Total gastrectomy is a surgical procedure where the entire stomach is removed, often due to cancer or serious damage. It helps prevent the disease from spreading and supports long-term recovery. After surgery, the digestive tract is reconstructed so food can still pass through, though eating habits and digestion will change significantly post-surgery.
There are two main types of total gastrectomy open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. In open surgery, a large incision is made to remove the stomach. Laparoscopic surgery uses small cuts and a camera, making it less invasive with quicker recovery. The choice depends on the patient’s condition, tumor size, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
Total gastrectomy is usually needed for stomach cancer, genetic disorders, or severe ulcers that haven’t responded to treatment. Sometimes, precancerous conditions or trauma can also be caused. When medicines or less invasive treatments don’t work, surgery becomes necessary to prevent worsening of the condition or to remove life-threatening disease from the stomach.
Signs that may require total gastrectomy include chronic stomach pain, unexpected weight loss, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, or constant indigestion. These symptoms suggest the stomach might be seriously diseased or cancerous. If you notice these signs, consult a specialist immediately to prevent complications and discuss if surgery might be the next step.
During total gastrectomy, the entire stomach is surgically removed. The surgeon then connects the esophagus directly to the small intestine. After surgery, patients must follow a custom diet, take nutritional supplements, and attend regular follow-ups. Recovery includes learning to eat smaller meals, monitoring vitamin levels, and managing any side effects from the new digestive system.
To diagnose the need for total gastrectomy, doctors perform several tests including endoscopy, biopsies, CT scans, and blood tests. These help detect stomach cancer, ulcers, or structural problems. If damage is too severe for medication to help, surgery may be the best treatment. Early and accurate diagnosis plays a vital role in improving outcomes.
Seek medical attention if you experience constant digestive issues that don’t improve or symptoms that may point to severe stomach disease.
Rapid and unintended weight loss can be an early warning sign of stomach cancer or digestive system dysfunction.
Frequent stomach pain, especially after eating, may signal ulcers or tumors needing surgical evaluation.
Ongoing nausea or vomiting blood may indicate internal bleeding or advanced gastric disease requiring immediate intervention.
Trouble swallowing can be linked to a narrowing between the esophagus and stomach due to tumors or ulcers.
If close family members have had stomach cancer, preventive surgery might be recommended in high-risk genetic cases.
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Post-surgery support was excellent. I had regular follow-ups and nutrition help, which made my recovery easy.
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I was afraid of losing my stomach, but mediSuggest made it manageable. The surgery and recovery went better than I imagined.
Ravi Sharma Total Gastrectomy Surgery
Total gastrectomy is the surgical removal of the entire stomach, usually done to treat stomach cancer or severe damage from ulcers or hereditary diseases.
Patients with advanced stomach cancer, genetic risks like CDH1 mutation, or non-healing ulcers may require this surgery for life-saving treatment.
Yes, it is a major surgery requiring expert surgical skill and a well-planned recovery. Patients typically stay in the hospital for 7–10 days post-surgery.
The surgeon connects the esophagus to the small intestine, allowing digestion to continue, although dietary changes and supplements are often necessary.
Recovery takes several weeks to months. Patients need nutritional support, regular follow-ups, and a gradual return to normal activities.
