, drink more
fluids, and take over-the-counter medications. Talk with your care team before taking any
medications for constipation.
Taking deep breaths and resting can help manage pain, keep your lungs healthy after anesthesia,
and promote good drainage of lymphatic fluid. Try to do deep breathing and relaxation exercises
a few times a day in the first week, or when you notice you are extra tense.
Example of a relaxation exercise: While sitting, close your eyes and take 5-10 slow deep
breaths. Relax your muscles. Slowly roll your head and shoulders.