OVERVIEW

Stomach resection, also known as gastric resection, is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the stomach is removed. This procedure is often performed to treat certain conditions or diseases affecting the stomach, such as stomach cancer, ulcers, or severe bleeding.

There are different types of stomach resection procedures, including:

• Partial Gastrectomy: This involves removing only a portion of the stomach, usually the affected area, along with a margin of healthy tissue. The remaining sections of the stomach are then joined back together.
• Subtotal Gastrectomy: In this procedure, a larger portion of the stomach is removed, often including the lower part (antrum) or the upper part (fundus). The remaining portions of the stomach are then connected to the small intestine.
• Total Gastrectomy: This is the complete removal of the entire stomach. Afterwards, the oesophagus is connected directly to the small intestine. In some cases, the surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes if they are affected by cancer or other diseases.

PROCEDURE

Prior to your stomach resection surgery, the general surgeon may request you to discontinue certain medications and prescribe a course of antibiotics. They might also recommend a specialised diet for you.

Stomach resection surgery is a significant procedure that will be performed while you are under general anaesthesia, ensuring you are completely unconscious throughout the operation. Afterwards, you will have no memory of the surgical process.

During a conventional stomach resection surgery, the surgeon will create an opening in your abdominal region in order to gain access to the stomach. However, if you undergo laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon will only need to make several smaller incisions in your abdomen. Through these incisions, a laparoscope will be inserted into your body, providing a clear view of your stomach without the need for a large incision. If only a portion of the stomach is removed, the remaining section will be reconnected to your small intestine and oesophagus. However, if the entire stomach needs to be removed, Dr Botes will reconstruct a new stomach using tissue from your intestines.

Following the surgery, the incisions can be closed using sutures or staples, and a dressing will be applied to protect the area.