Stomach Cancer Surgery:
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Among different types and forms of cancer, stomach cancer accounts for almost 26,890 cases every year in the US. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 10,880 people suffering from the disease lose their battle. However, if timely diagnosed, stomach cancer surgery can be performed to remove the tumorous mass from the organ.
Stomach cancer surgery has a survival rate of 99%
In this article, let us go through some of the commonly asked questions regarding stomach cancer surgery.
Stomach Cancer Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions
The following section answers some of the frequently asked questions regarding the gastric cancer treatment:
1.     What are the types of gastric cancer surgeries?
Stomach cancer surgery can be of many types. The most suitable option for a patient is one that is chosen depending on the size of the tumor as well as its location. The following are some of the types of stomach cancer surgery:
- Endoscopic resection which is done for early-stage stomach cancers. The method uses an endoscope inserted into the stomach via the oral cavity. As the tumor is located and removed without making an incision, this endoscopic mucosal resection is termed a minimally invasive surgery.
- Endoscopic tumor ablation also uses an endoscopic procedure in which an endoscope is attached to a laser. The laser destroys the tumorous mass in the stomach so that the symptoms can be minimized.
- Gastrectomy surgery is done for the removal of the stomach. It can be done on a small part of the stomach (partial gastrectomy) or the entire stomach can be removed (total gastrectomy). The latter is done in case of advanced stomach cancer which has spread to nearby lymph nodes, esophagus, intestines, as well as pancreas.
- Gastric bypass is a type of stomach cancer surgery in which the upper part of the stomach is attached to the small intestine. It is done when the tumor is massive and therefore the passage of food is restricted.
Different stages of stomach cancer are treated with different surgical techniques
2.     What is palliative stomach cancer surgery?
Gastric cancer can be treated by performing surgery to remove the cancerous mass from the organ. However, if the cancer has spread from the stomach to other organs, surgery can be conducted to at least contain the metastasis and relieve some symptoms. This type of surgery is called palliative surgery, as the primary concern is not to cure stomach cancer but to alleviate the symptoms.
3.     What is palliative subtotal gastrectomy?
Palliative subtotal gastrectomy is a type of stomach cancer surgery that is performed to remove a segment of the stomach in which cancer cells are dense. This helps reduce the symptoms in the patients and therefore reduces pain, difficulty while eating, as well as bleeding.
4.     What are the benefits of a stomach cancer surgery?
A stomach cancer surgery primarily recovers different types of stomach cancers. In some cases, if the tumor is localized and has not spread into other nearby organs, it can be fully removed resulting in a complete cure. However, in case of an invasive gastric cancer, surgery for stomach cancer can relieve symptoms such as pain and bleeding.
5.     What are the demerits of stomach cancer surgery?
The effectiveness of a stomach cancer surgery depends upon the type and size of the tumor as well as the presence and absence of metastasis. Some of the cons of these procedures include the following:
- Cancer cells may or may not be fully removed.
- There may be a need to remove the whole stomach.
- Side effects are common after a stomach cancer surgery.
- The patients need to change their eating habits after the surgery.
6.     What are the side effects of a stomach cancer surgery?
A stomach cancer surgery does not cause severe side effects as minor issues are caused after any open surgery. However, the minor ones that occur both after a major surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery done to treat stomach cancer include the following:
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Pain in the stomach or the abdomen
- Diarrhea
- Deficiency of vitamins and electrolytes
- Pain and discomfort in the GI tract while eating
- Difficulty in having frequent meals
Some of the rare side effects of the stomach cancer surgery are:
- Infection
- Damaged tissues that are present nearby the stomach
- Leakage at the point where the stomach joins the esophagus and intestinal tract
In addition, the patient can also feel pain and discomfort due to the feeding tube placement, which goes away after a few days. In addition, surgical instruments may leave minor wounds in the body, which also cause pain and other symptoms, but the issues resolve within a few days.
Symptoms associated with stomach cancer
7.     How much time is needed to recover from stomach cancer surgery?
The recovery period after a stomach cancer surgery depends upon the type of surgery conducted. In case of a partial gastrectomy, the patient needs to spend 3 to 5 days in the hospital followed by a prolonged recovery period of 3 to 6 months. During this time, you might also lose weight, and frequent visits to your cancer doctor as well as your care team are required.
If a total gastrectomy is done, 5 to 8 days in the hospital are necessary. The patient then needs to take vitamins to manage their deficiencies. Your doctor will also ask you to lose weight within the next 2 months.
8.     Does the surgery performed to treat stomach cancer leave a scar?
A stomach cancer surgery usually leaves a small scar on the body. However, this also depends upon the type of procedure employed. Endoscopy does not require an incision as it is a minimally invasive procedure and only requires the insertion of a flexible tube into the digestive system. On the contrary, a robotic surgery done using robotic arms may leave a scar.
9.     What are my chances of survival after a stomach surgery?
If you are taking surgery to treat stomach cancer, you might be asking yourself this question. If we look into the studies, it is evident that with an early-stage cancer which is timely diagnosed with a quick treatment onset, the chances of surviving the stomach cancer surgery are higher. In this regard, the National Cancer Institute has reported the following statistics:
| Type of Stomach Cancer | 5-Year Survival Rate |
| Localized tumor | 75% |
| Stomach cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes and organs | 35% |
| Metastatic stomach cancer spreads to distant body parts | 7% |
However, survival does not only depend upon surgery. Rather, a patient can increase their chances of survival by adopting certain lifestyle modifications, having strong willpower, and building strong and healthy social relationships. All of these things impact health positively and thus can, in their ways, increase longevity.
Stomach cancer can spread from the stomach wall to other parts of the digestive tract
10. What should be the best diet after a stomach surgery?
After a stomach cancer surgery, your digestion is compromised at least for a few months. Afterward, it needs to be understood that your stomach will not reach its maximum digestive capacity. Therefore, certain lifestyle modifications are required.
The best foods you can eat are those with high protein levels and have low carbohydrate content. These include:
- Eggs
- Lena beef
- Shellfish
- Poultry
- Low-fat dairy
- Lentils
- Full-fat butter
- Fish chowder
- Greek yogurt
- Canned evaporated milk
- Almond butter
- Full-fat peanut butter
11. What are the worst foods after a stomach surgery?
The food items that should be avoided after gastric cancer surgery include those that are high in carbohydrates and sugar or are tough to digest. These include:
- Sodas
- Potatoes
- Fried food
- Peas
- Beans
- Nuts
- White rice
- Baked items
- Cereals
- Pancakes
- White pasta
- White rice
- White bread
12. Is stomach cancer surgery covered through insurance?
Yes, if you have insurance, your stomach cancer surgery will be covered by it. As for the out-of-pocket costs, those will vary depending on the type of cancer you have, your location, and the hospital you are in. If you don’t have insurance, you can check the list of non-profit organizations at the Stomach Cancer Awareness Network (linked below) which can provide the necessary financial overage.
13. Can stomach cancer return after surgery?
Yes, stomach cancer can indeed come back after surgery. According to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, almost 70% of the patients who have gone through stomach cancer surgery experience a recurrence. In most cases, this can happen within 2 years followed by the surgery.
14. How to prevent cancer recurrence after stomach cancer surgery?
Despite the fact that gastric cancer recurrence is possible after stomach cancer surgery, it is not always the case for all patients. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, the likelihood of this recurrence can be minimized. For this purpose, you must adopt the following:
- Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of the recurrence of stomach cancer. For this purpose, a body mass index below 25 is ideal. If it is not possible, you should consult your doctor to set a goal for weight loss.
- Incorporate a healthy diet plan into your routine. Having good quality meals which are high in protein should be preferred. You should also make a habit of eating more fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.
- If you were into smoking, you need to leave this habit in the past as tobacco has multiple cancer-causing substances that can aid the recurrence.
- Consumption of alcohol can have detrimental effects on your stomach health. Try to completely stop drinking or at least minimize the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Getting enough sleep is also necessary as it positively affects the overall health.
An early cancer diagnosis can increase your chances of survival
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Bottom Line
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in the US as well as throughout the world. In some cases, it is minor and in its early stages while in others, the disease has become far more complicated.
To treat advanced cancer, surgery to remove stomach cancer can be done. In these processes, the surgeon removes all the cancer cells from the stomach lining while protecting the healthy tissue. In some cases, removing lymph nodes is also necessary.
As for survival after stomach cancer surgery, most people can tolerate the treatment as well as the post-operative symptoms. If you or a loved one needs to go through the treatment for gastric cancer, do not worry and go through the available research to keep yourself prepared. Remember that cancer can be beaten with an early diagnosis followed by a timely treatment initiation.
For purchasing top-quality medical products, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/survival
Stomach Cancer Awareness Network
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
