Stomach Surgery: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Stomach surgery, commonly known as gastric surgery, is a surgical procedure done on the stomach. It is typically done to treat conditions such as obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and certain digestive disorders.

The most popular kind of stomach surgery is gastric bypass, which involves forming a tiny pouch from the top portion of the stomach and directly linking it to the small intestine.

• Gastrectomy: Total or partial removal of the stomach.
• Gastrojejunostomy: Surgical creation of an opening between the stomach and the small intestine.
• Gastroplasty: Modifications made to the stomach shape in order to bring down its size.
• Endoscopic mucosal resection: Surgical excision of abnormal growths from the stomach's lining.
• Fundoplication: Surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Pyloroplasty: The hole between the stomach and the small intestine is enlarged.
• Laparoscopic gastric banding/sleeve gastrectomy: Restrictive procedure to reduce food intake and aid in weight loss.

• Improved digestion: Stomach surgery can help to reduce the size of the stomach, which can help to increase the efficiency of digestion, allowing for better absorption of nutrients from food.
• Weight loss: Stomach surgery may help to lower hunger and calorie intake, resulting in weight reduction.
• Reduced risk of diseases: Stomach surgery can help to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
• Improved quality of life: By reducing stomach size and improving digestion, stomach surgery can improve overall quality of life by increasing energy levels and reducing pain or discomfort associated with digestive issues.

Stomach surgery is done to treat a variety of medical conditions, including stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and certain types of cancer.

The kind of surgery required is determined on the problem being addressed. For instance, a laparoscopic procedure may be used to remove a portion of the stomach for treatment of an ulcer or GERD, while more extensive abdominal surgery may be necessary to remove cancerous tissue or portions of the intestines for IBD.

• The risks of stomach surgery include infection, blood clots, excessive bleeding, damage to surrounding organs, and reactions to anaesthesia.
• Other potential risks include hernias at the surgical site, leakage of stomach contents into the abdominal cavity, and narrowing or obstruction of the stomach or intestines.
• In rare cases, death can occur due to complications from the surgery.

• Talk to your doctor: It's crucial to have an in-depth conversation with your surgeon regarding the treatment and its dangers before agreeing to surgery of any sort.
• Follow pre-surgery instructions: Prior to the procedure, be sure to adhere to all directions provided by your doctor or the medical staff. This may include stopping certain medications, fasting before the procedure, avoiding certain foods and drinks, and other instructions.
• Get help at home: Make arrangements for support at home following the procedure. This could be a family member or friend who can help you with tasks such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, and housekeeping while you recover from surgery.
• Prepare for recovery: Discuss with your doctor how long it will take for you to recover from stomach surgery and what activities you should avoid during this time. It is also important to make sure that all of your pain medication is ready before the day of surgery so that you can manage any discomfort afterwards in a safe manner.

• Open stomach surgery involves making a large incision in the abdomen and then cutting away excess tissue from the stomach, usually to create a smaller pouch for food to pass through.
• This procedure may also involve connecting other parts of the digestive tract, such as the small intestine, to help with digestion.
• Laparoscopic stomach surgery is done using several small incisions in the abdomen and then inserting a thin tube with a camera on it into one of these incisions.
• The surgeon can then view what they are doing on an external monitor while they use special instruments to cut away excess tissue from inside the stomach and make any necessary connections between organs in order to aid digestion.

• Clean and prepare the patient’s abdomen for surgery.
• Administer preoperative medications and anaesthesia as needed.
• Take vital signs and make sure they are stable before starting the procedure.
• Position the patient appropriately on the operating table for maximum comfort and safety during surgery.
• Inspect abdominal organs for any abnormalities or signs of disease before beginning surgery.

• Make an incision in the abdomen
• Examine the abdominal cavity for any abnormalities
• Remove any diseased or damaged tissue
• Close the incision with sutures or staples
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and adjust medications as needed
• Provide postoperative care, including wound dressing changes and pain management

• Monitor vital signs: To ensure that you remain stable following the treatment, your doctor will keep an eye on your vital signs, like your pulse and blood pressure.
• Administer pain medications: Depending on the type of surgery you had, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to help manage any discomfort or pain you may experience.
• Monitor for infection: Your doctor will watch for signs of infection at the surgical site and may recommend antibiotics if necessary.Provide nutrition: You may need to be on a liquid diet or a special diet while healing from the surgery. Your doctor can provide guidance on what foods are best for your recovery and nutrition needs.
• Follow-up care: After the procedure, you will need to follow up with your surgeon for post-operative care as well as any additional tests that may be needed to ensure proper healing and recovery from the surgery.

Generally, a basic laparoscopic gastrectomy (stomach removal) can cost anywhere from around Rs. 1.5 lakhs to Rs. 3 lakhs, while a more complex procedure such as a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can cost upwards of Rs. 4 lakhs or more.

After stomach surgery, it is important to follow a diet that is easy to digest and low in fat.It's advised to spread out your daily meals into smaller portions.

Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that are rich in fibre should be avoided.d fish.

It is widely agreed that stomach surgery is risk-free, but like with any other kind of surgical treatment, there are certain potential complications that might arise.

Generally speaking, stomach surgery can be painful, with some patients experiencing mild to moderate discomfort while others experience more severe pain.

In general, the length of time it takes to recuperate might be anything from a few days to several weeks.

In general, the following are the side effects that are the most common:

• Pain and discomfort in the abdominal region
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Bloating and gas
• Difficulty swallowing
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Fatigue or weakness
• Gain or loss of body weight.
• Variations in normal bowel routines.
• Difficulty digesting certain foods.

Aftercare may include:

• Taking prescribed medications as directed
• Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding fatty or greasy foods.
• Consuming a significant amount of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
• Getting an adequate amount of sleep.
• Stay away from activities that require a lot of effort until your doctor gives you a green Signal.
• Keeping the incision site clean and dry.
• Immediately notifying your doctor if you see any indications of infection at the incision site, such as redness, edema, or discharge.

The potential advantages of stomach surgery may potentially outweigh the significant dangers that are associated with the procedure. With the right doctor and a well-thought-out plan, many people can experience a successful recovery and improved quality of life. Ultimately, it is important to remember that stomach surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly and should only be considered after consulting with your doctor and carefully weighing all of the risks and benefits.