Stomach Surgery (Gastrectomy)

Surgical Associates of Marshall county offer treatment for conditions of the stomach with minimally invasive stomach surgery in Albertville and Guntersville.

When a condition requires the full or partial removal of the stomach, a procedure known as gastrectomy is performed. At Surgical Associates of Marshall County, our surgical specialists offer laparoscopic gastrectomy to help you safely overcome stomach ailments with minimal downtime and discomfort.

When is Gastrectomy Needed?

Gastrectomy is commonly used to treat stomach cancer (gastric cancer). Because surgical removal of the tumor is one of the most effective ways to treat and prevent the spread of cancer, part or all of the stomach, as well as the surrounding lymph nodes, may need to be removed along with the malignant tissue.

Others issues that may require gastrectomy include:

• Polyps
• Inflammation
• Morbid obesity
• Stomach ulcers and bleeding
• Benign (noncancerous) tumors
• Esophageal cancer (when it spreads to the stomach)

What to Expect from Laparoscopic Gastrectomy

There are three types of gastrectomy that may be performed depending on the most effective form of treatment for your condition:

• Partial gastrectomy removes a portion of the stomach. This procedure may be used in those with gastric cancer who have small tumors, or tumors located only in the lower part of the stomach. It is also commonly performed in those with ulcers who experience complications or do not respond to other treatments like medication.
• Total gastrectomy removes the entire stomach. This procedure may be necessary if tumors are large and/or centrally located in the stomach, or if cancerous cells have spread to surrounding lymph nodes.
• Sleeve gastrectomy removes the outer curve of the stomach, reducing its size to create a smaller “sleeve”. Sleeve gastrectomy limits the amount of food that can be eaten, making it a valuable weight loss surgery for those suffering from severe obesity or obesity-related conditions.

Because gastrectomy is performed under general anesthesia, patients are entirely asleep and feel no pain during the procedure.

Our surgeons perform gastrectomy via laparoscopic methods whenever possible, which means it is completed using a specialized surgical camera (laparoscope) through tiny incisions in the abdominal wall. Laparoscopic surgery uses these advanced tools to help patients recover faster, with less pain and scarring.

After Gastrectomy

If you suffer from stomach cancer, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be recommended to ensure that the cancerous cells have been entirely eradicated.

After partial gastrectomy, a tube may be inserted in your nose to provide suction that keeps the stomach empty. In cases of total gastrectomy, this tube may be placed in the small intestine. The tube will be removed when bowel function returns.

The body can still digest food and liquid after laparoscopic gastrectomy, but some permanent dietary changes may need to be made. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions, which may include eating smaller meals and taking vitamin supplements.

To learn more about laparoscopic gastrectomy provided at Surgical Associates of Marshall County, please call 256-840-5547 (Albertville) or 256-571-8734 (Guntersville) or complete our online contact form.