Stomach Cancer Surgery
If someone has stomach cancer then surgery is the best option available. The methods used will differ based on the type and stage of the cancer. The surgeon that performs the procedure will remove part or the entire stomach while attempting to leave as much of it intact as possible. However, the disadvantage of this approach is the increase in the risk of the cancer returning.
A surgical intervention is the recommended approach for patients with stage 0, I, II and III cancer. Even on those with stage IV the procedure can be attempted if the sickness hasn’t spread to distant sites.
Types of Stomach Cancer Surgery
Palliative treatments are used when the malignancy is too widespread to be removed entirely. These operations will prevent bleeding from the tumour and keep the stomach from being blocked.
Endoscopic mucosal resection is done by cutting out a tumour or part of an organ. The malignant part of the stomach is removed through a thin, flexible tube that goes into the stomach named an endoscope. This stomach cancer surgery procedure can only be done on very early cancers with a very low chance of spreading.
A partial gastrectomy can be considered when the diseased area is in the upper part of the stomach or in the lower part close to the intestines. The operation involves removing part of the stomach, sometimes with part of the small intestines or the oesophagus. It is the preferred method over its counterparts as eating will be much easier after the operation.
A total gastrectomy involves removing the entire stomach, along with the nearby lymph nodes, the spleen and sometimes part of the pancreas, oesophagus, intestines and other organs. This method is applied if the stomach is fully infected with malignant tissue. The surgeon can create a new stomach out of intestinal tissue. However, due to its decreased size the patient will have to eat smaller amounts of food at more frequent intervals.
Side Effects of Stomach Cancer Surgery
A complicated procedure such as stomach cancer surgery can have unpleasant side effects. The success of this type of operation is correlated to the number of lymph nodes that have to be removed in partial or total gastrectomies. A higher number of lymph nodes removed leads to a higher percentage of people that die in surgery.
Immediate side effects can include bleeding, blood clots and damage to nearby organs such as the pancreas and the gallbladder. In rare cases the newly formed connections between the ends of the stomach and the intestines and oesophagus can rupture and leak. These side effects are dangerous and can prove to be fatal.
There are possible side effects that can occur after recovery. These include heartburn, abdominal pain and vitamin shortage. The stomach is key in providing the body with certain vitamins so supplements are generally prescribed by the doctors.
As a result of stomach cancer surgery operations people need to change their diet and eating habits. A smaller stomach means smaller meals. However, their number should be increased to insure that the body gets the calories it needs.