Gastrectomy is a type of stomach removal surgery used most often as part of stomach cancer treatment. Depending on how much of the stomach is affected, this procedure may involve removing a portion of the stomach (partial gastrectomy) or the entire organ (total gastrectomy). At Providence Medical Partners, our experienced surgical team offers gastrectomy treatment options, including laparoscopic gastrectomy surgery, to help support recovery and long-term health.

From understanding what gastrectomy involves to knowing how to prepare for surgery and what to expect during recovery, we are here with comprehensive and compassionate care.

What Is Gastrectomy?

Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of the stomach. In some cases, it may also involve removing a portion of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Gastrectomy surgery is most commonly used as part of stomach cancer treatment, but it may also be recommended for patients with esophageal cancer or other serious gastrointestinal conditions.

There are two main types of gastrectomy:

• Total gastrectomy – The entire stomach is removed.
• Partial gastrectomy – Only part of the stomach is removed.

The type of gastrectomy surgery recommended depends on the size and location of the tumor. In some cases, preoperative (neoadjuvant) therapy, such as chemotherapy, may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery. Chemotherapy can help reduce the amount of tissue that needs to be removed.

After the tumor is surgically removed, adjuvant therapy, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both, might be recommended to lower the risk of cancer returning by targeting any remaining cancer cells.

The way the body digests food changes following a gastrectomy. Patients must adjust to eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to ensure proper nutrition and digestion.

Why a Gastrectomy Is Performed

Gastrectomy surgery is typically performed when other medical treatments have not resolved serious stomach problems. It may be recommended for a variety of conditions, ranging from noncancerous issues to life-threatening diseases like stomach cancer. Doctors may suggest a gastrectomy to treat:

• Stomach cancer
• Benign (noncancerous) tumors
• Severe peptic or duodenal ulcers
• Bleeding in the stomach
• Inflammation
• Perforations (holes) in the stomach wall
• Polyps or abnormal growths inside the stomach

Some types of gastrectomy are critical parts of stomach cancer treatment and are also used to treat obesity. By surgically reducing the size of the stomach, it fills more quickly, which can help reduce how much a person eats. However, this approach is only recommended when less invasive treatments, such as diet, exercise, medication or counseling, have not worked.

Whether performed for stomach cancer, ulcers or another serious digestive issue, a partial or total gastrectomy can be an essential step toward relieving symptoms, preventing complications and improving overall health.

Who Performs a Gastrectomy?

Gastrectomy surgery is performed by a specially trained general surgeon, often with extensive experience in gastrointestinal or cancer-related procedures. Stomach removal surgery is done while the patient is under general anesthesia. In some cases, surgeons may use a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopic gastrectomy. During this approach, a thin, lighted camera called a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. The surgeon watches a monitor to guide the procedure and completes the surgery using several small cuts instead of one large one.

Whether performed through traditional open surgery or a laparoscopic approach, gastrectomy should be done by a surgical team with experience in stomach and digestive system procedures to help ensure the best outcomes.

How Does a Gastrectomy Work?

The procedure is carefully planned based on the tumor’s size, location and how far the cancer has spread. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes and organs may also need to be removed to help prevent the spread of cancer.

In a partial gastrectomy, the surgeon removes the part of the stomach affected by cancer, along with surrounding lymph nodes and nearby tissues. Sometimes, parts of other organs, including the spleen, may also be removed if the tumor is close to them.

In a total gastrectomy, the entire stomach is removed along with nearby lymph nodes and parts of the esophagus, small intestine and surrounding tissues. The spleen may also be removed during this procedure. The surgeon connects the esophagus directly to the small intestine, allowing food to pass through the body.

The gastrectomy procedure is designed to eliminate the cancer while preserving as much digestive function as possible.

How Long Does a Gastrectomy Take?

The length of a gastrectomy surgery depends on the type of procedure being performed and the case's complexity. The operation can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours. Your surgical team will give you a more specific estimate based on your treatment plan, including whether your surgery will be done through open or laparoscopic techniques.

Find a General Surgeon in El Paso

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with stomach cancer or a serious stomach condition that may require surgery, it is crucial to have an experienced and compassionate care team by your side.

Whether you are exploring surgical options or seeking a second opinion, our experienced general surgeons in El Paso offer gastrectomy and minimally invasive stomach cancer surgery, with personalized care designed to support your recovery and long-term health.

Healthcare is better together. Let us help you explore your surgical options. Call 915-271-4596 to connect with one of our general surgeons in El Paso today. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.