Stomach Cancer Surgery

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when cells in the lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably. If not diagnosed early, cancer can reach advanced stages and treatment can become more complicated. In this case, stomach cancer surgery It is considered one of the most important approaches.

Types of Stomach Cancer Surgery

Surgical intervention may vary depending on the stage of the disease and the location of the cancer. The aim of surgery is to completely remove cancerous tissue and prevent the spread of the disease.

Partial gastrectomy is performed when cancer is confined to a section of the stomach. The cancerous part of the stomach and the surrounding lymph nodes are removed. After this type of operation, the remaining part of the patient's stomach is combined with the digestive system. It is usually preferred in early-stage stomach cancer cases.

In cases where cancer covers a large part of the stomach or is widespread, the entire stomach is removed. During total gastrectomy, the esophagus is connected directly to the small intestine. Total gastrectomy is performed on patients with advanced stomach cancer. It involves reconstruction of the digestive system.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy is a minimally invasive surgical method. It is performed with smaller incisions. This camera-assisted operation is preferred in early-stage stomach cancer cases. The recovery period is faster than open surgery.

The type of surgery is determined by the spread of the cancer, the patient's general health status, and the risks of the surgery. Patients should be monitored and their eating habits should be rearranged.

Stomach Cancer Surgery Process

Stomach cancer surgery, may vary depending on the stage and spread of the disease. Surgery is one of the most effective treatment methods for stomach cancer. The success rate is high, especially in cancers caught in the early stages.

• In the pre-operative process, the patient is subjected to advanced imaging methods such as blood tests, endoscopy, and PET-CT. These tests are necessary to determine the spread of the cancer and the extent to which the surgery will be performed.
• The type of surgery varies depending on the spread of the cancer. In partial gastrectomy, a portion of the stomach is removed, while in total gastrectomy, the entire stomach is removed. During this surgery, lymph nodes are also removed for pathological examination. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, those tissues may also need to be removed.
• The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and can take about 3-5 hours. After the surgery, the patient is observed in intensive care for a few days, then transferred to the normal ward.
• In the first few days, nutrition is given intravenously, then the diet starts with liquid foods and continues with a gradual transition to solid foods. Although the recovery period after surgery varies from person to person, it usually takes a few weeks.

Patients are put on a strict follow-up program after surgery. Significant changes may be required in their diet. Since stomach capacity decreases, smaller, frequent meals are preferred. In addition, patients should regularly visit their doctor and pay attention to lifestyle changes.

After Stomach Cancer Surgery

Stomach cancer surgery The post-operative period is very important for the patient's recovery and adaptation to their new lifestyle. Depending on the type of surgery, the patient's eating habits, daily life and health status may change significantly.

After surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days. Oral nutrition is usually not possible in the first few days; during this period, fluid and nutritional support are provided intravenously. Then, liquid foods are introduced, followed by a gradual transition to soft and solid foods.

Since all or part of the stomach is removed, it is recommended that patients take their meals in small portions and at frequent intervals. In addition, during feeding, food should be chewed thoroughly, eaten slowly and not taken with water.

In addition to nutritional difficulties in the postoperative period, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are also seen. Vitamin B12, iron and calcium deficiencies are frequently encountered, especially in cases where the stomach is completely removed. For this reason, patients may need to take vitamin supplements regularly.

It is very important for patients to go to regular doctor check-ups in the post-operative period. In addition, side effects such as weight loss and fatigue may occur in the post-operative period. Patients should manage this process in the best way with a balanced diet and appropriate physical activity.

In conclusion, stomach cancer surgery The post-operative period brings permanent changes in the patient's life. However, the quality of life can be kept high with proper nutrition and regular follow-ups.