Gastrectomy

Surgery to remove part or all of your stomach is called a gastrectomy. This type of procedure is used to treat a range of stomach conditions including cancer.

What is a gastrectomy?

A gastrectomy is surgery to remove the stomach. You may need to have this procedure if you have a problem with your stomach including gastric (stomach) cancer, non-cancerous polyps or tumours in your stomach, gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), ulcers, inflammation or bleeding inside your stomach.

Different types of gastrectomy are used depending on the condition being treated and how much of the stomach needs to be removed:

• Partial (distal or subtotal) gastrectomy – removes only the lower part of the stomach, followed by surgery to attach the remaining portion of the stomach to the second part of your small intestine (jejunum).

• Total gastrectomy – removes the entire stomach, followed by surgery to attach the bottom of your oesophagus (food pipe) to the second part of the small intestines (jejunum).

What does a gastrectomy involve?

The surgical plan for your gastrectomy will depend on the reason for your surgery. In most cases, Dr Hopkins will be able to perform your gastrectomy using keyhole surgery.

If you are having this procedure as part of treatment for stomach cancer, your surgery may be performed as open surgery through a larger incision in your abdomen. During your operation, Dr Hopkins will examine the surrounding tissues for any signs the cancer has spread. He will also remove the lymph nodes that surround your stomach in case they contain cancer and also to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.  

Step by step: gastrectomy surgery

• Your surgery will be performed under general anaesthetic using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery to make smaller incisions in your abdomen through which instruments are used.

• In some cases, your surgery may be performed through a larger incision (laparotomy).  

• Dr Hopkins will remove the part of the stomach affected by cancer or other conditions.

• In a partial gastrectomy – after removing the affected part of your stomach, Dr Hopkins will reconstruct a smaller food pouch using your remaining stomach and connect it to your small bowel.

• In a total gastrectomy – Dr Hopkins will remove the entire stomach and re-join your oesophagus with your small bowel.

• Gastrectomy surgery may take several hours depending on the extent of your cancer or other reason for surgery.

What is the recovery from gastrectomy?

Recovery from gastrectomy will depend on the type of surgery performed. Healing and recovery time for keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery is much shorter and you may be able to go home within a few days.

For open surgery, you can expect to stay in hospital for 1-2 weeks to receive ongoing care and support. During this time, you will be monitored closely to manage your pain and ensure your surgical sites are healing as expected.

You will need to follow a modified diet as your stomach will have reduced capacity. You may have a feeding tube to help with adequate nutrition, energy and fluids while healing takes place.

Dr Hopkins will continue to monitor your progress and provide input to your care as part of a multidisciplinary team who will support you during your treatment for stomach cancer. 

If you have any questions about your surgery or would like to make an initial appointment to see Dr Hopkins, please get in touch.