Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the stomach. This surgery is often performed to treat stomach cancer, severe ulcers, or other significant stomach conditions.
The procedure can vary in scope from a partial gastrectomy, where only a portion of the stomach is removed, to a total gastrectomy, which involves removing the entire stomach.
Types of Gastrectomy Procedures
1. Partial Gastrectomy
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Removes only the diseased portion of the stomach
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Preserves some stomach function
2. Total Gastrectomy
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Removes the entire stomach
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The esophagus is connected directly to the small intestine
3. Sleeve Gastrectomy (Weight-Loss Surgery)
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Removes a large portion of the stomach (for obesity treatment)
Why is Gastrectomy Performed?
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Cancer Treatment – Removes malignant tumors
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Ulcer Management – For bleeding/perforated ulcers
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Disease Control – Treats conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
What to Expect After Surgery
Diet & Lifestyle Adjustments
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Smaller, frequent meals (due to reduced stomach capacity)
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High-protein, low-sugar diet to prevent dumping syndrome
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Vitamin supplements (B12, iron, calcium) to prevent deficiencies
Recovery Timeline
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Hospital stay: 5–10 days
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Full recovery: 4–6 weeks (longer for total gastrectomy)
Benefits of Gastrectomy
✔ Life-saving for stomach cancer patients
✔ Relieves chronic pain from ulcers
✔ Improves long-term digestive health
Potential Risks & Complications
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Dumping syndrome (rapid food passage into intestines)
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Vitamin deficiencies (requires lifelong supplements)
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Weight loss & malnutrition (managed with diet planning)
Long-Term Care & Follow-Up
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Regular check-ups to monitor nutrition & healing
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Dietitian consultations for meal planning
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Cancer surveillance (if performed for malignancy)
Is Gastrectomy Right for You?
Consult a gastrointestinal surgeon if you have:
🔹 Stomach cancer diagnosis
🔹 Untreatable ulcers
🔹 Hereditary cancer risk (e.g., CDH1 gene mutation)
