Stomach Surgery

Stomach is the first part of digestive system, where food digestion starts. Food passes through food-pipe & enters stomach. Any operation performed on stomach is called stomach surgery.

• Partial Gastrectomy – Part of stomach is removed (Also called distal gastrectomy or subtotal gastrectomy)
• Total Gastrectomy – Entire stomach is removed
• Gastrojejunostomy – Part of stomach is joined with small intestine (Stomach not removed)
• Sleeve gastrectomy – A sleeve of stomach is removed for obesity surgery
• RYGB or gastric bypass – Large part of stomach is removed & remaining part is joined with small intestine

Stomach surgery is usually performed by gastrosurgeon, who specializes in this field, also called GI Surgeon.

Immediately after the operation, the patient is shifted to recovery ward or an ICU. Patient will not be allowed to take orally from 1 to several days, depending upon the judgement of gastrosurgeon. Till the time patient resumes diet, he will be supplemented with artificial nutrition via a venous line.

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Blood clots in lower limb
• Lung or breathing problems
• Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
• Death (rare)

• Weight loss – a few kg
• Iron, Vit B12 & Folic acid deficiency – Your gastrosurgeon will usually supplement these in the form of tablets/injections.
• Calcium deficiency
• Cancer recurrence – You will have to follow-up with your stomach surgeon routinely.