Stomach Cancer in Thibodaux, LA

Stomach cancer intervention could differ according to the type and stage of cancer. Your age and the overall status of your health are also of important consideration in determining the treatment modality. Treatment could include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Surgical procedures are the standard option for handling stomach cancer. A few kinds of operations could be used to treat gastric cancer. The type of surgery used will depend on the location of the cancer and how far the cancerous cells have reached in the stomach. The three types of surgery for gastric cancer include:

• Subtotal gastrectomy: During this particular surgery, a portion of the stomach will be pulled out. Your surgery is often performed when the stomach cancer is just in the pylorus, or the lower part of the stomach, or the cardia (upper part of the stomach). During your procedure, just a part of your stomach will be taken out, and sometimes the esophagus is withdrawn along with it. Nearby lymph nodes might be removed. The remaining part of your stomach is then reaffixed.
• Total gastrectomy: In this surgery, the entire stomach will be extracted, along with lymph nodes, and a completely new stomach will be made using your small intestine. This procedure is usually completed when the cancer has spread to the entire stomach. At times, adjacent organs are also extracted if the cancer has moved into them.
• Endoscopic mucosal resection: This is performed if the gastric cancer is diagnosed at an initial stage, where spreading to your lymph nodes is lower. During your procedure, cancerous tissue is excised from the stomach using an endoscope, or a long pliable scope with a camera attached to the end. The endoscope is moved through the mouth, where surgical tools can also be used through it in order to remove any cancer cells. The surgical procedure is completed using only these tools and will not involve any incisions in the body.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be administered after your procedure to get rid of the few cancerous cells that could be remaining and to prevent the recurrence of the cancer. Our Thibodaux, LA gastroenterologists can work with you to create the proper treatment approach for you.

Unlikely issues of gastric cancer surgery could include bleeding, blood clots, and organ damage. You might also develop persistent heartburn, stomach pain (particularly after meals), and vitamin deficiencies.

After your surgery, follow-up appointments are necessary because the stomach cancer can reoccur. If there is uncertainty, your GI specialist could request certain testing to confirm any findings.

The breakdown of vitamin B12 happens through the upper stomach. If the upper stomach was taken out by a surgical procedure, vitamin B12 amounts will need to be very closely checked and injections will be provided when needed. Your provider might suggest that a nutritional specialist plan your diet. You may be advised to eat smaller meals more frequently since the capacity of your new stomach may be smaller.