Gastrectomy
Gastrectomy is used to treat stomach problems that aren’t helped by other treatments. Gastrectomy is the removal of part or all the stomach. A partial gastrectomy is the removal of a part of the stomach. The lower half is usually removed. A total gastrectomy is the removal of the entire stomach. A sleeve gastrectomy is the removal of the left side of the stomach. This is usually performed as part of surgery for weight loss. Removing your stomach doesn’t remove your ability to digest liquids and foods. However, you may need to make several lifestyle changes after the procedure.
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Symptoms
- Benign or noncancerous tumors
- Bleeding
- Inflammation
- Perforations in the stomach wall
- Polyps, or growths inside your stomach
- Stomach cancer
- Severe peptic or duodenal ulcers
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complications
- Diarrhea
- Gastric dumping syndrome, which is a severe form of maldigestion
- An infection of the incision wound
- An infection in the chest
- Internal bleeding
- Leaking from the stomach at the operation site
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach acid leaking into your esophagus, which causes scarring, narrowing, or constriction (stricture)
- A blockage of the small bowel
- Vitamin deficiency
- Weight loss
- Bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Pneumonia
- Damage to adjacent structures
Complications
Some changes may include
Eating smaller meals throughout the day
Avoiding high-fiber foods
Eating foods rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins C and D
Taking vitamin supplements
FAQ
Gastrectomy surgery will result in changes to your digestive system, affecting your ability to eat and digest food. Your healthcare team will guide dietary modifications and nutritional supplements to help you adjust to these changes.
Depending on your individual needs, you may need to take medications after gastrectomy surgery to manage symptoms such as reflux, nausea, or pain. Additionally, you may require vitamin supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Recovery time varies for everyone, but most patients can expect to return to light activities within a few weeks and resume normal activities, including work and exercise, within a few months after surgery. Your healthcare team will guide you when it is safe to resume specific activities.
Depending on the underlying condition for which the gastrectomy was performed, you may require additional treatments or screenings, such as chemotherapy for stomach cancer or surveillance endoscopy to monitor for recurrence or complications.
Long-term complications of gastrectomy surgery may include nutritional deficiencies, dumping syndrome, reflux, and changes in bowel habits. These complications can often be prevented or managed through dietary modifications, medication, and close monitoring by your healthcare team.
Gastrectomy surgery may increase your risk of developing certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis due to decreased absorption of calcium and vitamin D or diabetes due to changes in glucose metabolism. Your healthcare team can guide preventive measures and monitoring for these conditions.
If you experience unexpected symptoms or complications after gastrectomy surgery, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare team can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.
Gastrectomy surgery may impact your quality of life, including changes in diet, digestion, and energy levels. However, with proper management and support, many patients can resume their social and recreational activities, including traveling, after surgery.
Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions to help reduce the risk of complications during and after gastrectomy surgery, such as avoiding smoking, following dietary guidelines, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled.
Preparing for gastrectomy surgery involves both physical and emotional preparation. Your healthcare team can guide you in preparing for surgery, including pre-operative tests and consultations, as well as support resources to help you cope with the emotional aspects of surgery and recovery.
