Anticipating stomach cancer surgery: An overview of the process and its implications
Stomach cancer is a serious health concern, accounting for a significant percentage of all cancer cases. When diagnosed, treatment options vary, and surgery often plays a crucial role.
Endoscopic procedures can be used to place a stent into the stomach opening or to remove parts of a tumor, while more extensive surgeries like subtotal and total gastrectomy may be required. Subtotal gastrectomy involves partial removal of the stomach and lymph nodes, while total gastrectomy involves the removal of the entire stomach, lymph nodes, and other nearby organs.
However, these surgeries come with their own set of risks and side effects. Common postoperative complications include leakage of stomach or bowel contents, nutritional deficiencies, feeling full quickly or pain after eating small amounts, dumping syndrome, blood clots, potential recurrence of tumors, gastric obstruction or stenosis, acid reflux, indigestion, nausea, and fatigue.
To manage these risks effectively, careful postoperative monitoring and nutritional support are critical. A doctor may advise a person to eat smaller and more frequent meals after surgery, and they may need to make lifestyle adjustments, such as changing their diet.
While chemotherapy drugs used alongside surgery have their own side effects, the primary risks from surgery itself center on infection, nutritional issues, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
After surgery, a person may need to attend follow-up appointments every few years to monitor their health. In some cases, a colostomy procedure may be necessary, but this is not common for people with stomach cancer unless there is a blockage or damage to the large intestine.
It's important to note that life expectancy can vary according to lymph node activity, cancer stage, successful tumor removal, fitness, and age. A 2021 study found the median life expectancy post-surgery to be 69 months.
For emotional support, organisations like Hope for Stomach Cancer host virtual support groups for people with stomach cancer. Additionally, local cancer support groups and various survivorship clinics are available for people who have had cancer.
If the cancer has not spread to other areas of the body, surgery offers the best chance for recovery. Treatment options like endoscopic resection and palliative surgeries like feeding tube placement, gastric bypass, and colostomy procedures are available for early and advanced stages of stomach cancer.
In conclusion, while stomach cancer surgery comes with risks and side effects, careful management and support can help ensure a successful recovery. It's essential for those diagnosed with stomach cancer to work closely with their healthcare team to understand their treatment options and the associated risks.
- Stomach cancer, a serious health concern, accounts for a significant percentage of all cancer cases.
- Endoscopic procedures and surgeries like subtotal and total gastrectomy are used to treat stomach cancer, but they come with risks like leakage, nutritional deficiencies, and recurrence of tumors.
- Postoperative monitoring and nutritional support are critical to manage these risks effectively, with a doctor's recommendation for eating smaller, frequent meals and lifestyle adjustments, such as diet changes.
- Chemotherapy drugs, while having their own side effects, are often used alongside surgery, while the primary risks from surgery itself center on infection, nutritional issues, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- After surgery, follow-up appointments, emotional support from organizations like Hope for Stomach Cancer, and local cancer support groups can help monitor health and provide emotional support.
- Surgery offers the best chance for recovery if the cancer has not spread to other areas of the body, with treatment options like endoscopic resection and palliative surgeries available for early and advanced stages of stomach cancer.
