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 Gastrointestinal Surgery

Gastrectomy

Gastrectomy

Gastrectomy  - series
Gastrectomy - series

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

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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