MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Gastrectomy

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Gastrectomy

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Description	Indications Expectations after surgery

Illustrations

Gastrectomy - series

Definition Return to top

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

Description Return to top

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 Return to top

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

Expectations after surgery Return to top

Expectations vary depending on the underlying condition.

Update Date: 1/6/2003

Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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