If you’ve been told you may need a gastrectomy, you’re probably wondering what it involves and how serious it is. A gastrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the stomach, usually recommended when other treatments or surgeries are no longer effective. Conditions that might lead to this recommendation include stomach cancer, severe ulcers, non-cancerous growths, or certain cases of obesity requiring weight-loss surgery.
At NJ Advanced Surgical Solutions, we recognize the anxiety that can come with a diagnosis requiring surgery. Our team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you receive the highest quality care and personalized attention. In this article, we explore the details of gastrectomy, including what happens before, during, and after the procedure.
Is gastrectomy a major surgery?
Yes, gastrectomy is considered a major surgery. It involves removing a portion or the entirety of the stomach and requires general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and a significant recovery period. The complexity of the procedure depends on the underlying condition being treated, the extent of stomach removal, and whether minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, are used. However, regardless of the details, a gastrectomy is a major surgery.
Because the stomach plays a vital role in digestion, its removal necessitates permanent adjustments in diet and lifestyle. Patients undergoing gastrectomy often require nutritional counseling and long-term monitoring to ensure they receive adequate nutrients. However, when performed by expert surgeons like those at NJ Advanced Surgical Solutions, the procedure can dramatically improve the quality of life for patients suffering from severe stomach disorders.
Before gastrectomy…
Undergo medical evaluations
Before scheduling a gastrectomy, your surgeon will conduct a series of tests to assess your overall health and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery. These tests may include blood work, imaging scans (such as CT or MRI), endoscopy, and a physical examination. The goal is to identify potential risks and ensure your body is prepared.
Adjust your diet
Your doctor may recommend dietary changes leading up to surgery. Depending on your condition, you might need to consume a liquid diet or avoid certain foods that could worsen your symptoms. In some cases, patients are advised to eat smaller, more frequent meals to help their digestive system adapt to the upcoming changes.
Receive nutritional counseling
Since gastrectomy affects how your body absorbs nutrients, working with a nutritionist is crucial. You will learn about dietary modifications, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and strategies to maintain proper nutrition after the procedure. At NJ Advanced Surgical Solutions, our team provides comprehensive nutritional guidance to help you prepare for life after gastrectomy.
Stop smoking and manage medications
If you smoke, your doctor will advise you to quit, as smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Additionally, you may need to adjust or discontinue certain medications, particularly blood thinners, to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
During gastrectomy…
General anesthesia
Gastrectomy is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be completely unconscious throughout the procedure. An anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety during surgery.
Surgical incisions
Depending on the surgical approach, your surgeon will either make a large incision (open surgery) or several small incisions (laparoscopic or robotic surgery). Minimally invasive techniques typically result in a faster recovery and less post-operative pain.
Stomach removal (partial or total)
The extent of removal depends on your condition. A partial gastrectomy removes only a portion of the stomach, while a total gastrectomy removes the entire organ. The digestive system is then restructured to allow food to pass from the esophagus to the small intestine.
Digestive tract reconstruction
After the stomach is removed or reshaped, the surgeon reconnects the digestive system to ensure proper food passage. This may involve attaching the esophagus to the small intestine (for total gastrectomy) or joining the remaining stomach tissue to the small intestine.
Incision closure
Once the surgical procedure is complete, the surgeon carefully closes the incisions using sutures, staples, or surgical glue. In laparoscopic procedures, small incisions allow for minimal scarring and a quicker healing process.
After gastrectomy…
Recover in the hospital
Following surgery, you will remain in the hospital for several days so doctors can monitor your recovery. Pain management, IV fluids, and gradual reintroduction to a liquid diet will be part of your initial post-operative care.
Transition to a new diet
Eating habits will change significantly after a gastrectomy. Initially, you will be placed on a liquid diet before gradually reintroducing soft and solid foods. As your body adjusts to its new digestive process, you will need to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Manage weight and nutrition
Since the stomach plays a major role in nutrient absorption, you may experience weight loss and require lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements. Regular check-ups with a nutritionist will help you maintain a balanced diet and prevent deficiencies.
Monitor for complications
Like any major surgery, gastrectomy comes with potential risks, including infection, bleeding, and digestive complications like dumping syndrome (rapid emptying of food into the small intestine). Regular follow-ups with your surgeon will help address any issues early on.
Adapt to lifestyle changes
Recovery doesn’t end once you leave the hospital. You will need to make permanent adjustments to your eating habits, hydration, and physical activity. Many patients experience increased energy and improved overall health after adapting to their new lifestyle.
Gastrectomy is undeniably a major surgery, but it is often necessary for individuals suffering from severe stomach conditions, obesity, or cancer. At NJ Advanced Surgical Solutions, our skilled surgeons are committed to guiding you through every stage of your journey, from initial consultation to long-term recovery. If you or a loved one are considering gastrectomy, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your options and receive the highest level of surgical care.