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You are here: Home > Health A to Z > Gastrectomy



Gastrectomy

Definition
Risks
Description
Expectations after surgery
Indications


 Definition  

Gastrectomy is surgery to remove part or all of the stomach.

 Description  

The surgery is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut in the abdomen and removes all or part of the stomach, depending on the reason for the operation. The intestine is then re-connected to the remaining stomach (partial gastrectomy) or to the esophagus (total gastrectomy). After controlling the blood supply, the opening is closed with stitches.

 Indications  

Gastrectomy is used to treat bleeding, inflammation, non-cancerous tumors, or cancer.

 Risks  

Risks for any anesthesia include:

  • Reactions to medications
  • Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection

 Expectations after surgery  

How well a patient does after surgery depends on the underlying condition.

Review date: 10/16/2006

Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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