Gastrectomy is a surgery in which all or a portion of the stomach is removed. Understanding how it works can help you prepare for this surgery or determine whether the surgery is right for you.
Here’s more about the different types of gastrectomy and how to contact Advanced Laparoscopic Associates if you think you may need this procedure.
A gastrectomy is a medical procedure in which a part of your stomach or all of your stomach is surgically removed due to severe damage or disease. It is usually performed to treat stomach cancer or to remove benign growths such as polyps.
This surgery is usually only performed when your stomach condition does not respond to other nonsurgical treatments such as medications and lifestyle changes. Your doctor or a bariatric surgeon will often determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for this procedure based on your medical history and the severity of your condition.
There are three types of gastrectomy: partial, total and sleeve.
This procedure can be performed as open or laparoscopic surgery.
During open gastrectomy, one long incision is made on the abdominal wall. Your surgeon will pull back your skin, muscles and tissues to access and remove part or all of your stomach. Afterward, the incision will be closed with sutures.
Laparoscopic gastrectomy is far less invasive than open surgery, involving tiny incisions versus one long incision and producing less downtime.
During this procedure, your surgeon will make a series of small incisions across your abdomen into which small surgical tools can be inserted to perform the surgery—including a long, thin camera known as a laparoscope. The laparoscope projects images of your insides onto a screen to give your surgeon a clear view of your abdominal cavity.
Laparoscopic surgeries have fewer risks and side effects than open surgeries. Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic gastrectomy is associated with less blood loss, shortened hospitalization and reduced morbidity. Recovery and downtime periods are also shorter, given that smaller incisions can heal more quickly than one long incision with proper care.
You may be an ideal candidate for partial or total gastrectomy if you have a stomach condition that does not respond to other nonsurgical treatments such as medications or lifestyle changes.
Stomach conditions that may require treatment with this procedure include:
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a weight-loss surgery that may help you lose excess weight if your body does not respond to exercise and diet modifications. You may be an ideal candidate for this type of gastrectomy if you meet the following criteria:
You have a BMI of 30 or greater and have type 2 diabetes that cannot be managed with medications or healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Recovery from total gastrectomy surgery usually lasts six to eight weeks, though it may take about six to 12 months for you to adjust to your new lifestyle following stomach removal.
Recovery from a partial or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may last under eight weeks, depending on factors including your general health status and the size of the stomach portion that was removed.
Your surgeon can talk to you in greater detail about what to expect from recovery based on the unique reasons for your procedure.
Advanced Laparoscopic Associates offers bariatric and general surgeries, including gastrectomy surgery. Contact us today to request an appointment to find out if you’re an ideal candidate for this procedure.
Call (201) 646-1121 today and schedule your consultation with one of our surgeons!
Or use our online Request an Appointment form.