“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or part of the stomach is removed. This surgery is typically done to treat conditions such as stomach cancer, gastric ulcers, and other conditions that cannot be managed with medications or other therapies.
There are two types of gastrectomy:
After a gastrectomy, patients will need to make significant changes to their diet and eating habits. Depending on the extent of the surgery, patients may need to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid foods that are difficult to digest. They may also need to take vitamin and mineral supplements, as the stomach plays a key role in absorbing these nutrients.
Complications following gastrectomy can include bleeding, infection, and other post-operative complications. Long-term complications can include dumping syndrome, a condition in which food moves too quickly through the digestive system, causing diarrhea, nausea, and other symptoms. Some patients may also experience weight loss, difficulty digesting certain foods, and other digestive issues.
Recovery time following gastrectomy will depend on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient's overall health. Patients will typically need to spend several days in the hospital after surgery and may require several weeks or months to fully recover. They will need to work closely with their healthcare team to manage any complications and make adjustments to their diet and lifestyle as needed.