Stomach Surgery

Before Your Surgery

• Authorization will be arranged by the rooms or hospital staff.

• Fasting:

• No solid food for 6 hours before surgery

• No clear liquids for 2 hours before surgery

• Most chronic medications may be taken unless advised otherwise (diabetic medication will be discussed).

• Inform your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medication.

• Blood tests, ECG, imaging, and anaesthetic assessment may be required.

• In some cases, you may be started on antibiotics, acid suppression, or nutritional support before surgery.

Day of Surgery

Stomach surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. You may have:

• A drip (IV line) for fluids and medication

• A urinary catheter for monitoring

• Sometimes a nasogastric tube for stomach decompression

• Occasionally a drain depending on the procedure

Pain control is provided, and you will be monitored closely after surgery.

Procedure

The exact procedure is tailored to your condition and may include one or more of the following:

• Laparoscopic (keyhole) or open surgery depending on complexity and urgency

• Repair of a perforation (closing a hole in the stomach)

• Control of bleeding if endoscopic treatment is not sufficient

• Removal of part of the stomach (partial gastrectomy) for certain ulcers or tumours

• Removal of the stomach (total gastrectomy) for selected cancers

• Bypass or reconstruction to restore normal passage of food if obstruction is present

• Biopsy or lymph node sampling where indicated

All removed tissue is sent for histological analysis where appropriate.

Procedure Length

Stomach surgery typically takes 90 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the type of operation and whether it is laparoscopic or open.

Possible Complications

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Leakage from the stomach or join (anastomotic leak)

• Injury to nearby organs (bowel, liver, spleen, pancreas)

• Unintended damage to surrounding structures

• Narrowing or delayed emptying of the stomach

• Reflux or long-term digestive changes

• Nutritional deficiencies (particularly after major resections)

• Blood clots (DVT/PE) or chest infection

• Need for further surgery

• Contact the rooms urgently or seek emergency care if you develop severe abdominal pain, fever, persistent vomiting, increasing abdominal swelling, black stools, or bleeding.

Duration of Hospital Stay

• Hospital stay depends on the type of operation:

• Minor or uncomplicated surgery: 3–5 days

• Major resections or complications: 5–10 days or longer