Gastrectomy

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Aria Specialized and Subspecialty Hospital

Self-Care Pamphlet in:

Gastrectomy

Oncology Ward

Gastrectomy means removing whole or part of the stomach through surgery.

The most common way to treat cancer is surgery. The type of surgery depends on the extent of the cancer.

There are two main surgical methods for cancer treatment:

Partial gastrectomy (subtotal):

In this procedure, the surgeon removes the part of the stomach that has cancer. Parts of the esophagus, small intestine, nearby lymph nodes or other tissues may also be removed. This procedure is commonly used for those who have treatment-resistant wounds that are aggravated by medication and nutrition.

Total gastrectomy:

In this procedure, the doctor removes the entire stomach, nearby lymph nodes, parts of the esophagus and small intestine, and other tissues near the tumor. Then the surgeon connects the esophagus directly to the small intestine or makes a pouch in the shape of the stomach using the tissue of the small intestine. The surgeon may insert a feeding tube into the small intestine during surgery. This tube helps to provide adequate nutrition until recovery. Many people who undergo stomach surgery feel tired or weak for some time after the operation. Surgery can also cause constipation or diarrhea. These symptoms can usually be controlled with changes in diet and medication.

* Necessary recommendations:

• Eat in a sitting or semi-sitting position. After eating, lie down for 20-30 minutes to delay the emptying of food from the stomach to the esophagus. Do not eat in a hurry, eat slowly and chew the bites completely.
• Drinking liquids while eating is prohibited. Drink liquids one hour before or after meals.
• Limit fat intake and eat a high-protein diet to reduce the risk of dumping syndrome.
• Limit the consumption of sugary substances and avoid the consumption of simple sugars such as juices and sweet drinks, ice cream, sugar, etc.
• Consume solid foods containing vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin C.
• Consume food in large and small portions; For example, instead of 3 large meals, eat 6 small meals.
• Long-term injection of vitamin B12 to prevent anemia after stomach resection (According to the attending physician’s prescription).
• Smoking, alcohol, coffee, caffeine, aspirin, ibuprofen, and spicy foods are prohibited.
• Follow up treatment plan including laboratory and other diagnostic tests to determine disease recurrence. Be aware of any of the following symptoms and notify your attending physician if they occur:
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, weakness, facial flushing, (symptoms of early dumping).
• Anxiety, palpitations, dizziness, weakness, sweating (symptoms of late or delayed dumping).
• Fever, redness, pain, sensitivity of the surgical site, purulent and smelly secretions and warmth of the surgical area (symptoms of infection).
• Be aware of persistent nausea, abdominal bloating, persistent fatigue and weakness, foul-smelling and fatty stool (steatorrhea), pain or burning in the abdomen (above the stomach or below the sternum) and inform the doctor.