Gastric Cancer Surgery

The stomach is a muscular organ located in the left side of the upper abdomen. This organ secretes acid and enzymes that digest food and passes its contents to the small intestine. The three main parts of the stomach are the fundus, the body, and the antrum that connect the stomach to the small intestine. Stomach cancer usually begins in cells in the inner layer of the stomach. Over time, the cancer may invade more deeply into the stomach wall. The buildup of extra cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth, polyp, or tumor that can occur because of patient lifestyle and diet, aging, family history, stomach infection, polyp, or other stomach disorders.

Abdominal fullness or pain, which may occur after eating a small meal
Feeling bloated after eating
Difficult swallowing, which becomes worse over time
Loss of appetite
Persistent indigestion
Heartburn
Nausea and blood vomiting
Weakness or fatigue
Weight loss

Diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms may not occur in the early stages of the disease. Or, patients may self-treat symptoms that gastric cancer has in common with other, less serious gastrointestinal disorders (bloating, gas, heartburn, and a sense of fullness). The following tests can help diagnose gastric cancer:

Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy to examine the stomach tissue
Stool test to check for blood in the stools

Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer in the world. This disease occurs 40 percent in the lower part, 40 percent in the middle part, 10 percent in the upper part, and it is combination in 10 percent of cases. The type of surgery for stomach cancer depends mainly on where the cancer is located. The surgeon may remove the whole stomach or only the part that has the cancer.

Partial gastrectomy: The surgeon removes the lower part of the stomach with the cancer and nearby lymph nodes and other tissues. The surgeon attaches the remaining part of the stomach to the intestine.

Total gastrectomy: The surgeon removes the entire stomach, nearby lymph nodes, parts of the esophagus and small intestine, and other tissues near the tumor. Rarely, the spleen also may be removed. The surgeon then connects the esophagus directly to the small intestine.

You may have had some of medical tests including blood tests, lungs X-ray, ECG, and breathing tests.
Usually no food is allowed six hours, and no water two hours before the operation.
If you’ve been having problems with eating and have lost weight, you may be given extra help and support with your diet to help prepare you for the operation.
Stop Smoking 1 month prior to surgery.
You will also have a thin tube that passes down your nose into your stomach or small intestine. It is usually taken out within 48 hours.
After your operation you will be encouraged to start moving about as soon as possible. This is an essential part of your recovery.
After your operation you may need regular painkilling drugs for a few days.
After surgery food can make you feel full quite quickly. So it is a good idea to have several small meals and snacks during the day, rather than a few larger meals.
After an operation you may have an effect called dumping syndrome. After meals, your remaining stomach may empty rapidly, which leads to a drop in blood sugar usually lasts between 30 minutes and two hours. To avoid this you can eat foods that are high in starch such as white bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. You should avoid foods such as raw sugars, chocolate, and sugary drinks.