Common Questions on Gastrectomy

Stomach

Hi Reader,

Hope you've been eating well? Smiles... Last 2weeks, I released a broadcast informing us about gastrectomy. How that people can survive without a stomach. And ever since, I've recieved a lot of questions both on the social media and in person.

For that reason, I decided to write an article on the topic. This will be a very long article, so I'd apprectiate your patience in reading.

Question 1, *What is gastrectomy?*

A gastrectomy is a medical procedure where all or part of the stomach is surgically removed. Gastrectomy is usually an effective treatment for cancer and obesity.

*How is a Gastrectomy Performed?*

There are 4 main types of gastrectomy, depending on which part of your stomach needs to be removed:

1. Total gastrectomy – the whole stomach is removed.
2. Partial gastrectomy – the lower part of the stomach is removed.
3. Sleeve gastrectomy – the left side of the stomach is removed.
4. Oesophagogastrectomy – the top part of the stomach and part of the oesophagus (gullet), the tube connecting your throat to your stomach, is removed.

The top of the stomach is connected to the gullet, the bottom of the stomach to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), and the gullet to either the small intestine or the remaining section of stomach. This means you will still have a working digestive system, although it won't function as well as it did before.

All types of gastrectomy are carried out under general anaesthetic , so you'll be asleep during the operation.

*Recovering After a Gastrectomy*

A gastrectomy is a major operation, so recovery can take a long time. You'll usually stay in hospital for 1 or 2 weeks after the procedure, where you may receive nutrition directly into a vein until you can eat and drink again.

You'll eventually be able to digest most foods and liquids. However, you may need to make changes to your diet, such as eating frequent small meals instead of 3 large meals a day. You may also need vitamin supplements to ensure you're getting the correct nutrition.

*Complications*

As with any type of surgery, a gastrectomy carries a risk of complications, such as infection, bleeding and leaking from the area that's been stitched together.

A gastrectomy may also lead to problems caused by a reduction in your ability to absorb vitamins, such as
anaemia or osteoporosis.

So I come to the end of my article. Any questions or contributions? Feel free to add in the comment below.

Thanks so much for reading my lengthy article.

Article by: Immanuel Rottex

Food, Nutrients & Health.