This is a surgery to remove all or part of the stomach.
Abdominal Organs, Anterior View Copyright © Nucleus Medical
Media, Inc. Gastrectomy is most often done to treat stomach
cancer. It is currently the only way to cure stomach cancer. The
use of chemotherapy after surgery may help improve survival.
Even if the cancer is too advanced to be cured, gastrectomy can
help to prevent bleeding, obstruction, and pain. In addition to
treating stomach cancer, this surgery may also be done to treat:
- Ulcer disease - Benign tumors in the stomach If you are
planning to have gastrectomy, your doctor will review a list of
possible complications, which may include: - Damage to nearby
organs - Leaking from the new connection between the stomach,
intestine, and/or esophagus - Hernia formation at the incision
site - Blood clots - Reaction to anesthesia Factors that may
increase the risk of complications include: - Advanced age -
Poor nutritional status - Respiratory disease or cardiac disease
Be sure to discuss these risks wi