The stomach connects the esophagus to the small intestine, and functions to break up food into small particles that can be absorbed by the small intestine.
Indications
In cases of chronic stomach problems (such as ulcers), obesity or cancer, partial or total removal of the stomach may be indicated.
Incision
An incision is made in the skin over the pyloric region of the stomach.
Procedure
The diseased portion of the stomach is removed. The small intestine is attached to the remainder of the stomach to maintain the integrity of the digestive tract.
Aftercare
The patient will be on nasogastric tube suction to keep the stomach empty and at rest after surgery. After several days and when the stomach starts to function normally again the tube will be removed and the patient will begin ingesting clear liquids and gradually progress to a full and normal diet.
Review Date:
9/4/2008
Reviewed By:
Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.