Gastrectomy
(Medical Procedures and Examination)
This topic will help you learn more about gastrectomy and how to prepare for it.
- What is a gastrectomy?
- Gastrectomy is a medical procedure in which all or part of the stomach is surgically removed. Different techniques can be used to perform a gastrectomy, such as:
Open gastrectomy: A large incision is made in the abdomen to perform the surgery.
- Laparoscopic gastrectomy: Several smaller incisions are made, and surgical instruments are used.
- There are 4 main types of gastrectomy, depending on which part of the stomach needs to be removed:
- Total gastrectomy: The entire stomach is removed.
- Partial gastrectomy: The lower part of the stomach is removed.
Sleeve gastrectomy: The left side of the stomach is removed.
Esophagogastrectomy: The upper part of the stomach and a portion of the esophagus are removed.
- When is gastrectomy performed?
- A total gastrectomy is most often used to treat cancer of the stomach or esophagus. A partial gastrectomy may be performed to treat:
- Life-threatening obesity
Stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers)
Non-cancerous tumors
- Gastrectomy is usually an effective treatment for cancer and obesity.
- How do you prepare for a gastrectomy?
- You will be asked to sign a consent form giving permission to perform the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
- You will be asked when you last ate, as the procedure requires general anesthesia. You will need to avoid eating or drinking for 8 hours before surgery.
- Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to medications or anesthesia.
- Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), aspirin, or any drugs that affect blood clotting. You may be asked to stop these medications before the procedure.
