Why is this procedure done?
This procedure is done to take out all or part of the stomach. This may be needed to treat certain stomach illnesses like: ‚
- Cancer
- Ulcer
- Bleeding
- Other tumors
- Obstruction or injury
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What will the results be?
You may have a better survival rate. You will still be able to digest food but you may have to change your eating habits. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Endoscopy ¢ ˆ ’ A scope to look at your stomach and other areas
- Upper GI ¢ ˆ ’ X-rays to look at your stomach and intestine after drinking a special solution
- CT scan ¢ ˆ ’ A type of x-ray that looks inside your body
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. They also put another small tube in your nose. This one goes down to your stomach to drain out any food or fluid that might come out during surgery. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will make a cut in your belly. Then, all or part of the stomach will be removed. Your doctor will connect the remaining parts of your digestive system. Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- This procedure may also be done with few small cuts in the belly. A scope with a tiny camera is put through one of the small cuts to look at the stomach. Your doctor will put small surgical tools into the cuts to do the procedure. Then, all or part of the stomach will be removed. Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- If you have cancer, the doctor may also check your lymph nodes. Sometimes, they are also taken out. This is to see if the cancer has spread.
- The procedure may take 1 to 3 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be taken to a Recovery Room after surgery. The staff will take out your breathing tube when you are awake and strong enough to breathe. You may have a sore throat afterwards.
- Within a few days, the staff will help you begin to walk around. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear. You will get drugs through your IV to help with your pain.
- The tube in your nose may stay in for a few days. This will keep your belly empty and give your stomach and bowels time to heal. The doctor will take the tube out when your belly is working well and you hear gurgling sounds.
- After the procedure, you may be given a clear liquid diet until you are cleared to eat regular food.
- You may need to stay at the hospital for 6 to 10 days or longer if you have problems.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Your doctor may have you wear special stockings to prevent blood clots. You will be given these stockings in the hospital.
- Use a small pillow to put pressure on your belly. This can help when you cough, laugh, or do other actions.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- How to care for your cut sites
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Talk to your doctor about what kind of changes you need to make to your diet. Ask your doctor if you should: ‚
- Take a chewable vitamin supplement. You may need extra vitamin B12.
- Eat small meals more often. Ask if you need to eat pureed or soft foods.
- Drink liquids in smaller amounts.
- Eat slowly. Chew your food well.
- Drink liquid nutritional supplements to get enough calories.
- Change the amount of fiber in your diet.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding at the cut site
- Internal bleeding
- Wound infection
- Leakage in the bowel
- Heart burn
- Belly pain
- Lack of vitamins in the body
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Gastrectomy/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚