Surgery is the only option for treating some types of stomach cancer. It is not the first line of treatment but in some cases it is the only solution. Doctors first try to treat the cancer with medication and radiation therapy. Surgical option is used when the cancer is in an advanced stage and other methods fail to treat it. There are many hospitals that offer stomach cancer surgery Sydney services.
Which part or parts of the stomach and surrounding organs are removed in the surgery depend on the type and stage of cancer. The stomach’s cancerous part, surrounding lymph nodes, and affected parts of nearby organs may be removed. The surrounding lymph nodes may be removed even when they are not affected. It is to exclude the possibility of cancer spreading further. Sometimes surgical option is combined with other therapies for the best result. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be used along with the surgery.
The process of surgery starts with the preliminary discussion with the patient. The doctor discusses everything in detail. The whole surgical process and the risks are explained to the patient. The patient or a family member is required to sign a consent form before the surgery. Once the decision has been taken to perform the surgery, the patient undergoes several medical tests. These tests help determine the patient’s health and fitness levels.
The operating doctor prepares a physical examination report. If the patient is undergoing medication for some other health problems, that medication may be altered or stopped during the surgery process. Consumption of tobacco and alcohol must be stopped completely. The patient is admitted in the hospital a day before the surgery. The stomach should be empty before the surgery. The stomach surgery for cancer starts once the anaesthetist confirms the patient is completely under the control of anaesthesia.
Depending on the diagnosis, a part or whole of the stomach may be removed. The decision depends on the size of the stomach area that is affected by the cancer. The stomach may be removed completely if the cancer is in an advanced stage but has not spread to other organs. In case of surgical removal of the stomach, the small intestine is connected to the esophagus to maintain digestive tract continuity. It allows the patient to swallow foods normally.
Stomach cancer surgery Sydney hospitals now use advanced surgical methods like laparoscopy and robot assisted surgery. It is important to know the symptoms of stomach cancer. Vomiting blood, excessive weight loss, weakness, loss of appetite, dark stools, abdominal pain, and difficulty in swallowing are some of the symptoms that indicate presence of stomach cancer. The affected person should immediately consult the doctor and undergo the required medical tests.
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