Gastrectomy

Gastrectomy: Surgery to treat stomach problems

Gastrectomy, also known as gastrictomy, is a surgical procedure in which all or a specific part of the stomach is removed. This operation may be recommended in cases of stomach cancer, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, or advanced peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.

There are two main types of gastrectomy: total gastrectomy and partial gastrectomy, also known as subtotal gastrectomy.

A total gastrectomy is a procedure in which the entire stomach is removed. After removal of the stomach, the esophagus is connected to the small intestine by creating the esophago-intestinal junction. This surgery is usually performed when stomach cancer is found at an advanced stage or in the rare case of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

A partial gastrectomy involves removing only part of the stomach, usually the upper third or half. After part of the stomach is removed, the remaining part is connected to the duodenum or small intestine through a procedure known as gastroenterostomy. This operation is often performed in cases of advanced peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.

One of the results of a gastrectomy is a significant reduction in stomach capacity. This may cause the patient to lose weight. However, gastrectomy can also cause a number of complications. Some of these include dumping syndrome, anemia and malabsorption.

Dumping syndrome occurs when food passes through the stomach and into the intestines too quickly. This may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, dizziness and weakness. These symptoms may appear immediately after eating or after some time.

Anemia can develop due to a lack of important nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Since the stomach plays an important role in the digestion and absorption of these nutrients, deficiency may occur after a gastrectomy.

Malabsorption is a condition in which the body is unable to fully absorb nutrients from food. Because gastrectomy changes the normal structure of the gastric tract, it can result in decreased absorption of nutrients, which can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

After gastrectomy, patients must follow a special diet and change their eating habits. Many patients should eat small portions and avoid certain foods, such as overly sweet or fatty foods, to avoid unpleasant symptoms and complications.

It is important to note that a gastrectomy is a major operation and should only be performed when medically indicated. Patients for whom a gastrectomy is recommended should carefully discuss all aspects of the operation and its possible consequences with their doctor.

In conclusion, gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that may be necessary to treat stomach cancer, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, or advanced peptic ulcers. Although this procedure may result in weight loss and have some complications, it can be an effective treatment in certain cases. It is important to obtain detailed advice from a specialist and make an informed decision about the possibility of having a gastrectomy.

Gastrectomy: Surgery and its consequences

A gastrectomy, also known as a gastric removal, is a major surgical procedure in which all or part of the stomach is removed. This surgery may be performed for a variety of medical conditions, including stomach cancer and some peptic ulcers. Depending on the volume of stomach removal, a distinction is made between total gastrectomy and partial or subtotal gastrectomy.

A total gastrectomy is usually performed for stomach cancer when the tumor covers the entire wall of the stomach or spreads to adjacent tissue. During this operation, the entire stomach is removed and the esophagus is connected to the small intestine, creating an esophago-intestinal junction. A total gastrectomy may also be recommended in cases of a rare condition known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which causes tumors to form that cause excess acid production in the stomach.

A partial or subtotal gastrectomy involves removing only part of the stomach. The top third or half of the stomach is removed and the remaining part is connected to the duodenum or small intestine through a procedure known as gastroenterostomy. This operation is often performed in cases of advanced peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.

One of the main consequences of gastrectomy is a significant reduction in stomach capacity. After surgery, patients often experience discomfort when eating large quantities and at a fast pace. This can lead to weight loss and the need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle.

In addition, gastrectomy can cause various complications. One such complication is dumping syndrome, which occurs due to the rapid passage of food from the stomach to the intestines. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, weakness and dizziness after eating.

Anemia may also occur after a gastrectomy because the absorption of iron and vitamins necessary for blood formation is reduced. Patients may be prescribed additional medications or dietary changes to prevent or treat this complication.

Malabsorption is another possible complication of gastrectomy. Removing the stomach may interfere with the digestive process and absorption of nutrients. This can lead to a lack of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients in the body. Gastrectomy patients may require special diets or additional medications to compensate for these deficiencies.

Before performing a gastrectomy, a thorough assessment of the patient, including his general health and appropriate treatment alternatives, should be performed. As with any surgical procedure, gastrectomy is not without risks, and patients should be aware of possible complications and long recovery periods after surgery.

In conclusion, gastrectomy is a major surgical procedure used for stomach cancer and some peptic ulcers. It can be complete or partial, depending on the extent of stomach removal. After surgery, patients may need to make dietary and lifestyle changes and monitor for possible complications such as dumping syndrome, anemia, and malabsorption. The decision to perform a gastrectomy should be made after a thorough assessment of the patient and discussion of all possible treatment options.