- What it is
- Removal of part of the stomach (partial or subtotal gastrectomy) or the whole stomach (total gastrectomy), followed by reconstruction of the digestive tract.
- Common reasons
- Most often stomach cancer; also some other stomach tumours.
- Before surgery
- Staging usually includes gastroscopy with biopsy and CT. Cancer treatment plans are made by a multidisciplinary team and may include chemotherapy given by oncologists before and after surgery. Nutritional assessment is important.
- How it is performed
- The affected part of the stomach is removed with the surrounding lymph nodes, and the remaining stomach or the oesophagus is joined to the small intestine.
- Recovery
- Patients usually move to small, frequent meals with dietitian support. After total gastrectomy, lifelong vitamin B12 replacement is needed.
- Possible risks
- Leakage from the join, bleeding, infection, dumping syndrome, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, blood clots and risks of anaesthesia.
- Documented experience
- Listed among the key oncological procedures in Dr. Naser Dib's CV and professional profile.