Gastrectomy

Mar 15, 2005 Viewed: 685

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

Description

The patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). An incision is made in the abdomen. A portion or all of the stomach - depending on the indication - is dissected free from surrounding tissues, its blood supply is controlled and ligated (sewn off), and then the stomach or part of it can be removed.

Depending on the type of operation, the intestine is then reconnected to the remaining stomach (in the case of a partial gastrectomy) or to the esophagus (in the case of a total gastrectomy).

Indications

Gastrectomy is used to treat bleeding, inflamation, or benign or malignant tumors.

Expectations after surgery

Expectations vary depending on the underlying condition.

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised: December 7, 2012
by Mamikon Bozoyan, M.D.

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